Curt Ford Email & Phone Number

Atlanta, Georgia

Support organization's development in the Atlanta market by maintaining positive relationship with newly acquired client accounts. As an Event Specialist I execute creative direction and assist in the setup and service of equipment, decor, food and beverages for private events.• Exceeding client expectations I have supported the company's national growth strategy through clear communication and effective client relationship management withclients in the Atlanta metropolitan… Show more Support organization's development in the Atlanta market by maintaining positive relationship with newly acquired client accounts. As an Event Specialist I execute creative direction and assist in the setup and service of equipment, decor, food and beverages for private events.• Exceeding client expectations I have supported the company's national growth strategy through clear communication and effective client relationship management withclients in the Atlanta metropolitan area.• Through reliability, experience and outstanding performance I have received All-star certification from multiple clients and helped to increase client retention rate.Clients event have included:University Consortium on behalf of the Vice President of LiberiaNumerous Country Clubs throughout metro AtlantaGeorgia World Conference CenterMicrosoft Inc.Alpha Kappa Alpha SororityAtlanta Braves Show less

Kansas City, Mo - Dallas, Tx - Atlanta, Ga

CONSULTINGWith a broad perspective of the apparel industry, as a consultant I have provided expertise and skills in the development of apparel product brands at various stages of the product life cycle.BRANDINGConsulted in the development of product brands with focus on target market analysis, visual identity, brand differentiation and positioning for products including a range of apparel and accessory products for women, men and pets.DESIGN20 yrs of sewing… Show more CONSULTINGWith a broad perspective of the apparel industry, as a consultant I have provided expertise and skills in the development of apparel product brands at various stages of the product life cycle.BRANDINGConsulted in the development of product brands with focus on target market analysis, visual identity, brand differentiation and positioning for products including a range of apparel and accessory products for women, men and pets.DESIGN20 yrs of sewing construction and custom apparel design for couture clients and retail sale. Skilled in costume and apparel design for misses, juniors, bridal/special occasion, men's casual apparel, young men's apparel and apparel alterations.• Creative skills: sketching, textile/print design, draping, pattern making, sourcing• Technical skills: costing, spec development, technical illustration, pattern digitizingPRODUCTIONMy experience with sample making, production of theatrical costumes and alteration of bridal gowns has helped clients with sourcing, production management and quality control, developing creative designs into finished products that meet specs and delivery deadlines. MERCHANDISINGAs a consumer, creative designer, former buying assistant and visual merchandiser, my perspective of merchandising throughout the product life cycle .has helped clients develop balanced product line assortments and present better product offerings.MARKETINGTeaching clients to better understand their target market, develop ideal products and a relationship between the two, I have assisted with strategy, communications and promotions resulting in greater brand awareness and engagement.STYLINGAs a stylist of wardrobe and props I've assisted clients with creating outstanding images for print and film. SALESAs a former retail/wholesale apparel sales professional I've shared insight with clients on pricing strategy, wholesale representation, customer service and environmental branding. Show less

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Combining previous experience as a freelance fashion stylist with employment experience in the bridal industry I developed The Wedding Guy as a business concept to address an unfulfilled niche in the bridal market. By providing wardrobe styling services for bridal portraits, engagement portraits and on the day of the ceremony I ensured that wedding party clients look perfect for their special day and collaborated with photographers to achieve perfect images.• Developed and launched… Show more Combining previous experience as a freelance fashion stylist with employment experience in the bridal industry I developed The Wedding Guy as a business concept to address an unfulfilled niche in the bridal market. By providing wardrobe styling services for bridal portraits, engagement portraits and on the day of the ceremony I ensured that wedding party clients look perfect for their special day and collaborated with photographers to achieve perfect images.• Developed and launched business model for an unfulfilled niche in the wedding industry• Successful development of the brands identity, strategy, positioning, web presence, collateral, social media integration and client relationship management led to positive feedback and client referrals. Show less

Pantego (Arlington), Texas

Problem solving and time management are skills I leveraged as the executive assistant to the owner of Helga’s Alterations; a 30 years old company with exclusive service contracts with AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys) and one of the largest bridal retailers in the US. In my duties I fulfilled administrative and other task that included maintenance of accounts receivable, inventory, purchasing equipment, coordinating repairs, coordinating marketing efforts and utilizing my training as a technical… Show more Problem solving and time management are skills I leveraged as the executive assistant to the owner of Helga’s Alterations; a 30 years old company with exclusive service contracts with AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys) and one of the largest bridal retailers in the US. In my duties I fulfilled administrative and other task that included maintenance of accounts receivable, inventory, purchasing equipment, coordinating repairs, coordinating marketing efforts and utilizing my training as a technical designer in the supervision of 10 seamstresses. I maintained the company’s bridal accounts by making weekly visits to three retail locations to provide bridal fittings. As a pivot point between the company president, three store managers, several retail associates, seamstresses and hundreds of clients on a monthly basis, I developed a knack for being extremely flexible and dealing with obstacles. During my employment I updated the company’s branding, redesigned the work space for efficiency, aesthetic appeal and integrated updated technology. • Helped the 30 yr old business maintain its market share and attract a younger clientele to preserve continuity by executing a re-branding strategy, advertising and marketing tactics• By developing complementary products/services I helped to increase revenue by 15%• Through expertise in apparel fit and sewing construction I saved the company money, reducing the number of reworked alterations by 50%• By effectively resolving issues with garment construction, alterations, and payments I was able to reduce the number of customer complaints and prevent negative online reviews. Show less

Kansas City, Missouri

For 5 years I leveraged my passion for business development to find the most effective and efficient ways to assist small business owners and organizations in the improvement of existing business ventures, development of new business concepts, products and achievement of marketing communication goals through advertising, multimedia development, marketing promotions and events. As a market researcher, business strategist, branding specialist, graphic designer, print broker, event… Show more For 5 years I leveraged my passion for business development to find the most effective and efficient ways to assist small business owners and organizations in the improvement of existing business ventures, development of new business concepts, products and achievement of marketing communication goals through advertising, multimedia development, marketing promotions and events. As a market researcher, business strategist, branding specialist, graphic designer, print broker, event coordinator, occasional publicist and psychotherapist, I brought clarity and fulfillment to creative vision, direction, strategy and a measurable path towards success.• Through strategic planning, creative design and marketing strategies I have helped to develop dozens of product and service business ventures• I have successfully connected clients with target audiences by developing engaging marketing campaigns, promotional events, designing compelling print and digital collateral resulting in increased brand awareness, brand recognition, client base and revenue• Effective communication of my client's stories resulted in acquired press coverage, cross promotion opportunities and community support through sponsorships• One of my most significant projects was coordinating a multimedia stage production to promote the launch of a new hair salon. As a result the client’s customer base became more diversified and its annual revenue increased by 20% over a 6 month period.Some of the clients and organizations I engaged include:360 Resource ManagementThe American Jazz MuseumThe Bistro RestaurantCaribbean Travel NetworkChrysler FinancialClear 10 VodkaDavenport Media & FilmDreamgirl DynamicsEclectic Effects SalonHope for HaitiNew Myth ComicsOne Bite RestaurantPhazzer ElectronicsRed Dirt Auto AppraisalsSalon Beau MondeSamar Restaurant by Stephen PylesTop Model ManagementV. Lindsay SDA School Show less

Kansas City, Missouri Area

At the time I developed the quarterly online magazine "Karma Kloset", as one of the first flip-style online magazines, it was a ground breaking fashion focused publication with other content relating to the lifestyles of young professionals, pop culture, music, arts and entertainment. Supported by a team of national correspondents covering 6 major US cities, the publication featured, editorials, a style advice column, business directories, and served to provide exposure to up and coming… Show more At the time I developed the quarterly online magazine "Karma Kloset", as one of the first flip-style online magazines, it was a ground breaking fashion focused publication with other content relating to the lifestyles of young professionals, pop culture, music, arts and entertainment. Supported by a team of national correspondents covering 6 major US cities, the publication featured, editorials, a style advice column, business directories, and served to provide exposure to up and coming talent and lifestyle trends while connecting consumer brands to various target market segments.• Developed content, wrote articles and managed team of contributors as the Publisher and Editor• Developed site design, coding, updates and functionality as the Webmaster• Fashion Style Advice Columnist Show less

Kansas City, Missouri Area

A well established costume design house and rental company servicing local metropolitan dance studios and regional theaters such as Starlight Theater of Kansas City and They Muny Theater of St. Louis as well as shipping complete costume packages to a global clientele.• Collaborated with clients to develop costume design concepts with clients. By efficiently sourcing materials through third party vendors and quick sample development I was able to save the company money and increase… Show more A well established costume design house and rental company servicing local metropolitan dance studios and regional theaters such as Starlight Theater of Kansas City and They Muny Theater of St. Louis as well as shipping complete costume packages to a global clientele.• Collaborated with clients to develop costume design concepts with clients. By efficiently sourcing materials through third party vendors and quick sample development I was able to save the company money and increase client satisfaction by shortening the production process time.• Through pattern making and project management skills I executed design projects to spec with consistent quality and maintained brand integrity by upholding company standards throughout the production process Show less

Kansas City, Missouri Area

A multimedia marketing company, Minority Success Inc. provided a range of small business development services that included strategic planning, branding, network marketing and advertising through a team of consultants, media and industry partners, an assortment of self-published magazines and an annual small business expo. I worked directly with the CEO and COO to coordinate marketing promotions, events, advertising campaigns, execute business development projects and provide content for its… Show more A multimedia marketing company, Minority Success Inc. provided a range of small business development services that included strategic planning, branding, network marketing and advertising through a team of consultants, media and industry partners, an assortment of self-published magazines and an annual small business expo. I worked directly with the CEO and COO to coordinate marketing promotions, events, advertising campaigns, execute business development projects and provide content for its publications. • The creative direction and services I provided in the execution of advertising campaigns and promotional events helped to facilitate consistent growth in event attendance, magazine readership, develop greater brand awareness and increase the company's client base• Cast talent, stylist, contracted staff and managed teams during advertising campaigns and promotional events.• Facilitated the development of new branding and re-branding for numerous client organizations• As a Contributing Fashion Editor, leveraged relationships with designers, retailers and contractors to develop content that strongly appealed to target audiences, leading to larger readership.• Other roles included, Wardrobe Stylist, Graphic Designer, Project Coordinator, Creative Director Show less

Greater Chicago Area

As an administrative assistant for a well-established wholesale apparel showroom at the Chicago Apparel Center I was integral in keeping operations on schedule. During my employment the showroom maintained contracts with high volume manufacturers, increasing sales and attracting new premium product lines.• Helped to increase sales through excellent apparel product line presentation and sales skills while engaging diverse groups of retail buyers, leading to the establishment of a… Show more As an administrative assistant for a well-established wholesale apparel showroom at the Chicago Apparel Center I was integral in keeping operations on schedule. During my employment the showroom maintained contracts with high volume manufacturers, increasing sales and attracting new premium product lines.• Helped to increase sales through excellent apparel product line presentation and sales skills while engaging diverse groups of retail buyers, leading to the establishment of a larger showroom space• Maintained schedule, handled billing, marketed the showroom's products through cold calling and lead follow up• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft applications, light bookkeeping, and professional communications, frequently interacting with manufacturers, retail buyers, vendors and showroom customers. • Visually merchandised apparel product lines, setup the company;s trade show presence for trade events and coordinated sample sales• Exceeding sales goals, our team maintained contracts with high-volume manufacturers and attracted new premium product lines Show less

Chicago, Il

I assisted in the opening of one of the company's first stores located in Chicago. The State Street location was a test market and precursor to a Michigan Avenue location.• Through great diligence, hard work and accurate execution of company plan-o-grams, as a member of the opening crew the original State Street store opened on schedule despite delays in construction and delivery of equipment and merchandise• As a member of the visual team I utilized previous experience in… Show more I assisted in the opening of one of the company's first stores located in Chicago. The State Street location was a test market and precursor to a Michigan Avenue location.• Through great diligence, hard work and accurate execution of company plan-o-grams, as a member of the opening crew the original State Street store opened on schedule despite delays in construction and delivery of equipment and merchandise• As a member of the visual team I utilized previous experience in visual merchandising to execute the concept for several stunning window displays facing major boulevards that were compelling and generated high-volume foot traffic for the new store• By being attentive and detail oriented I buffered the store from lose of potential revenue due to inadequate levels of back stock and displayed merchandise Show less

Kansas City, Mo

Niche market boutique that provided a trendy selection of moderate casual apparel, special occasion, club wear and accessories.SALES ASSOCIATE, VISUAL MERCHANDISER• Beginning as a sales associate and visual merchandiser I learned about the impact of creative window and merchandising displays on sales by using window displays to attract pass by traffic and discovered how to make a retail space more profitable per square foot.BUYING ASSISTANT• By developing two way… Show more Niche market boutique that provided a trendy selection of moderate casual apparel, special occasion, club wear and accessories.SALES ASSOCIATE, VISUAL MERCHANDISER• Beginning as a sales associate and visual merchandiser I learned about the impact of creative window and merchandising displays on sales by using window displays to attract pass by traffic and discovered how to make a retail space more profitable per square foot.BUYING ASSISTANT• By developing two way communication with clientele and better understanding their needs, as a buying assistant I was able to help improve product selection and expand the boutique's product offering to increase revenueASSISTANT MANAGER• After gaining a grasp of overall operations of the boutique, demonstrating proficiency and value I was promoted to Assistant Manager, assuming opening/closing duties, handling cash deposits and supervising two sales associates Show less

Associate Of Arts (A.A.), Fashion Production, 3.0 Gpa

Activities and Societies: Dean's List

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Business Administration And Marketing, 3.3 Gpa

Activities and Societies: Dean's List

Associate Of Applied Science (A.A.S.), Business Administration, 3.3 Gpa

Activities and Societies: Dean's List