Michael Kohn Email & Phone Number

After more than 28 years building businesses within the consumer products space, I founded MAK Consulting to share my knowledge and expertise with early to mid-stage companies. During my career, I have taken on tasks including, but not limited to, evaluating and refining company infrastructure, streamlining development, diversifying product offerings, formulating and implementing sales and operations strategies, negotiating licensing agreements, identifying strategic partners, and positioning companies for exit.

Minneapolis, Mn, Us

During my 15 years, I have proven myself to be an excellent leader by balancing concurrent priorities in forging valuable corporate client relationships, including with Walmart, TJX, CVS, and Kohls, and integrating ambitious strategies to capture continuous revenue growth, and boost market share. I developed and implemented advanced processes to maintain a clear/concise line of communication among sales, development, design, and marketing teams to achieve operational excellence and scalability. • Directly responsible 4x sales in growth by directing end-to-end branding, marketing, and sales functions. Opened and managed retailer relationships across all channels (mass, drug, grocery, specialty), and worldwide (US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia). • Delivered a more stable and less seasonal revenue stream/cash flow with year-round business by designing and executing long- and short-term growth strategies. • Positioned the company as an acquisition target, resulting in private equity sale. • Exceeded expectations by employing a sales team mindset shift from narrow short-term targets to more strategic, long-term, and high-growth objectives, while fostering existing retail relationships. • Functioned as a subject matter expert; facilitated the company's rebranding from a one- dimensional company with a narrow channel focus, through the implementation of innovative, quality, and design-focused initiatives to extend category and channel opportunities domestically, and internationally. • Initiated company licensing program, negotiating with and acquiring licenses from major entertainment companies including Warner Brothers, Universal Studios, Fox, and Scholastic.

New York, New York, Us

* Launched and fully responsible for new promotional arm of established toy company. Identified new business opportunities, and secured incremental growth, by directing design and development of innovative product solutions for Fortune 500 companies including, Geico and Intel. * Initiated and managed new business with specialty and mid-tier retailers including, Macys, Winn-Dixie, and TJX Companies. * Managed relationship with independent sales reps and retailers in Canada, resulting in 3x sales growth in that territory.

Founded, financed, and built out infrastructure of the company. Directed a team of five members with distribution reaching more than 3,000 independent and specialty retailers. Spearheaded all aspects of the development process, from design to manufacturing, ensuring timely completion within budgetary constraints. * Devised and deployed robust plans related to all sales, licensing, manufacturing, and marketing to enhance business growth and maximize profit. * Led aggressive expansion in product and entertainment reach through negotiation and licensing agreements at optimal terms and conditions. * Oversaw end-to-end finance operations associated with growth stages and start-up via three private equity offerings to secure a strategic equity investment from Sony Wonder, the children's division of Sony, Inc. * Set a new standard for excellence by promoting products and boosting brand awareness via public relations, national trade shows, and philanthropy initiatives; improved media coverage, encompassing an appearance on NBC’s Today program. * Created effective plans to address market opportunities and optimize operational efficiencies within the constraints of the company's resources.