In 2016, acquired a small business selling Asian antique furniture and artifacts. Expanded the business location to a 25,000 square foot retail location in Portland, Oregon. Leveraged existing relationships with antique collectors in China, India, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam to increase company inventory over 4 fold. Transformed a small antique business into the premier source for Asian antiques on the United States West coast over 7 years.Created an online platform to establish direct sales channels to interior design industry professionals.* Streamlined logistics and shipping processes to increase sales reach and lower operational costs.* Expanded sourcing markets in China and Japan through due diligence research and in-country site visits.* Conducted contract negotiations in Mandarin Chinese to lower costs and facilitate in-country customs processing.* Tripled sales volume and income within the first 4 years of business operations through direct marketing, trade shows, and hosting industry events.

The parent company of diverse subsidiaries including residential building construction and management, hotel ownership and management, and outdoor advertising. Whiteco employs 5,000 people worldwide and generates annual revenues of $500M.• Grew business into largest outdoor advertising company in China, achieving 60% increase in locations from 2009 to 2012 despite severe economic turbulence.• Created first industry conference, attracting 200+ companies who subsequently formed an online network and developed industry standards based on international best practices.• Established new $2 million subsidiary in Xiamen to capitalize on opportunities developed through new local partnerships.• Sought after to represent and translate for prominent Chinese business leaders and artists in meetings with Western audiences. • Awarded position as Standing Committee Member of the Shanghai Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment (SAEFI), which had never before been given to a foreign national.

Ensured profitability of Whiteco's Chinese joint venture company and 4 outdoor advertising subsidiaries along the eastern seaboard of China. Conducted all M&A activity in China including research, due diligence, financial modeling, and risk analysis as well as high-level negotiations (in the Mandarin Chinese language). Actively identified and pursued new revenue streams / sales opportunities across the organization. Provided daily communication with China General Manager and U.S. CEO to keep them informed of activity. Supervised 40 managers and employees, with 5 direct reports.Key Contributions:• Targeted 2 leading outdoor advertising companies in China for future acquisition and created strategic profit-sharing partnerships with them within 2 years of hire.• Acquired a $3.5M, state-owned outdoor advertising company that boosted sales revenue by 125% within 3 years.• Generated a 67% increase in annual operating revenue in just 1 year by completely restructuring the sales organization and implementing a Web-based CRM software solution.• Avoided the potential loss of more than $4M/year in advertising revenue by building and leading an alliance of 65+ outdoor advertising companies to successfully negotiate and overturn a government policy claiming eminent domain on land leased for outdoor advertising.• Created the "First Annual Outdoor Advertising Conference", attracting more than 200 outdoor advertisers who subsequently formed an online network and developed industry standards based on international best practices.

UNIVERSITY TEACHER (VOLUNTEER)Developed curricula and taught English as a Second Language (ESL), American culture, and Shakespeare to classes of 50–60 technical college students who were training to become teachers. Supervised 6 people (3 other American volunteer teachers and 3 local Chinese university faculty). • Mastered 2,000 Chinese characters in 2 years; achieved “advanced” level on ACTFL exam.• Taught 3,000 total students, influencing their future work throughout the region.• Gained deep understanding of Chinese culture and politics by organizing and facilitating weekly discussion group with students and faculty.• Led visiting team of American professors through Sichuan to consult with Chinese teachers and government leaders on Western curriculum/teaching methodologies.

Upscale Italian restaurant chain serving greater Chicago area.Led staff of nearly 300 to deliver efficient and profitable operations at 6 restaurants. Handled market research, business development, marketing/PR, inventory, and financial reporting.• Crafted and executed innovative marketing campaign that helped drive 14% revenue increase.• Created new inventory management system that reduced costs by $124,000 in 1 year.• Negotiated with city government to secure $100,000 in compensation for lost revenues.