General Counsel
Techtronic Industries North America, Inc. (Formally Ryobi North America, Inc.)
Anderson, Sc
Provided services as in-house counsel regarding the design, manufacture, marketing, sales and service of power tools and outdoor products in a company with $1.2 billion in annual sales. * Participated in Benefits Committee that oversees selection of providers and design of benefit plans for more than 1000 employees. Established method for evaluation of total cost to employees, which became a valued tool for Benefits Department.* Participated as member of senior management team that negotiated the terms of several actual or potential acquisitions including key acquisitions such as the Homelite outdoor product business, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, and The Hoover Company. * Guided the organization through legal issues involving EPA and CARB emissions audits including testing issues and negotiation of favorable settlement agreements with each agency that minimized costs and focused on emissions reduction projects. * Oversaw various patent infringement lawsuits including a dispute with a key competitor involving multiple patent issues in which our company avoided an adverse impact on the launch of a major new power tool product line. * Negotiated favorable supply agreement terms with key national retail chains (Sears, Home Depot, and Staples) on behalf of various business lines within the organization. * Negotiated real estate lease agreements for a chain of retail outlet stores, various corporate offices and several warehouse facilities. Negotiated the transfer of several real estate parcels and easements. * Participated in joint venture planning with other manufacturers to develop an innovative guarding system and new industry standards to accommodate the design. * Negotiated various intellectual property license agreements which incorporated varying levels of exclusivity, product development, intellectual property ownership and enforcement responsibilities.