David Stickney Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois

In this tenure, I am responsible for leading and inspiring operational strategies for a burgeoning toy manufacturing startup specializing in locally produced, eco-friendly educational toys. In addition, I execute business development initiatives, including wholesale distribution channels and targeted marketing campaigns to boost online traffic. Here, I also manage all facets of domestic production and business operations to ensure seamless execution and optimal efficiency. I act as the primary liaison and consultant for multinational toy manufacturers, directing external sales endeavors and formulating persuasive sales pitches to secure consulting engagements with clients and their respective customer bases. Below are my key accomplishments or contributions that I attained:•Played a pivotal role in coordinating and supporting product development ventures for partner companies, facilitating seamless collaboration and innovation.•Engaged in client sales calls and presentations, gathering competitive intelligence and formulating strategic initiatives to bolster market presence and optimize marketplace dynamics.

Chicago, Illinois

At MJ Holding Company, I initiated comprehensive advancements in product and brand evolution, concentrating on the retail toy sector. I broadened responsibilities to encompass assortment management, supply chain optimization, and adept negotiation of supplier pricing. I orchestrated impactful sales presentations during client meetings. Below are my key accomplishments or contributions that I attained:•Enhanced profitability by an exceptional 112% through the implementation of enhanced sourcing strategies, cost-effective structuring, and diversification of supplier networks.•Engineered an exclusive toy line tailored for Target, securing a coveted end cap placement for over 7 years, fueled by remarkable business outcomes.•Pioneered a groundbreaking 'first-to-market' product development framework, revolutionizing the novelty toy industry and drastically reducing retail shelf timeline from the standard 320 days to just 150 days for numerous national retailers.•Conducted monthly competitive and retail analyses, forecasted trends, and optimized sourcing and costing infrastructures to enhance profitability; delivered quarterly updates on product development and business performance to the CEO and executive leadership team.

Greater Chicago Area

As a vice president of business development, I established a pioneering business venture and drove unparalleled growth, profitability, and dominance within the market. I directed all facets of marketing, sales, branding, and product development for a novel business unit harnessing MJ Holding's expertise in end-to-end Pay-from-Scan retail execution. I orchestrated compelling sales presentations for retail clients and conventions while fostering robust relationships with toy departments at leading retailers. Below are my key accomplishments or contributions that I attained:•Pioneered the launch of the industry's inaugural Pay-from-Scan Toy business unit, assuming responsibility for all aspects spanning from product development and sourcing to packaging, marketing, and in-store execution protocols.•Managed all operational aspects, including sales, sourcing, product assortment, and inventory of the Seasonal Toy Division, cultivating lucrative programs at esteemed retailers, such as Target, Meijer, and Toys R Us.•Conceptualized and oversaw the development of the acclaimed toy brand "Grin Studios," orchestrating the entire lifecycle from business structuring to retail strategy implementation, positioning the brand as a formidable contender in the market.•Created a high-performing product licensing arm, adeptly negotiating and securing multi-year license agreements for toys and collectibles with esteemed partners such as Hasbro, Disney, and Marvel Studios.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

During this period, I spearheaded two merchandise divisions, driving substantial increases in sales and profitability. I formulated comprehensive annual retail strategies tailored for challenging departments characterized by intense competition and intricate margin structures, with a particular focus on critical holiday promotions. I cultivated and nurtured executive-level relationships with key suppliers, contributing significantly to sustained success. I delivered detailed annual and monthly business reviews to executive leadership, playing a pivotal role in setting annual budgeting and operating plans for the divisions while managing sales and inventory performance.Below are my key accomplishments or contributions that I attained:•Distinguished as the sole Hardline division (Toys) to achieve year-on-year revenue growth from 2008 to 2011.•Drove a transformative in-store rebranding initiative that set industry benchmarks for presentation standards, catalyzing substantial improvements in sales, inventory productivity, market share, and gross profit.•Led comprehensive internal and external data analyses to optimize product assortments, pricing strategies, and promotional initiatives and successfully expand toy market share nationally.•Orchestrated a noteworthy growth in same-store revenue and gross profit within 24 months.

Hoffman Estates, Il

•Managed $1B in retail sales•Improved in-store experience through assortments, presentation, and improved inventory management.•Built and maintained executive-level relationships with key suppliers, contributing to sustained success.•Improved inventory management protocols to improve investments, and reduce obsolescence and markdowns.•Overhauled import process to streamline product development and reduce cost.

Troy, Michigan

•Managed $1.9B in retail sales•Improved in-store experience through assortments, presentation, and improved inventory management.•Built and maintained executive-level relationships with key suppliers, contributing to sustained success.•Improved inventory management protocols to improve investments, and reduce obsolescence and markdowns.

Troy, Michigan, United States

Provide and manage weekly, monthly, and annual forecasts for sales, margin, and inventory.Planned and managed annual and weekly budgets and forecasts.Accountable for the category's financial performance, including sales, GMROI, and inventory metrics.Designed store-level plan-o-grams for categories. Led merchandise development with factories.

Bachelor'S Degree, Political Science And Womens Studies

Mba, Finance And Marketing