Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Prior Jobs - Description
Summary - About Me
Accomplishments
Affiliations
References
Websites
Timeline
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Cindy Pepe

Cindy Pepe

Manorville,NY

Summary

Professional with 15 years of experience in decorated apparel and promotional products. Specializes in screen printing, embroidery, and production management. Skilled in production software including T-quoter and Sage, as well as graphic design tools like Adobe Illustrator. Demonstrated success in creating effective sales strategies and building strong business partnerships.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

COO, CEO, Partner

495 Apparel and Promotional products
01.2019 - Current
  • I have 2 partners in this business, however I have run it myself.
  • I have done all sales, procurement, most graphic art, pickup and delivery.
  • I have developed programs for seasonal concessions for Fire Island National Seashore, Jones Beach and Robert Moses Beach.
  • I have also sourced promotional products for many years.
  • I have well established contacts within the industry.
  • I have purchased through Ali Baba, ASI, Sage and all of the large apparel distributors.

CEO COO

Cutting Edge Apparel & Promotions
Las Vegas, NV
01.2000 - 01.2014
  • I opened this decorated apparel business 2000.
  • We did quite well in the competitive market in Las Vegas NV.
  • Many of our customers were in UT. Zion and Bryce Canyon concessions.
  • Collaborated with marketing teams on campaigns aimed at increasing brand visibility in target markets.
  • Represented the organization at conferences, events, and networking activities as needed.
  • Managed executive team members to ensure successful execution of projects in a timely manner.
  • Maintained open communication channels between departments to maximize efficiency and productivity.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure competitive pricing for goods or services.
  • Overseen the daily operations of the organization and ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Implemented technological solutions designed to improve operational effectiveness.
  • Directed long-term research initiatives to identify new markets for growth opportunities.
  • Developed and implemented strategic business plans to increase company profitability.
  • Introduced innovative approaches that improved efficiency while reducing costs.
  • Analyzed market trends and customer data to inform decision-making processes.
  • Recruited, trained, mentored, and managed employees at all levels within the organization.
  • Cultivated relationships with external organizations to build partnerships that benefited both parties.
  • Developed strategies for improving customer service standards throughout the company.
  • Facilitated board meetings and provided leadership guidance to senior management.
  • Reviewed current systems and processes regularly for potential improvements or upgrades.
  • Created and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, government agencies, and other industry partners.
  • Implemented strategic offerings to enhance company's suite of products and services.
  • Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.
  • Leveraged trends in customer industries and marketplaces to shape solutions and approaches.
  • Strategized and implemented plans to transform and revitalize operations, capitalizing on emerging industry trends.
  • Drove revenue by cultivating successful client relations.
  • Developed long-range plans for business growth, resulting in increase in annual sales.
  • Optimized supply chain to reduce materials costs and improve distribution.
  • Fostered collaboration and development of new practices by business leaders.
  • Executed on-time, under-budget project management to adhere to project road map.
  • Oversaw technological improvements, successfully reducing waste and eliminating business bottlenecks.
  • Improved profitability by accurately maintaining P&L to meet prime fiscal responsibility.
  • Signed and approved budgets for new funding and program initiatives.
  • Acted as a liaison between internal teams and external stakeholders such as customers or partners.
  • Led efforts in creating an effective internal communications plan among different departments.
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to achieve organizational objectives.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing business operations.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
  • Participated in development of new products, services through collaboration with marketing, R&D teams.
  • Evaluated existing systems and processes for effectiveness then proposed changes where necessary.
  • Assisted in budgeting process by evaluating costs and allocating resources appropriately.
  • Managed day-to-day operations of organization including staff management, scheduling, customer service.
  • Built relationships with industry leaders both internally and externally to create new opportunities for growth.
  • Conducted research, analyzed data, and developed reports for senior leadership team.
  • We had many successful years.
  • We closed this business in 2014 to be a stay at home Mother.
  • Analyzed market trends and assessed potential impact on organization's growth strategy.
  • Maintained productive relationships and communication channels across organization.
  • Led organizational development changes, enabling organization to better respond and adapt to industry and market changes.
  • Maximized profits through reducing expenditures and evaluating prices.
  • Developed operational policies and processes, guaranteeing staff maintained compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations.
  • Monitored outcome measures, program outcomes and performance improvement.
  • Reviewed, analyzed and interpreted financial statements.
  • Managed relationships with partners and vendors to align with company goals.
  • Coordinated major project initiatives from planning through to execution, ensuring timely completion.
  • Monitored market trends to guide strategic operational adjustments.
  • Ensured all operations complied with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Developed and refined short- and long-term strategies to drive growth and profitability.
  • Spearheaded the development and integration of operational best practices.
  • Fostered an environment of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and efficiency.
  • Implemented effective solutions to resolve operational problems and mitigate operational risks.
  • Enhanced operational systems, processes, and best practices for greater efficiency.
  • Acted as a primary liaison between the company and external stakeholders.
  • Drove performance measures for the operation, including a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
  • Led strategic planning and execution to enhance profitability and company growth.

Contract Sales and Marketing Associate

Newscorp
01.2006 - 01.2008
  • Company Overview: Phillip Morris Marketing
  • I did contract sales during this time.
  • Most of my customers with Cutting Edge still purchased from me.
  • I also worked part time as an outside marketing associate for Phillip Morris through News Corp.
  • I won an award while working at this job.
  • I was the # 1 employee of the year for the Southwest area.
  • Phillip Morris Marketing

Education

High School Graduate -

Dixie High School
St. George, UT
06-1982

Skills

  • Excellent negotiating and communication skills
  • Problem solving
  • Customer relationship management
  • Contract negotiation
  • Relationship building
  • Strategic partnerships
  • International business
  • Operations management
  • Business development
  • Cost savings and reduction
  • Quality control planning
  • Self motivation
  • Industry expertise
  • People and management skills
  • The ability to pivot and find other solutions
  • Multitasking and time management
  • Computer programs and graphic artwork

Prior Jobs - Description

Prior to my career in the branded apparel & promotional product industry, I worked mostly in the restaurant industry as a server and an Assistant Manager of a Golden Coral Restaurant. I also performed with a band 2-3 nights a week in the Las Vegas and Southern UT Ski resorts. All of my prior jobs were directly in customer service and finding solutions. I enjoy making the job easy for the buyer. I do my research and go in prepared. This has helped to define my Sales capabilities.

Summary - About Me

I have 15+ years in experience in all things Decorated Apparel and Promotional Products. My first job in this business was a startup which gave me the opportunity to learn every job within the decorated apparel field. I have screen printed and have run embroidery machines. This gives me a unique advantage in knowing what type of print works best on certain fabrics, and all of the do's and don'ts of embroidery. This has been an invaluable education. I have hands-on experience in screen printing, embroidery, sales, pricing, ordering, inventory, production management and sourcing promotional products. I have worked with production software such as T-quoter, ASI and Sage. I have skills in Microsoft software. I have been the primary graphic artist for my company 495 Apparel. I am well versed in art software, such as Canva, Shutterstock and Adobe Illustrator.

Accomplishments

  • awarded while working for Phillip Morris through Newscorp.

Affiliations

  • I have been involved in music performance starting in my teens. I am currently writing and recording music. It is a fun hobby and does not interfere with my work. I have 4 Children My Son is a Captain in the USMC. I have 14 year old twin girls attending high school. I enjoy exercise and weight lifting. Cooking.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

COO, CEO, Partner

495 Apparel and Promotional products
01.2019 - Current

Contract Sales and Marketing Associate

Newscorp
01.2006 - 01.2008

CEO COO

Cutting Edge Apparel & Promotions
01.2000 - 01.2014

High School Graduate -

Dixie High School