PROJECTS
The Challenge:
1) Deliver a new luggage collection with unique complex design for the Fall Season Campaign.
2) Develop vendor relationships that will deliver faster than normal development of a complex and unique product while maintaining high quality standards.
3) Ensure high quality and product continuity with component suppliers and prime manufacturer. Developing a QA/QC plan with corrective action as required. Work with suppliers to integrate the procedures into all production operations.
Action Steps:
Conducted design, engineering and quality reviews, providing written recommendations for components and each style. Create supply chain standards and a development plan for the collection, ensuring superior quality and product reliability.
The Results:
Fall Season product delivered. Supply chain issues and complex quality issues were resolved, cost of goods/pricing adjusted to reflect new quality levels. Suppliers and consumers liked the improvements. New primary sources were successfully developed.
The Challenge:
Manage the design and sourcing of a new line of soft side wheeled carryon luggage in six months. Secure a design team, a manufacturing source and deliver a curated collection for Spring/Summer 2019.
Action Steps:
Provide alternative design and manufacturing resources. Direct design and sourcing activity. Managing multiple samplings and development. Deliver approved tested production samples to brand production team.
The Results:
Three new sku’s in four colorways launched in March 2019, and shipped Summer 2019.
The Challenge:
Source a new, connected smart luggage brand, with premium quality and functionality, on shortened development cycle (12 months).
Action Steps:
Managed development and sourcing plan; counter sourced alternative supplies for all components. Delivered a fully-custom prototype within three months of vendor selection. Production started within nine months meeting all requirements for design, quality, cost and desired color assortment. Small run capability developed enabling merchandising and inventory flexibility.
The Results:
Launched Spring of 2016, established as the premier smart luggage product, as planned.
The Challenge:
Launch premium aluminum luggage brand globally.
Action Steps:
Developed 5 Year Business Plan. Managed product development for different market preferences. Established global MAP pricing strategy. Hired and managed sales rep organization; set up customer service and repair network. Directed marketing positioning and material development. Advised on set up of warehouse, distribution center, website, skus/codes and EDI process.
The Results:
Launched in US, Canada and Middle East. Established superior product for select market segment – iconic aluminum product at prices 40% below existing competition sold via wholesale network & retail and wholesale web business.
The Challenge:
Develop and launch revolutionary new luggage line, establishing presence in North American market through marketing, PR and trade show participation.
Action Steps:
Found designer, sourced product in China, developed sales and marketing plan, created positioning and collateral materials and launched at TGA Show.
The Results:
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Launch Campaign completed in 12 weeks
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Exceeded Sales Forecast in Year 1
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Ad campaign received communications award
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Company gained investment from Shark Tank
The Challenge:
Partner with major global plastics resource to expand into quality luggage category via vertical manufacturing and distribution.
Action Steps:
Developed the sourcing plan for all components. Managed the development and prototyping of components. Conducted International Market studies enabling strategic plans for launch and marketing.
The Results:
Launched in Summer of 2016 with two collections.
The Challenge:
Partner with brand to complete transfer of production to North America.
Action Steps:
Research, evaluate and validate resource options that could scale with the brand‘s planned growth.
The Results:
Identified and vetted manufacturing resources
to enable the brand to move production from Asia to North America. Ensured optimum quality, cost and service levels met brand goals.
The Challenge:
Launch Taiwanese handbag brand in North America.
Action Steps:
Developed 3 Year Business Plan. Guided new product direction based on consumer preferences, changing hardware, styling, pattern selection and features. Introduced RFID protection, external pocketing while reducing weight.
The Results:
Launched brand in Canada and US through distribution agreement; developed wholesale relationships and retail website. Brand is now significant competitor to Kipling, Baggallini and Hedgren in North America.
