Michael S. Paul Email & Phone Number

An experienced and successful entrepreneur who owned and created Papermart, a Pittsburgh chain of retail party goods stores which became a local retail institution. Experienced 30 years of business success and growth based upon opportunistic buying, early forecasting of novelty market trend items such as Beanie Babies and low cost creative marketing. Frequently was afforded first considerations for last minute high demand items such as Pittsburgh sports team merchandise due to loyal and strong vendor relationships. Effective in recruiting, managing and training employees to provide superlative customer service. Carried a unique inventory mix of first runs and closeouts allowing for low prices and high profit margins. Very opportunistic in attracting local and national media attention with such novel ideas as "eye glasses for hamsters". Helped to create and served as a board member of Paper First, a cooperative buying group for independent party goods retailers. Highly committed to supporting non-profit organizations by designing discounted selling programs at all retail locations. An active member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Foundation for Fighting Blindness(FFB) and serving on the Board of Directors for Vision Walk. Served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Central African Republic's fresh water project as a young adult.

Listed skills include Retail, Strategic Planning, Sales, Team Building, and 15 others.