Experience

Zafferano America

• United States
• Retail
• 1 - 100 Employee

• National Sales Manager

  • 2023 - Present



Innovations Lighting

• Quality Assurance & Compliance Officer (2022-2023); Managing Consultant (2021-2022)

  • 2021 - 2023



Connecticut Lighting Centers

• United States
• Retail
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President of Sales / General Manager

  • 1999 - 2021

  Directed the efforts of up to 90+ employees in two business units at three retail showroom locations and a large distribution facility. Connecticut Lighting Centers is New England's Largest Full-Service Lighting & Decorative Hardware Centers. Reported directly to the Owner/President. Provided input into virtually every significant strategic, sales, human resource, marketing/promotion and operational decisions of the business. Developed and delivered consistent excellence in leading sales, product offerings, operations and service delivery with the company’s core client groups; including home builders, contractors, electricians, designers, architects and commercial accounts and individual consumers. Areas of direct involvement included: brands and products; pricing; advertising/marketing; promotions; corporate identity/logo development; developing and building company reputation; staffing, including recruitment, selection, training, development, management, motivation, evaluation, compensation, staff/management promotions, accounting input and competitive differentiation. Built strength and depth into sales teams through constant training on product knowledge and sales skills. Developed top performing managers and sales associates. Set a pace of high productivity, drive sales, quality and service delivery through vigorous, visible personal examples and continually coaching/mentoring management and sales staff. Developed creative, effective sales incentive programs for managers and sales associates to increase sales. Show less



Decor Lighting Inc.

• Cincinnati, Ohio

• Vice President / General Manager

  • 1993 - 1999

  Recruited by the owner to replace himself as the key figurehead and leader responsible for all aspects of operation, retail and commercial sales, warehouse functions and marketing efforts. Décor Lighting was a residential and commercial lighting showroom. Replenished, re-trained and mentored managers and sales staff to new levels of success. Launched multiple profit-generating initiatives. Grew annual revenue & profit margins. Revitalized the company into becoming a well-run, profitable operation. Spearheaded one year of planning and a second year of construction and opening of a 25,000 square foot facility, including a state-of-the-art showroom, an efficient warehouse for all logistics (shipping and receiving) and corporate offices. Worked closely with architect and builder from inception to 100% project completion. Propelled revenues to new heights in new upscale highly visible suburban location. Show less



UHR Electrical Supply Company Inc.

• Cherry Hill, New Jersey

• Residential Lighting Sales Manager / Buyer

  • 1987 - 1993

  Recruited to manage residential lighting operation comprised of three retail lighting showrooms and warehouses. UHR Electric Supply was a large residential, commercial & industrial electrical & lighting distributor. Member of executive team. Called upon to discuss business plans with other department heads, managers and owners. Supported all electrical supply counters, inside and outside sales teams with all residential lighting fixture requirements. Re-engineered operations at three branch showroom locations. Discarded all existing inventory, which was extremely outdated and obsolete. Remodeled showrooms and restocked with up to date styles and designs. Built strong relationships with builders and contractors while supporting other departments within the organization. Hired advertising and marketing agency. Worked closely with agencies to develop and execute innovative, targeted promotional programs which led to doubling of residential department sales within the first year. Show less



Discount Lighting Inc.

• Houston, Texas

• General Manager / Buyer

  • 1981 - 1987

  Became “right hand person” to entrepreneur/owner. Starting from inception, developed and successfully executed business plan. Discount Lighting was a multi-location start-up retail lighting business. Opened large flagship main location and seven satellite locations throughout Houston. Developed a strong brand for the company in the Greater Houston area. Scouted new locations. Negotiated leasing for all locations. Hired contractors to do the store build outs. Hired management and sales staff. Devised and executed advertising/marketing programs, logo development and exterior pylon and building signage for all locations. Show less