Missy Vandenberg Strear
Vice President Merchandising & Development at Theodore Alexander- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Sergio Tagliapietra
I had the pleasure of working with Missy during her 5 years at Donghia. Missy possesses a vast skillset and knows how to balance pure creativity with the organizational and managerial skills needed to lead a Design team. On a more personal level, I was often struck by how Missy can be both kind-hearted and strong, traits that earned her the respect of her peers, superiors and subordinates. I believe Missy will be an extraordinary leader no matter where her career takes her.
Micaela Christophe
I worked with Missy for over 4 years when I managed merchandising projects at Donghia. To say that her partnership was invaluable is an understatement. Missy has an uncanny ability to navigate complex design issues with decisiveness and agility. While making recommendations on whether or not certain furniture pieces were yielding the proper return on investment, Missy's feedback and insight was critical for making informed strategic decisions. I often leaned on Missy's design expertise. My background at the time was in business and project management. I did not have a design degree so having Missy to collaborate with was essential to see the full picture. Missy's immense talent in furniture design & production is only outdone by her dedication & passion for each piece she creates. Her loyalty and commitment to the people on her team and her continued support creates an environment conducive to idea exchange and productivity. I know she will continue to thrive in any team lucky enough to have her.
Sergio Tagliapietra
I had the pleasure of working with Missy during her 5 years at Donghia. Missy possesses a vast skillset and knows how to balance pure creativity with the organizational and managerial skills needed to lead a Design team. On a more personal level, I was often struck by how Missy can be both kind-hearted and strong, traits that earned her the respect of her peers, superiors and subordinates. I believe Missy will be an extraordinary leader no matter where her career takes her.
Micaela Christophe
I worked with Missy for over 4 years when I managed merchandising projects at Donghia. To say that her partnership was invaluable is an understatement. Missy has an uncanny ability to navigate complex design issues with decisiveness and agility. While making recommendations on whether or not certain furniture pieces were yielding the proper return on investment, Missy's feedback and insight was critical for making informed strategic decisions. I often leaned on Missy's design expertise. My background at the time was in business and project management. I did not have a design degree so having Missy to collaborate with was essential to see the full picture. Missy's immense talent in furniture design & production is only outdone by her dedication & passion for each piece she creates. Her loyalty and commitment to the people on her team and her continued support creates an environment conducive to idea exchange and productivity. I know she will continue to thrive in any team lucky enough to have her.
Sergio Tagliapietra
I had the pleasure of working with Missy during her 5 years at Donghia. Missy possesses a vast skillset and knows how to balance pure creativity with the organizational and managerial skills needed to lead a Design team. On a more personal level, I was often struck by how Missy can be both kind-hearted and strong, traits that earned her the respect of her peers, superiors and subordinates. I believe Missy will be an extraordinary leader no matter where her career takes her.
Micaela Christophe
I worked with Missy for over 4 years when I managed merchandising projects at Donghia. To say that her partnership was invaluable is an understatement. Missy has an uncanny ability to navigate complex design issues with decisiveness and agility. While making recommendations on whether or not certain furniture pieces were yielding the proper return on investment, Missy's feedback and insight was critical for making informed strategic decisions. I often leaned on Missy's design expertise. My background at the time was in business and project management. I did not have a design degree so having Missy to collaborate with was essential to see the full picture. Missy's immense talent in furniture design & production is only outdone by her dedication & passion for each piece she creates. Her loyalty and commitment to the people on her team and her continued support creates an environment conducive to idea exchange and productivity. I know she will continue to thrive in any team lucky enough to have her.
Sergio Tagliapietra
I had the pleasure of working with Missy during her 5 years at Donghia. Missy possesses a vast skillset and knows how to balance pure creativity with the organizational and managerial skills needed to lead a Design team. On a more personal level, I was often struck by how Missy can be both kind-hearted and strong, traits that earned her the respect of her peers, superiors and subordinates. I believe Missy will be an extraordinary leader no matter where her career takes her.
Micaela Christophe
I worked with Missy for over 4 years when I managed merchandising projects at Donghia. To say that her partnership was invaluable is an understatement. Missy has an uncanny ability to navigate complex design issues with decisiveness and agility. While making recommendations on whether or not certain furniture pieces were yielding the proper return on investment, Missy's feedback and insight was critical for making informed strategic decisions. I often leaned on Missy's design expertise. My background at the time was in business and project management. I did not have a design degree so having Missy to collaborate with was essential to see the full picture. Missy's immense talent in furniture design & production is only outdone by her dedication & passion for each piece she creates. Her loyalty and commitment to the people on her team and her continued support creates an environment conducive to idea exchange and productivity. I know she will continue to thrive in any team lucky enough to have her.
Experience
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Theodore Alexander
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United States
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Furniture
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100 - 200 Employee
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Vice President Merchandising & Development
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Sep 2021 - Present
★ Lead creative strategy for Spring and Fall furniture launches at High Point Market ★ Strategically manage merchandising aligned with business initiatives ★ Collaborate closely with cross functional teams on key initiatives and product strategies ★ Lead creative strategy for Spring and Fall furniture launches at High Point Market ★ Strategically manage merchandising aligned with business initiatives ★ Collaborate closely with cross functional teams on key initiatives and product strategies
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Scott Group Studio
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United States
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Textile Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director of Design - Senior Leadership
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Sep 2018 - Sep 2021
★ Delivered business growth through the leadership of Design department operations, serving as the design voice for the brand while leveraging insights into the preferences of high-end clientele. ★ Successfully improved on-time delivery from 77% to 98% and reduced labor costs by 30% through headcount reductions. ★ Researches customer trends and preferences, ensuring the company’s continued competitive advantage, and recruits top brand design partners. ★ Works with colleagues in Sales, Design, Marketing, and Manufacturing to achieve department and company-level performance goals. ☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲ ABOUT SCOTT GROUP STUDIO Scott Group Studio is a resource for custom rugs and carpets made in the USA catering to A&D and private aviation. Show less
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Baker Interiors Group
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United States
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Furniture and Home Furnishings Manufacturing
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100 - 200 Employee
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Manager of Design
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Jan 2016 - Mar 2018
★ Formed and led an internal design team, working with the Vice President of Merchandising to establish and promote a strong brand identity focused on leather upholstered furniture. ★ Designed and developed the Barbara Barry, Thomas Pheasant, and Darryl Carter collections, presenting design briefs and storyboards to key stakeholders at the parent company Kohler. ★ Established a sample department to produce quick mockups that lowered development time and development costs. ★ Engaged with colleagues in Marketing to align product design and brand strategy. Additionally, solicited feedback on products and designs from the Sales teams. ★ Recipient of the Kohler Significant Achievement Award for achievements during the Fall 2016 market. ☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲ ABOUT BAKER FURNITURE Baker Furniture offers a collection of contemporary and traditional furniture, upholstery, lighting and accessories. Show less
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Donghia
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Furniture and Home Furnishings Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Creative Team Lead
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Jan 2013 - Dec 2015
★ Managed a three-person team as the Design Lead, overseeing the design of a transitional furniture collection to appeal to audiences of architects and interior designers. Designed collections that led to a 60% increase in revenue.★ Reduced annual development costs by 30% by negotiating with suppliers and manufacturing partners while incorporating the use of 3D printing.★ Won the 2015 Interior Design Magazine Best of Year Award for the Tendu Table and named an Honoree for the Giselle Settee and the Lana Chair.☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲☲ABOUT DONGHIA INC.Donghia is a brand of furniture, textiles, lighting, and accessories available to architects and designers. Show less
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Furniture Designer
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Mar 2011 - Jan 2013
Collection design and development. Project management from concept to material sourcing, supplier management, campaign asset production and creation of sales tools for launch.
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Furniture Designer
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Jan 2011 - Mar 2011
Freelance furniture design for Gritti Palace Venice project
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Studio Vandenberg LLC
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Brooklyn, NY
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Principal Designer
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Jan 2008 - Jan 2011
★ Founded a design firm, building relationships with architect groups and high-end clients. ★ Retained by Donghia to design and develop custom furniture for the Gritti Palace in Venice. ★ Developed and launched a line of neckties that were represented by the American Design Club in NYC. ★ Designed the X Table, which was featured in Interior Design magazine in October 2009. Additionally, ranked as a ‘les cravates par Hermes’ design competition finalist. ★ Founded a design firm, building relationships with architect groups and high-end clients. ★ Retained by Donghia to design and develop custom furniture for the Gritti Palace in Venice. ★ Developed and launched a line of neckties that were represented by the American Design Club in NYC. ★ Designed the X Table, which was featured in Interior Design magazine in October 2009. Additionally, ranked as a ‘les cravates par Hermes’ design competition finalist.
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Education
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2002 - 2005
Rhode Island School of Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Furniture Design and Manufacturing -
2008 - 2008
Fashion Institute of Technology
Continuing Education, Fiber, Textile and Weaving Arts -
1999 - 2002
University of Kansas
N/A, Industrial and Product Design
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