March 2021 – PresentWe help responsibly sourced diamond, gemstone, & jewelry businesses from <$1M to $1B+ harness digital technology with business strategy to increase revenue faster.

Providing Operations and Merchandising support for the e-commerce business; direct-report to the owner/founder.

Provided Management for the 7-figure internationally renowned Fine Jeweler bricks-and-mortar and e-commerce businesses, with direct report to the owner-founder, in the following roles: Merchandising and Sourcing; Operations; Financial Planning; Customer Service and Special Order Fulfillment; Liaison between IT, Communications, Marketing and Ownership; Website Compliance and Security Issues; Writer/Editor for Communications, Blogs, Posts and Brochures.

Worked with companies throughout the Jewelry Industry: International Mining conglomerates; Primary Manufacturers; Wholesalers; Designers; Retailers; and Trade Organizations. Projects included for these clients:- B2B supplier: conducted a review of the entire business, culminating in a number of actionable changes that will increase sales, reduce costs and measurably improve bottom line profits.- Designer: identified missing categories to provide compelling assortments for new product line launch - Manufacturer: worked with on-road representatives to hone presentation techniques and train on strategies for improved sell-through to clients; developed price-point items with higher margin potential- Industry organization: identified benefits for prospective members to increase membership

- Senior merchant for diamonds: engagement rings, Important jewelry, studs, necklaces, and pendants; cultured pearls; gemstones and beads. Quadrupled engagement ring sales volume from under $4 million in 1994 to over $16 million in 2008 within the same number of doors.- Achieved double-digit margin increases over the same period, earning awards for top profitability within the $150M Fine Jewelry division- Managed buyers, associate and assistant buyers, gemologists and support staff; supervisory merchant in charge of special projects and assisted most other senior management in company. Key negotiator in establishing terms and agreements.- Analyzed sales and inventory; planned and executed merchandising, product development and design; procured and selected raw materials and finished product- Coordinated marketing support; created and scheduled ads and marketing programs. Negotiated and received vendor coop support yielding a 30% savings on print and other media marketing.- Planned merchandising and roll-out for new high-volume 47-store chain. Identified key products and items and developed proprietary collections; negotiated special pricing. Created merchandising and display systems and planograms for cases and departments.- Traveled overseas (Hong Kong, India, Switzerland, Thailand) and domestically to attend trade shows, partnering with sightholders, suppliers and factories. - Handled complaint resolution, clienteling, and other issues related to high-ticket customer service. Supervised appraisals department for all high-ticket jewelry sales.- Wrote and supervised production of proprietary brochures including the “Fortunoff Diamond Buyer’s Survival Guide” and Jewelry and Gemstone Care guides. - Coordinated gemstone, jewelry and specialized sales training; developed in-house training programs; managed and coordinated work of outside trainers/consultants.- Corporate representative/liaison for professional organizations (GIA, JVC, AGS, NCDiA).