Gary Leonhard Email & Phone Number

Farmington, Nm, Us

Durango, Co

Began new venue start-up at a condominium and resort complex in the spectacular Rocky Mountains just north of Durango Colorado. Developed new events website (CascadeVillage.com) and enhanced SEO ; defined and implemented new marketing strategies utilizing commercial special event and wedding websites (The Knot, Eventective, etc.), print media, new exterior monument signing, local tourism offices and chambers of commerce, regional airport display advertising, bridal fairs, Google AdWords and social media advertising such as Facebook.In 1.5 years, the Cascade Village venue went from having effectively non-existent events revenue to becoming the busiest events venue in the southwest Colorado and Four-Corners region. While the main focus has been on weddings and receptions, I also developed additional business revenue involving reunions, retreats, concerts, vacation condominium rentals and business meetings.I am also a member of the Board of Directors for CVCA.

Farmington, Nm

Having semi-retired and moved to the 4 Corners region of the US, I now work independently as a manufacturer's representative. I work with merchandising companies such as Actionlink, Crossmark, Market Force, Advantage, MarketSource and others assuring that various manufacturers are properly represented in such retailers as Best Buy, WalMart, Target, Office Depot, Home Depot, Sears, Lowes and Sam's Clubs.

 Developed a franchise chain of Blockbuster Video stores in Riverside county, growing from 2 to 9 stores with sales over $5M. Managed a team of 9 Store Managers and 100 employees. Managed daily operations to achieve profit goals; achieving significant growth for 12 years including 6 consecutive years of double digit growth: 42%, 18%, 11%, 18%, 23%, and 24%. Created forecasts and budgets, analyzed sales and expenses, and managed cash flow to meet planned budget objectives. Identified, trained and retained strong management personnel.

Leather Enterprise was a leather garment manufacturer and wholesaler. I provided strong organizational leadership in developing a business plan for a new enterprise in support of a talented apparel designer. I was responsible for the operational and fianacial management of this start-up manufacturer/wholesaler of high-quality leather garments. The company manufactured, marketed and distributed its line of products.

 Oversaw financial operations of a free standing quick serve Mexican restaurant.

 Pioneered the introduction of video rentals and sales through innovative plans in purchasing, merchandising and inventory control/management becoming the industry leader as the largest renter of videotapes in the US with over 300 stores. Created “Video Rental Procedures” which became an industry standard. Introduced sophisticated computerized systems to manage growing video inventory which reduced waiting times from 1 hour to less than 5 minutes. Instantly doubled revenues by merchandising live inventory on store floors with security controls rather than behind counters.Vice President - Music Directed all purchasing, merchandising and sales of music products representing 95% of revenues (pre-video). Cultivated and managed all vendor relations. Managed 6 Buyers.Vice President - Store Operations  Managed day to day operations of over 300 retail music stores.