Max Buckner Email & Phone Number

Bentonville, AR, US

• Manage accounts totaling $16 million in sales, demonstrating strong revenue generation and strategic account management skills.
• Build financial and strategic plans to maximize sales opportunities.
• Provide direction to product and sourcing teams for key account servicing.
• Collaborate with trend/art team to develop art for national accounts.
• Managed a sales team of 8 during a transition period.
• Negotiated pricing on sweaters and seasonal tees, saving over $200,000.

• Managed a team of art staff, sales professionals, sourcing and product teams, providing leadership and guidance to achieve sales targets.
• Led the development of effective strategies for product and trend management, aligning with market demands.
• Identified new business opportunities and expanded existing accounts, contributing to a $7 million increase in non-licensed sales.
• Secured partnerships and opened accounts with major companies and retailers, including Amazon, Freds, Tractor Supply, Walmart, 21 Mid-States members, Susan G. Komen, and facilitated domestic printing for US Polo.
• Achieved exponential growth in key accounts such as Bealls Department Store, Hamrick’s, KW Textile, Mills Fleet Farm, Sears/Kmart, and Shopko
• Delivered on sales and profit goals, contributing to company-wide success.

• Grew young men’s business through new licenses, trend-right products, and expanding into new accounts.
• Developed and acquired new licenses.
• Identified market trends for retail strategies.
• Opened new accounts and expanded existing ones.
• Collaborated on business strategy, financial plans, and product presentations with management and sales teams.

• Managed key accounts representing 70% of the company's total volume.
• Played a pivotal role in growing the company's business from $48 million to over $75 million.
• Developed strategies including financial planning, seasonal forecasting, and merchandise presentations.
• Successfully opened 9 new accounts and optimized departmental strategies within the existing retail matrix.
• Collaborated closely with the CEO and President to develop both short-term and long-term strategies and goals, contributing to sustained business growth and success.

• Advanced from Key Account Sales/Account Manager to Vice President of Sales, overseeing the entire sales team to execute and achieve sales plans.
• Played a pivotal role in building and achieving the company’s financial goals.
• Instrumental in driving the company's growth from $65 million to over $200 million.
• Collaborated with the sales team to introduce new departments within the existing retail account list.
• Successfully opened over 10 new accounts, contributing an additional $8 million in volume.
• Partnered with the company owner to streamline internal processes and align account managers for improved product flow.

Bentonville, Arkansas, United States

• Promoted from Knit Buyer to Merchandise Director overseeing men’s/young men’s tops, leading a team of 15 including buyers, assistant buyers, sourcing, product development, and planning.
• Built and executed strategic plans for annual sales exceeding $300 million.
• Collaborated with planning team to optimize sales, minimize markdowns, enhance inventory turnover, and maximize ROI.
• Led product development and buying efforts to deliver trend-right products encompassing brands, key licenses, and private labels to meet consumer demands.
• Recognized with the Buyer of the Year award as part of the men’s team, highlighting excellence in buying and strategic merchandising.

Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

• Managed staff and $72 million average inventory for departments with $135.0 million projected sales.
• Led the development and sales growth of Duck Head private label and national brand categories across 348 stores in 15 states for the Children’s Division of this billion-dollar retailer.
• Conducted market analysis to determine consumer preferences, trends, economic indicators, and competitors' strategies.
• Optimized product quality and assortment to enhance inventory supply and customer retention.
• Maintained communication with department, store, and executive management to maximize profitability.
• Recognized for outstanding buying, merchandising efforts, and creative displays/advertising campaigns.