I provide manufacturing, materials and sourcing consulting services to companies relocating production into North America.

Robot System Automation S.R.L., also known as RSA, is a leading supplier of automated manufacturing systems serving the footwear and leather goods industry. RSA works with each customer to develop innovative manufacturing solutions tailored specifically to the customer’s unique needs. I assisted RSA in developing its sales and customer service within North America.

NewLast Group is the global leader in software and machinery used to engineer and manufacture high quality footwear lasts. I worked with NewLast management to introduce its advanced last making technology to key markets within the North American region. Lasts produced on NewLast's machinery are extremely accurate making them ideal for automated shoe manufacturing utilizing robotics. NewLast's 3D scanning and software technology also make it easy to engineer new Lasts via CAD.

AMA Gusberti SRL is a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of highly automated molding machinery for the production of polyurethane components. I was working with the senior management team of AMA Gusberti to introduce their product line to the North American market. AMA Gusberti has a strong collaborative relationship with Robot System Automation, SRL to integrate effective automation into its product lines.

Under Armour, Inc. is a publicly-traded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories company with global sales approaching $5 Billion. I was responsible for local-for-local footwear manufacturing operations within The Americas. I was also responsible for the implementation of new technologies and processes into Under Armour partner factories. Experience working in a Fanuc-based robotic manufacturing environment.

Victory Enterprises, LLC, based in the Ham Lake, Minnesota, is the license holder for the iconic 1970's fashion brand Famolare. The Famolare brand, with its focus on women'sfashion footwear, was re-launched during the Holiday 2015 selling season.I was responsible for the development, engineering and sourcing of key technical components and tooling required for product development and full production.

McCue Corporation is a privately-held, global leader in damage prevention equipment for retail space and warehouses. It's primary markets include the United States, Europe and China. Its products include storage rack guards, check-out stand bumpers, shopping cart corrals, flex-core bollards and kid-friendly shopping carts. ( www.mccue.com )I was an executive team member with responsibility for product development & engineering, in-house manufacturing, global sourcing and warehousing & logistics. Also managed the company's raw materials procurement, facilities management, health & safety compliance, customer service and field/tech service functions. Manufacturing methodology included plastic extrusion, injection molding, rotational molding, blow molding, aluminum extrusion, sheet metal & tube bending, stamping & welding. Accountable for achieving gross margin and inventory turn objectives.

New England Footwear was a start-up company founded in 2008 after securing the footwear license for the GoLite outdoor brand from The Timberland Company. The first line of GoLite outdoor footwear under this license was launched in the Spring 2009 season. Annual revenues of $3.2 million achieved within 2 years.I was responsibile for developing and managing company's supply chain including supply planning, procurement / purchasing, raw materials management, inventory management, sourcing, quality assurance, compliance, in-bound freight and warehousing/distribution. Set up and managed company's IT/ERP systems and telecommunications infrastructure. Managed vendor compliance with major big box retailers including Dick's Sporting Goods, Nordstrom and Dillards. Integrated IT systems to facilitate EDI transactions and e-commerce sales with traditional and direct-to-consumer retailers. Implemented company's restricted substances(RSL) compliance and testing program.

Stride Rite Corporation was a publicly-traded, wholesaler and retailer with global sales in excess of $800 million. The company was sold in late 2007 to Collective Brands(NYSE: PSS) for $900 million. I led the global sourcing and logistics organization that included over 150 associates managing the procurement of more that $400 million in finished goods annually for brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Saucony, Sperry Top-Sider, Keds and Stride Rite. Full P&L responsibility for division. Directed supply planning, quality assurance, in-bound transportation, raw materials procurement & customs compliance as well as all China sourcing operations including vendor selection & management, product development, costing, commercialization, quality control and production management.

Kenneth Cole Productions was a publicly-traded, wholesaler and retailer of fashion footwear, apparel and accessories company with global sales in excess $530 million. The company went private in late 2012.I directed the global sourcing operations for footwear and handbags with contract factories and agents for 8 divisions having combined finished goods procurement in excess of $150 million annually. Developed and implemented strategic sourcing plan emphasizing a factory-direct procurement model for brands including Reaction, Unlisted, Bongo, and Kenneth Cole. Established company's first buying office in China to reduce company's reliance on sourcing agents. Also managed sourcing activities in Italy, Spain, Brazil, India and the Dominican Republic.

The Timberland Company was a publicly-traded, wholesaler and retailer with global sales in excess of $1.3 Billion. The company was purchased by VF Corporation in 2011 for $2 Billion.I led global sourcing and manufacturing operations that included over 120 sourcing and 2500 manufacturing associates. Directed the procurement of more than $450 million in finished goods annually from suppliers in Eastern Europe, Asia and the Americas. Full P&L responsibility for company-owned manufacturing facilities and sourcing organization. Successfully implemented lean manufacturing across multiple plant facilities. Created and implemented strategic materials procurement program utilizing a formal RFP/RFQ process. Established company's sourcing offices in China and Vietnam. Consistently contributed to company profitability through rigorous cost negotiation of raw materials and finished goods.

adidas AG is a publicly-traded German athletic sports brand with global sales in excess of $17 Billion.I led product development, material sourcing, product costing, demand planning, quality assurance, logistics, regional sourcing and manufacturing for footwear operations within Europe, Eastern Europe and Northern Africa. Annual procurement in excess of $60 million. Launched annual materials vendor fair at company's Global Technology Center. Spent first 5 months as independant consultant working on company's quality assurance efforts.

LA Gear was a publicly traded company with footwear sales in excess of $1 Billion. I was responsible for managing the design and development activities.

Reebok was a publicly-traded athletic footwear and apparel brand with global sales in excess of $3 Billion. Reebok was acquired by German sports company adidas AG in 2005 for $3.8 Billion. Adidas sold Reebok to Authentic Brands Group in 2022 for at least $2.5 Billion.I managed Reebok's quality assurance, material sourcing and product evaluation programs. Made significant contributions to the engineering of key product technologies including the Reebok Pump program. Established quality standards, material test methods and production process standards. Implemented quality control programs with contract factories & key material suppliers worldwide. Established complete laboratory testing facilities in each Far East Liaison office. Implemented warehouse inspection programs for in-bound finished goods. Established & managed factory charge-back program for defective product.

Nike is a publicly-traded athletic footwear and apparel brand with global sales in excess of $30 Billion..I pioneered the use of CAD/CAM within the footwear industry using UNIGRAPHICS from McDonnell Douglas' McAuto computing technologies division. Designed precision molds and fixtures using CAD and programmed N/C milling machines using CAM. Involved in the engineering of Nike's initial AIR Shoe and PHYLON programs. Transitioned to a product development role managing the technical design and development of several product categories. Managed the development of prototypes at factories in the USA, Europe and Asia. Performed product presentations to sales force and key retailers. Responsible for achieving gross margin objectives.

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