Penny Black Email & Phone Number

Greater Memphis Area

Responsible for sales metrics, margin contribution, P&L management and forecasting for the C.R. Gibson Specialty division. Lead diverse sales team including national account managers, independent and company reps, sales support and customer service.• Opened 22 key accounts by strategically targeting customers with innovative and trend forward products which resulted in $3M in incremental sales annually.• Identified restructuring needs of the company’s field sales division through market share analysis, agency interviews, and competitive vendor bench marking. Converted one national sales division into six regional sales agencies through implementation of an in-depth transition plan that included order entry system integration, sales rep training, agency sales target setting, showroom design and merchandising.• Increased sales of contracted key account managers by targeting accounts with growth potential and offering custom product solutions along with early buy incentives.• Launched new gift brand into multiple retail sales channels by creating a go-to-market strategy that included key account sneak peaks, new product videos, street marketing and trade show demonstrations which generated a 79% increase in sales versus initial launch forecast.• Implemented a strategic headcount reduction plan that eliminated payroll costs to ensure G&A targets were achieved while working cross-functionally to guarantee work-flow processes were uninterrupted.• Developed multi-layer marketing campaigns that included social influencers, e-marketing, print and social media advertising, and product placement in national magazines in order to generate awareness, educate consumers, and acquire new B2B and B2C customers.• Spearheaded cross functional team in the development of brand expansion strategy across multiple channels that resulted in new market sales growth.

Atlanta, Ga

Create and implement sales strategies to build the Anna Griffin / Blend Brands in the stationery, home office, craft specialty gift and fabric channels. Develop and maintain relationships with key accounts while growing sales. Expand in new markets including adding new points of international distribution and eCommerce. Provide leadership to the National Sales Managers for Gift/Stationery and Fabric.

Greater Atlanta Area

Offered an individualized comprehensive approach to assist clients with issues relating to retail strategy and positioning, merchandising, marketing and retail operations. Clients realized tangible improvements in sales and profits.

Provided leadership and direction for 9-16 district managers throughout the Southeast and West. Directed all aspects of operations with day-to-day responsibility for leading the team and driving sales.Developed team through leadership competency based activities that resulted in over 20 employee promotions

Created an environment for a 17-store market in the Southeast where people wanted to do their best which resulted in increases in sales and profitability.

Led operations including policy and procedure development, payroll management, and expenditure control.

Key member of an executive leadership team that was charged with creating a new concept of stores with a party focus.