Skills
Professional Retail Business Owner with the ability to attract and retain customers utilizing creative merchandising, captivating visual displays and cutting edge marketing. My innovation and esthetics have enabled me to curate a brand that combines eclectic, unexpected elements and fosters a retail environment that surprises and delights. This creativity is complemented by my business practicality, entrepreneurial spirit and detail-oriented nature. Earlier in my career I managed blue-chip corporate accounts and teams of up to 200 people.
Creator, Owner and Manager | Dane Vintage
2003 - present
Founded an e-commerce business (Danevintage.com, Etsy, Ebay and other selling platforms) that evolved to include a chic brick-and-mortar location, featuring vintage clothing, mid-century modern furniture (Dane Modern Home) and trendy lines (Darling London, Molly Bracken). Business has generated annual sales of as much as $100K.
Honed expertise in merchandising and visual display by curating numerous retail and event spaces. Developed a seamless flow that is alluring to buyers, optimizes sales and increases suggestive sales.
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Created one-of-a-kind warehouse boutique (opened in 2015). The 2000 sq ft site mixes hard and soft lines and is rented out to photographers, videographer and event planners who need a stunning, editorial space.
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Produced and designed Rouse The Show, a curated visual arts and fashion ticketed event [ SOLD OUT ].
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Built and merchandised a holiday season pop-up store in downtown Naperville. Created 2700 sq ft urban modern design space in 8 days and generated 575% increase in sales over 6-week period.
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Provided design consulting and pop styling for professionals, companies and non-profits.
Built a recognizable brand through effective e-marketing, social media, events, advertising and public relations. Compiled 15K Facebook followers and 1800 (and growing) organic Instagram followers. Gained proficiency with product photography and collaborated with professional photographers to obtain product photos.
Created competitive positioning by being at the forefront of local/global trends and using smart sourcing, inventory management and competitive pricing.
Maintain 75% ROI for vintage clothing by making smart business decisions. Analyze sales metrics and inventory and optimize high volume purchasing. Optimized e-commerce, order fulfillment and loss prevention. Continually develop relationships with business leaders, wholesale dealers and retail verticals.
Creator, Owner and Manager | the SPACE @ DV
2017 - present
Resourcefully designed a diverse loft space and venue available for productions and events. Collaborate with local artisans, organizations and businesses to build awareness, growth opportunity and complimentary programming. Actively manage all operational task including event bookings (design, layout, sourcing and production), sales/marketing, bookkeeping and maintenance. Q1 sales/bookings up 142%/150% respectively from previous quarter.
Account Supervisor | Marketing Connections
2002 - 2003 *promoted in 2002 from Sr. Account Supervisor
Developed and managed RJ Reynolds multi-brand retail conversion program, the top tier account. Assembled, managed and trained 200 national field staff developing competency and skill to achieve their highest potential. Led daily operations; oversaw $6M in program inventories keeping optimal loss to .0005%. Intimately analyzed weekly sales metrics, consistently developed strategies for improvements; and reported results/recommendations to client.
Sr. Account Executive | Marketing Connections
2000 - 2002 *promoted in 2002 to Account Supervisor
Masterfully managed experiential marketing campaigns for clients such as Chivas, Newport (RJ Reynolds) and Alize Cognac; including daily client communication and coordination to ensure program achievements.
Recruited, trained and supervised field staff of 50 (multiple markets) and directed logistics to ensure optimal visual and physical consumer impressions. Consistently presented favorable public image enhancing corporate brand.
Marketing Supervisor | BrightOptions.com
1999 - 2000
Company spokesperson and liaison responsible for communicating company mission through use of experiential and relationship marketing. Identified and grew relationships with relevant business associations and civic groups. Coordinated all logistics including sponsorship opportunities, securing key local events for signage and collateral distribution. Effectively utilized guerilla tactics and identified appropriate high traffic venues to build awareness of Bright Options.com.
Marketing Coordinator | Campus Dimensions Inc.
1996 - 1999
Created and thoroughly managed project plans for various clients including the AT&T One Card and Citibank. Regularly coordinated events, meetings and trade shows including hiring and training staff in multiple markets (including Canada, Mexico and Jamaica). Exceeded quotas on a consistent basis. Reported directly to the President and Vice President.
Field Representative | Momentum Worldwide
1995 - 1997
Prepared, managed and executed Coca Cola’s “Get Caught Red Handed” incentive program in tri-state area.
Temple University | Fox School of Business & Mgmt
Bachelors Degree, International Business & Marketing, Cum Laude
University of North Dakota
Music Performance/General Studies
RESUME
Professional
info
ENTREPRENEURIAL
AUTHENTICITY
CREATIVE THINKING
CREATIVE STRATEGY
ANALYTICAL
CRITICAL THINKING
PROBLEM SOLVING
DECISION MAKING
COLLABORATION
TIME MANAGEMENT
FLEXIBILITY
MANAGEMENT
RESPECTFULNESS
COMMUNICATION
ACTIVE LISTENING
PLANNING
ORGANIZING
COORDINATING
DIRECTING
OVERSIGHT
MARKETING
CONTENT CREATION
MICROSOFT OFFICE
MULTI-TASKING
ORGANIZATIONAL
RETAIL
FASHION
INTERIOR DESIGN
STORE DESIGN
VISUAL MERCHANDISING
INVENTORY
PRODUCT SOURCING/BUYING
PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE
BUSINESS AWARENESS
INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE
SPONSORSHIP
RELATIONSHIP MARKETING
CUSTOMER SERVICE
SALES
OPERATOINS
SHIPPING
ONLINE RETAIL
IT
NUMERACY
RETAIL BRANDING
BRAND DEVELOPMENT
DIGITAL MARKETING
INTEGRATED MARKETING
SOCIAL MEDIA
ADVERTISING
ONLINE MARKETING
INTERACTIVE MARKETING
EMAIL MARKETING
PRIVATE EVENTS
EVENT PRODUCTION
EVENT PLANNING
EVENT MANAGEMENT