Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Interests
Timeline
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Generic

James Ontko

Scottsdale,USA

Summary

Knowledgeable Representative with comprehensive background in customer service and client relations. Consistently recognized for resolving complex issues and improving customer satisfaction. Demonstrated ability in fostering positive client interactions and maintaining high service standards.

Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Fashion and Accessory Designer

James Ontko (Self)
03.2017 - Current
  • Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Used Adobe Creative Suite to edit images for use in marketing materials and website content.
  • Obtained approval of concepts by submitting rough drafts to management or to client.
  • Leveraged industry knowledge and emerging trends to build innovative messaging and bring design concepts to fruition.
  • Negotiated with vendors to procure high-quality materials for marketing collaterals, staying within budget constraints.
  • Elevated user experience by redesigning navigation flow of company's main product website.
  • Transformed client ideas into compelling visual concepts, ensuring their vision was accurately brought to life.
  • Conducted user research to identify pain points, leading to more intuitive interface.
  • Created sketches and technical drawings to present design concepts to clients.
  • Identified design requirements for each project.
  • Analyzed feedback from customers and staff to refine design concepts.
  • Applied skill in color theory and composition to bring client visions to fruition.
  • Prepared detailed reports on design progress and performance.
  • Researched and implemented innovative design techniques and strategies to reduce production costs.
  • Produced high-quality mockups for client approval during the iterative design process, saving time on revisions later down the line.
  • Presented creative solutions to client challenges, resulting in high levels of client satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.
  • Analyzed user behavior and feedback to optimize design and user experience.
  • Streamlined design processes, resulting in increased efficiency and faster project completion times.

Fragrance Expert

Penhaligon’s
10.2016 - 12.2016
  • Demonstrated products to help customers make purchasing decisions on perfumes and fragrances.
  • Utilized well-honed interpersonal and people skills to approach customers, engaging in conversation to promote products.
  • Applied extensive knowledge and training on perfume and scent products to educate prospects and customers.
  • Provided detailed experience and traveled to NYC US headquarters to learn immerse myself in the oldest English fragrance brand and take my knowledge back to Aventura, FL and train new employees on the existing fragrances as well as their exclusive and high end brand new line of fragrances by the name of "Portraits".


Director of Retail Operations, Marketing, Product Procurement

9273Originals
08.2017 - 02.2019
  • Product Development and one of a kind Fashion Designer, Seamstress and Personal Perfumer for Clients. Procurement of Art and Home Furnishings as well as an Executive for 9273Originals a division of The Fervor LLC.

Fashion Consultant/GM (temp contract)

Centro39
05.2015 - 10.2015
  • Maximized brand sales by leveraging opportunities for upselling additional clothing items, shoes, and accessories.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction, providing bespoke wardrobe audits that identified and filled key gaps.
  • Developed lasting relationships with clients, leading to increased repeat business and loyalty.
  • Facilitated workshops on personal branding and style, empowering individuals to use fashion as tool for professional advancement.
  • Coordinated with fellow consultants on team projects to deliver comprehensive styling solutions for high-profile clients or special events.
  • Transformed client images with personalized styling solutions, leading to increased self-confidence and professional opportunities.

Women's Designer Specialist

Barneys New York
05.2014 - 05.2015
  • Developed innovative design concepts for improved brand recognition and customer engagement.
  • Produced high-quality mockups for client approval during the iterative design process, saving time on revisions later down the line.
  • Presented creative solutions to client challenges, resulting in high levels of client satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.
  • Streamlined design processes, resulting in increased efficiency and faster project completion times.
  • Analyzed user behavior and feedback to optimize design and user experience.

Sales Associate

Christian Dior
01.2013 - 05.2014
  • Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
  • Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
  • Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
  • Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
  • Maintained daily requests and researched personalized looks for elite clientele of the brand.
  • Educated myself through departmental materials provided regarding the fine jewelry and watches of the brand.
  • Organized private viewings and transferred one of a kind pieces of different metals and stones as well as educated the client On each piece to romance the item. Knowledge of every individual method from design to construction to the sourcing of each individual component is key for items of any price range but more so for something so personal as fine jewelry.
  • Organized surprise gifts for clients and their significant other yet remaining anonymous .
  • Created stunning yet understated in-store and window displays while adhering strict company standards
  • Exceeded every monthly sales goal set by corporate office in NYC
  • Treated every person that walked into the door as so,done special and individual and gave the same in depth and personal customer service to each and every client

Visual Merchandiser (contract 1 month)

Active Capital LTD
06.2011 - 06.2011
  • Managed mannequin styling, ensuring alignment with current fashion trends and company branding guidelines.
  • Worked with store managers to implement new displays, promotions and store layout changes.
  • Trained and supervised junior team members in visual merchandising techniques for consistent brand presentation across the store.
  • Revamped store layout to improve customer flow and overall shopping experience, resulting in better customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Assisted with special event planning and execution, incorporating creative visual elements to enhance the overall atmosphere and support promotional objectives.
  • Coordinated with marketing team to create cohesive in-store promotional materials for special events and sales campaigns.
  • Increased customer traffic through effective window displays that showcased new products and promotions.
  • Created interior displays to promote products in alignment with corporate sales objectives.
  • Managed aesthetically pleasing displays to showcase company products and increase sales.
  • Enhanced store sales by creating visually appealing and strategically placed product displays.
  • Enhanced overall store appearance by applying careful consideration to product and display locations.
  • Created engaging POP displays that effectively promoted high-margin items, increasing impulse purchases from customers.
  • Supervised and trained team of merchandising associates, verifying accuracy and efficiency in work processes.
  • Managed installation of visual merchandising displays, urging team to with speed and accuracy.
  • Partnered with store personnel during remodels or relocations to ensure seamless transition of visual merchandising elements into new spaces.
  • Developed planograms based on best-selling products, optimizing merchandise visibility and accessibility for shoppers.
  • Facilitated workshops on visual merchandising techniques, sharing best practices with peers and enhancing team skills.
  • Led team in complete store redesign, which was met with positive customer feedback and noticeable uplift in sales.
  • Managed visual merchandising budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or impact.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by providing personalized styling advice and product recommendations.
  • Enhanced brand visibility by integrating digital elements into traditional displays, engaging tech-savvy audience.

Personal Assistant/General Manager Events

Jose Jhan Designs
04.2008 - 03.2010

Freelance Representative Orlane Skincare and VBeaute Skincare at Cos Bar Aspen, CO

Orlane Skincare and VBeaute Skincare
  • Freelance representative at Cos Bar Aspen for Orlane Skincare and Vbeaute Skincare hosting special events.

Visual Merchandiser (seasonal) for Ermenegildo Zegna. Bal Harbor, FL.

Ermenegildo Zegna
  • Contracted as visual merchandiser for holiday windows in Ermenegildo Zegna Bal Harbor, FL as needed.

Corporate Operations Coordinator

Elements for Women LLC
04.2006 - 03.2008
  • Collaborated with area managers to evaluate needs and optimize operational plans.
  • Led successful projects from conception to completion, achieving objectives on time and within budget constraints.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients, maintaining open lines of communication to promote loyalty and retention.
  • Boosted productivity by establishing effective communication channels between departments.
  • Maximized resource utilization by monitoring staff schedules and allocating tasks.
  • Streamlined operations by implementing efficient processes and procedures.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations, keeping accurate records and managing audits as required.
  • Implemented troubleshooting, root cause analysis and issue resolution.
  • Provided direction and guidance to internal teams in order to achieve targets.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving issues in a timely manner and providing exceptional support.
  • Oversaw day-to-day operations of large teams across several sites.
  • Coordinated logistics activities including transportation arrangements, warehousing solutions, customs clearance documentation.
  • Contributed to the development of departmental policies and procedures ensuring consistency across the organization.
  • Worked with vendors to make purchases and reconcile invoices.
  • Optimized operational efficiency, coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing competitive pricing for goods and services.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
  • Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.
  • Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.

Visual Manager

Starboard Cruise Services
10.2003 - 06.2005
  • Increased visual impact and sales [Number]% through optimal arrangement of mannequins, fixtures, walls and tables.
  • Developed innovative visual merchandising strategies that drove foot traffic and boosted overall store performance.
  • Managed analytical reports to identify and track sales activities and customer trends.
  • Enhanced customer experience by creating visually appealing and organized store layouts.
  • Created instructional kits, campaign storyboards and merchandising plan-o-grams using [Software].
  • Assisted in planning and executing seasonal promotions to maximize revenue opportunities during peak periods.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions on product placement and display strategies.
  • Managed window displays and in-store promotional materials, contributing to strong brand identity and increased customer interest.
  • Maintained a visually engaging environment, ensuring brand consistency across all marketing materials.
  • Improved store aesthetics by overseeing updates such as paint color selections, lighting installation, or fixture changes.
  • Designed appealing merchandise displays to attract customers to store, increasing foot traffic [Number]%.
  • Utilized [Software] to create company floor plans, maintaining consistent visual standards.
  • Coordinated with merchandising department to support release and product allocation dates.
  • Conducted weekly walkthroughs with store leadership teams to assess areas for improvement in presentation standards and provide constructive feedback for continuous enhancement of the store environment.
  • Monitored competitor activities, adapting visual merchandising strategies as needed to maintain a competitive edge within the market.
  • Trained new employees on visual merchandising techniques, encouraging professional growth and development.
  • Successfully met or exceeded company KPIs related to visual merchandising, contributing to overall business growth and performance.
  • Kept abreast of industry trends through research and participation in relevant trade shows or conferences, applying learnings from these events within the store''s visual merchandising strategies.
  • Coordinated with vendors for timely delivery of products, ensuring efficient stock replenishment processes.
  • Implemented creative solutions to address space limitations while maintaining an impactful visual presence.
  • Collaborated with the sales team to optimize product placement, resulting in increased sales.
  • Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
  • Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
  • Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
  • Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
  • Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
  • Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
  • Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
  • Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
  • Traveled to each of the ships in my fleet (Carnival, The World, Seabourne, Seven Seas, and Silver Seas) on a weekly basis depending on where they were positioned in the world.
  • Extremely logistical and organized to ensure new builds were met before the date necessary to board.
  • Travelled to either Finland or Italy to execute the full build out, design, and execution of all visual displays.
  • Worked side by side with luxury jewelry and timepiece brands and give them my personal guarantee and attention to detail as required by each of the companies.

Education

BS - Industrial Design

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
01.1996

Skills

  • Strategic Planning
  • Operations Management
  • Logistics
  • Product Development
  • Process Improvement
  • Research
  • Goal-oriented mindset
  • Budegting
  • Extensive travel
  • Product Procurement
  • Customer support
  • Customer relations
  • Data entry proficiency
  • Client relationship building
  • Client services
  • Staff training
  • Records management
  • Paperwork processing
  • Client service
  • Sketching Designs
  • Creating individual personalized designs

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 12 staff members.
  • Collaborated with team of 20 in the development of new and exisexisting cruise ships
  • Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.

Languages

Spanish
French
English

Interests

  • Sharing travel tips, recommendations, and insights with fellow enthusiasts
  • Documenting and sharing travel experiences
  • Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
  • Backpacking and Hiking
  • Food Tourism
  • Historical Exploration
  • Adventure Travel
  • Road Trips
  • Enjoy creating and following travel blogs and vlogs
  • Train Travel

Timeline

Director of Retail Operations, Marketing, Product Procurement

9273Originals
08.2017 - 02.2019

Fashion and Accessory Designer

James Ontko (Self)
03.2017 - Current

Fragrance Expert

Penhaligon’s
10.2016 - 12.2016

Fashion Consultant/GM (temp contract)

Centro39
05.2015 - 10.2015

Women's Designer Specialist

Barneys New York
05.2014 - 05.2015

Sales Associate

Christian Dior
01.2013 - 05.2014

Visual Merchandiser (contract 1 month)

Active Capital LTD
06.2011 - 06.2011

Personal Assistant/General Manager Events

Jose Jhan Designs
04.2008 - 03.2010

Corporate Operations Coordinator

Elements for Women LLC
04.2006 - 03.2008

Visual Manager

Starboard Cruise Services
10.2003 - 06.2005

Freelance Representative Orlane Skincare and VBeaute Skincare at Cos Bar Aspen, CO

Orlane Skincare and VBeaute Skincare

Visual Merchandiser (seasonal) for Ermenegildo Zegna. Bal Harbor, FL.

Ermenegildo Zegna

BS - Industrial Design

Arizona State University

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • 2011
  • Real Estate History Miami/Dade:
  • Personal Assistant Bryan Halda, Vice President Gray and Associates;
  • Social Media Manager Honorable Robert Keith Gray Founder Gray & Associates;
  • Operations Management Massimo Nicastro South Beach Estates

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