Mark C. Annese Email and Phone Number

Primary Responsibilities: • Develop and manage new accounts for licensed and private label opportunitiesin traditional and non-traditional channels of distribution.• Create strategic pipeline development, go to market implementation and allsales related functions.• Research and negotiate licensing agreements for fashion brands.Key Accomplishments:• Negotiate and sign three licensing agreements.• Create and deliver specialty belts for Polo Ralph Lauren, used in their Summer Olympic 2020 uniforms.• Using personal network and long term relationships, develop significant privatelabel business with Under Armour, Boeing and Scouts.• Develop private label program in association with Born Shoes (division of HH Brown) in partnership with Dillard's Department Stores.• Introduce Circa to major national retailers such as American Eagle, The Buckle,Bass Pro Shops, Farm and Fleet channel and others.

Primary Responsibilities:• Hired to create and take full management responsibility for a new division, consisting of men’s accessory items including belts, bags, wallets, headwear and travel items.• Trained all department heads including sales, design, sourcing, production, CSR and warehouse on all aspects of new division.• Managed all aspects of business for national accounts for various channels of distribution including major and mid-tier department stores, outdoor and sporting goods, specialty and off price. Accounts included Nordstrom, Macy’s, Amazon, Golf Smith, PGATSS, Dick’s, Cabellas, Paradies, Saks off Fifth, Bloomingdales Outlet and Burlington Coat, resulting in 75% of division’s top line sales.• Hired, trained and managed sales force, selling specialty accounts across the country which resulted in 25% of total division’s sales.Key Accomplishments:• Managed successful launch of 6 licensed national brands, resulting in multi million dollar incremental volume, while delivering margin goals.• Negotiated renewable licensing agreements with Greg Norman, PGA Tour, Penguin, Keds, NASCAR, and A. Kurtz.• Developed private label belt and hat business for Golf Smith, Bealls Department Stores, Paradies and Dick’s Sporting Good producing $1–3M in revenues.• Managed all aspects of inventory including flow, level and sell off in timely manner to continue profitability

• Developed unique distribution strategies for various channels including department stores, resort, specialty, outdoor, sporting goods, footwear, military and college bookstore market, resulting in revenue increases from 14% to 25% annually. • Delivered company revenue plans through strategic licensing agreements. • Designed and implemented new information systems for reporting current and accurate sales and inventory data.• Recruited and managed a 12 member sales team for various brand categories and strategies.

• Managed all aspects of sales and marketing, including 18 sales professionals. • Responsible for all P&L.• Increased revenues for the first year from $9M to $15M, while lowering departmental expenses. • Developed a new approach for customer service which strengthened existing business while at the same time significantly increased the number of new accounts.• Built relationships with top management at retail level.• Successfully launched new product line to select premium partners including luggage, outdoor, sporting goods and department store channels.• Created effective and efficient sales team, establishing goals and reporting systems.

• Developed strategies for launch of Polo Leather Goods in the classification departments of major national department stores resulting in $7M first year revenue.• Oversaw all P&L, product forecasts and revenue plans.• Successfully prepared budgets, open to buys and sales plans for national accounts.• Increased revenue for men’s division from $16M to $25M.• Supervised 9 member sales force team and 27 member merchandise coordinators

• Began sales career with Yorke Shirtmakers which was later acquired by Hart Schaffner Marx/American Apparel Brands, Inc.• Progressed from Sales Trainee to Vice President/National Sales Manager.• Oversaw the merging of three separate companies into one brand.