Wesley Howard Email & Phone Number

ERA Group is a strategic cost management consultancy that specializes in helping healthcare organizations, educational institutions, non-profits, and businesses find additional cash in their operations. With our focus on non-core/G&A expense reduction, we enable clients to better focus on their core business efficiency and improve their services and products.ERA was founded in 1992 and has 700+ consultants worldwide (150+ USA). We work on a success base fee structure in 40+ expense categories including : Medical equipment and supplies, pharmaceuticals, telecom (voice and data), insurance (business, cyber, workers comp, health, property and casualty), freight (container and small package), IT (hardware, software network, maintenance), banking and merchant card services , office supplies, consumable supplies, and manufacturing consumables.

Management consulting firm with services including:-Strategic cost management in partnership with ERA Group.-Strategic Planning for mid-size and small organizations-Licensing and Brand development strategies for apparel companies-Wholesale business development planning-Fractional CEO to mid-size and small organizations (profit and non-profit)-Market advisory in association with 3rd Bridge Advisors and Pleasant Lake Partners

Atlanta, Georgia, Us

Served as chief executive of Lanier Apparel. Responsible for total P&L performance and operating segments of the $100mm public operating division. Responsibilities included P&L, strategic planning, sales , operations, marketing and brand management, and the management of a global supply network. Oversaw 650 associates in 9 U.S. and overseas locations.Maintained relationships with key retail customers, licensors and licensees, and key vendors in Vietnam, India, China, Egypt, Italy, Hong Kong, Mexico and the U.S. Led management of several distinct product and branded divisions, including tailored clothing, sportswear, golf apparel, and collegiate apparel. Led the negotiations of licensing agreements (licensee and licensor), key sourcing agreements, and acquisitions. Led our strategic financial and operating planning.. •Led Lanier Apparel through nine sequential years of profitability through intense focus on growth and rigorous financial, expense, and sourcing management.•Led the restructuring from a predominately private-label business to a predominately branded (licensed and owned) business . •Negotiated and led acquisition launch of Strong Suit.•Created and developed Lanier-owned Billy London brand into key “big box” distribution channels.•Strategically diversified of our product offerings through license and brand acquisition by broadening categories to include men’s sportswear and golf apparel. -Restructured Oxford’s Golf Apparel Division and incorporated in to Lanier.•Led the acquisition and relaunch of the Duckhead sportswear brand, including the launch of Duckhead's e-commerce platform " duckhead.com" .• Refocused distribution platform to include owned distribution, 3PL's, direct to the customer ship from factory resulting in significant asset turnover.•Led the restructuring sourcing supply chain away from a predominate China position to a more diverse sourcing platform, which included Vietnam, India, Egypt, Jordan, Mexico, Indonesia, and Italy.

Atlanta, Georgia, Us

Led all of Lanier’s sales, merchandising, and licensing efforts, including offices in Atlanta and New York City. Oversaw P&L of all merchandising companies (Kenneth Cole, Dockers, Billy London, Ike Behar, Arnold Brant, Geoffrey Beene, private brands for Macy’s, JCPenney, Lands’ End, Sears, Saks, and Nordstrom). Led establishment of Kenneth Cole brand as key branded product in distribution channels. Negotiated license for Ike Behar, which became accessible luxury brand and opened new distribution for Lanier in luxury space. Led establishment of new brand - Billy London - as go-to opening price-point product in moderate channels (Kohl’s, Burlington, JCPenney).

Atlanta, Georgia, Us

Oversaw all sales and merchandising of Lanier licensed and owned brands, in addition to non-mass (JCPenney and Sears) accounts. Facilitated all P&L results from those businesses. Led team of 15 sales and merchandising professionals in Atlanta, New York City, Milwaukee, and Dallas. Rebuilt merchandising organization with new hires, who provided a more customer-centric approach to product development. Restructured the sales team, leading to greatly improved sales performance. Created distribution path for newly developed brand, Billy London. Led creation of a product strategy that led to significant growth in all brands.

Atlanta, Georgia, Us

Oversaw sales and merchandising of Dockers license, key private-brand accounts, and Arnold Brant luxury brand. Managed team of Atlanta and New York City-based sales executives and merchandisers. Expanded distribution and depth of sales for Dockers and private-brand business, leading to 30% overall growth of business.

Atlanta, Georgia, Us

Served various executive roles in Sales, Sales Management, Retail Management and Operations Management.