Edwin Acuna

Professional Experience

Owner / Director of operations
Erased Project – [Los Angeles, CA]
January 2016 – December 2024

As the Owner and Business Manager of Custom Threads Apparel, I was fully responsible for overseeing every aspect of the company’s operations. From strategic planning and financial management to daily operations and team leadership, I worked to ensure the business operated efficiently while maintaining the highest ethical standards. With a focus on growth, sustainability, and community engagement, I guided the company to profitability, enhanced operational efficiency, and a strong brand reputation.

• Leadership & Management: Directed daily operations for a mid-sized clothing company with an annual revenue of $2 million, ensuring seamless integration and collaboration across all functional departments. Managed production, inventory, sales, marketing, and customer service while aligning all activities with the company’s long-term strategic goals. I worked directly with department heads to solve operational challenges, implement company-wide initiatives, and maintain a consistent workflow. My leadership was characterized by a hands-on approach, clear communication, and an emphasis on accountability.
• Financial Oversight & Budget Management: Spearheaded the development and management of all financial aspects of the business, including detailed budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. I maintained close control over cash flow, ensuring the business remained financially healthy and profitable. By identifying cost-saving opportunities and maximizing resource allocation, I was able to sustain profitability through changing economic conditions. I worked with external accountants and advisors to prepare quarterly financial statements, analyze trends, and make data-driven decisions to guide the company’s financial strategy.
• Strategic Planning & Growth: Developed and executed long-term strategic plans that adapted to evolving market trends, consumer preferences, and economic factors. I carefully monitored industry developments, identifying opportunities for growth while mitigating risks. My approach balanced business innovation with ethical business practices rooted in Catholic values. Decisions related to product development, market expansion, and new revenue streams were made with a clear focus on sustainability and responsible growth.
• Team Leadership & Development: Led a diverse team of 10+ employees, fostering a collaborative, respectful, and highly productive work environment. I took a proactive role in recruitment, training, and development, ensuring that staff were equipped with the skills needed to meet the company’s objectives. I implemented performance evaluation systems to provide constructive feedback and drive individual and team performance. Recognizing and rewarding employee contributions were central to maintaining high morale and reducing turnover, all while maintaining an inclusive culture aligned with Christian principles of respect and dignity.
• Client & Vendor Relationships: Established and nurtured strong, long-term relationships with key clients, suppliers, and distributors. I negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, ensuring fair trade practices, competitive pricing, and on-time delivery, while also adhering to ethical sourcing standards. My approach focused on collaboration and mutual respect, ensuring both sides could benefit from solid partnerships. By maintaining open lines of communication and consistently meeting or exceeding expectations, I enhanced client satisfaction, resulting in long-term loyalty and repeat business.
• Marketing & Brand Strategy: Developed and led all aspects of the company’s marketing efforts, including digital advertising, social media campaigns, and community outreach initiatives. I created targeted marketing strategies that resonated with our core customer base and upheld the company’s Christian values. From crafting the brand’s voice to developing promotional materials, I ensured all messaging was aligned with ethical practices, responsibility, and respect for our customers. I worked closely with the marketing team to evaluate campaign effectiveness, adjusting strategies to optimize results and drive revenue.
• Customer Service Excellence: Instituted a customer-first philosophy, ensuring that customer feedback and concerns were treated with the highest level of priority. I developed and maintained systems for addressing customer inquiries, complaints, and returns in a timely, empathetic manner. By creating clear communication channels and feedback loops, I was able to consistently improve both the products and services offered. This approach contributed to a significant increase in customer satisfaction and retention, as well as positive word-of-mouth referrals.
• Risk Management & Legal Compliance: I managed the identification and mitigation of various business risks, including financial, operational, and legal risks. I implemented processes and policies that adhered to all local, state, and federal regulations, ensuring that the business remained in full compliance with relevant laws. From safety protocols to labor laws, I took proactive steps to reduce risk exposure. I also ensured that the company’s business practices aligned with Catholic ethical standards, focusing on integrity, honesty, and respect for human dignity in all dealings.
• Business Transition & Exit Strategy: After seven years of successful business ownership, I developed and implemented a structured exit strategy, carefully managing the transition to new ownership. This included conducting valuations, preparing financial documents, negotiating terms, and ensuring that employees were supported throughout the transition. The exit strategy was designed to ensure a smooth handover of operations, maintain key client relationships, and protect the business's reputation. Through careful planning and attention to detail, I ensured that the business continued to thrive post-sale.