CHARLES SPISAK
REDONDO BEACH,CA
Summary
A seasoned fashion visionary with 30 years of experience and an undeniable leader in the fashion industry. My expertise spans retail buying, wholesale sales, merchandising, sales management, design, product development, and production. I'm results-oriented and bring a creative spark to problem-solving. Highly analytical, I excel at deciphering retail reports, margins, and strategic planning to optimize budgets and operations for business success.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Dynamic Founder and Creative Director
FUNDAMENTAL COAST
01.2018 - Current
- Founded and launched Fundamental Coast from inception to a successful venture with over $8 million in revenue in 2024
- Administered all aspects of design, sales, production, fits, e-commerce and a retail store
- Spearheaded all aspects of brand development, from concept ideation and design to production and marketing
- Created a distinct brand identity that resonated with target audiences, resulting in significant market penetration and brand loyalty within the better men's and women's market
- Cultivated strategic relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and retail partners such as Nordstrom, Von Maur, Scheels, Costco and more to optimize production processes and expand distribution channels
- Led the development and execution of a comprehensive omnichannel sales strategy, including the launch of a branded e-commerce website, flagship brick-and-mortar store, wholesale sale channel, and private label business
- Built and led a high-performing team of independent sales representatives, securing distribution in over 350 specialty retail locations, hotels, resorts and department stores across the US
- Continuously monitored market trends and consumer preferences, adapting product offerings to meet evolving demands and maximize sales opportunities
- Proven ability to translate artistic vision into profitable business outcomes, driving sustained growth and success in the competitive fashion landscape.
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
VP of Sales and Merchandising
HOWE, LLC
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Responsible for the management of all aspects of business including, merchandising, sales management, production, operations, P&L, design direction, seasonal line plans, gross margins and inventory
- Controlled expenses and sample budget saving over 30% and overall operating cost by 47%
- Improved majors business by over 133%
- Developed a secondary line to target action sports and mid tier retailers
- Championed company culture initiatives, fostering a high-performing and motivated sales team that consistently exceeded targets.
- Increased company revenue by implementing strategic sales plans and targeting key market segments.
- Developed strong relationships with clients for long-term partnerships and increased customer retention.
- Secured multiple replenishment and private label programs with major retailers
- Lead all major accounts meetings with Nordstrom, Costco, Von Maur and managed regional sales reps.
Senior Account Executive
UNION/SEATTLE PACIFIC INDUSTRIES
01.2011 - 11.2011
- Managed department and specialty store sales, including selling in seasonal and replenishment product
- Increased sales and market share by doubling the specialty market account base
- Implemented large item replenishment programs with major department stores including Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack
- 160% increase in sales for the brand and setting sales records for the season.
- Utilized CRM tools effectively to manage client information and track progress on accounts, leading to more accurate forecasting and pipeline management.
- Established long-lasting partnerships with key industry influencers, generating increased brand awareness and credibility.
Creative Director
SOVEREIGN CODE, INC
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Determined direction with the design team and oversaw the execution of production for seasonal men's and kid's contemporary clothing lines
- Managed and directed the design team with brand identity and direction
- Opened multiple major retail accounts including Sears, Jc Penny's and Macy's totaling over 12M in sales
- Increased company bookings by 38%.
- Monitored industry trends to keep creative materials fresh and engaging.
- Built strong relationships with clients, leading to long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.
- Elevated company reputation through consistent delivery of high-quality creative styling
Men's Contemporary & Premium Denim Buyer
NORDSTROM
01.2001 - 01.2010
- Managed all fiscal metrics for growth and profit of 36 stores with $54M in revenue, including all OTB plans and product flow
- Received Buyer of the Year Award and numerous Buyer Awards for performance.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Forecasted purchasing trends and improved merchandising strategies.
- Increased sales revenue from $14M to $52M, gross margin from 31% to 51% maintained and increased turn from 3.2 to 6.1 yearly
- Established the premium denim department and brand mix for Nordstrom Rail department.
- Built long-term supplier relationships with vendors to establish quality and competitive pricing.
- Collaborated with internal departments to better understand needs and determine purchasing requirements.
Assistant Sportswear Buyer
NORDSTROM
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Edited and analyzed product mix to maximize performance
- Increased sales by 8% - 14% annually
- Increased margins by 6% as well as department turn
- Won multiple monthly performance awards for sales increases.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to facilitate efficient and timely product delivery.
- Reviewed purchasing trends and forecast demand for inventory planning and replenishment.
- Researched and evaluated market trends and industry developments to optimize purchasing strategies.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop targeted advertising campaigns, highlighting key product features and driving sales growth.
- Managed open-to-buy budgets efficiently by tracking expenditures and making informed adjustments based on financial goals.
- Assisted in creating engaging visual displays by providing input on product placement and selection based on sales data analysis.
Assistant buyer Private label and Polo Ralph Lauren
NORDSTROM
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Worked in conjunction with private label team to develop the Callaway golf label, Evergreen brand, and Nordstrom Branded product
- Increased sales by 16%
- Decreased overall markdowns to 9% for the year
- Increased turn .8
- Developed multiple replenishment items in several categories.
Regional Merchandise Manager
NORDSTROM
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Managed the Los Angeles and San Francisco area stores
- Trained department managers in selling, incentive planning, product and presentation standards
- Performed as Liaison between the buying office and stores
- Directed stores in setting up and managing their Men's Department and worked with Managers and staff on sales strategies.
Department Manager
NORDSTROM
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Managed and motivated a sales team of 30 including two assistant managers
- Executed daily merchandising strategies to maximize sales and educated sales team with product knowledge of the brand assortment
- Received Manager of the Year Award for outstanding sales performance
- Received multiple manager of the month awards for sales performance
- Posted double-digit sales increases for 20 out of 24 months.
Education
Studio Arts / Business -
SACRAMENTO STATE UNIVERSITY
Sacramento, CASkills
- Microsoft office
- Illustrator
- Shopify
- Klaviyo
- Apparel Magic
- Retek
- Consulting
- Trends Analysis
Timeline
Dynamic Founder and Creative Director
FUNDAMENTAL COAST
01.2018 - Current
VP of Sales and Merchandising
HOWE, LLC
01.2011 - 01.2017
Senior Account Executive
UNION/SEATTLE PACIFIC INDUSTRIES
01.2011 - 11.2011
Creative Director
SOVEREIGN CODE, INC
01.2010 - 01.2011
Men's Contemporary & Premium Denim Buyer
NORDSTROM
01.2001 - 01.2010
Assistant Sportswear Buyer
NORDSTROM
01.1998 - 01.2001
Assistant buyer Private label and Polo Ralph Lauren
NORDSTROM
01.1997 - 01.1998
Regional Merchandise Manager
NORDSTROM
01.1996 - 01.1997
Department Manager
NORDSTROM
01.1994 - 01.1996
Studio Arts / Business -
SACRAMENTO STATE UNIVERSITY