James Marano
Chelsea,AL
Summary
Visionary team leader and customer/client-oriented professional with over 25 years of experience in working independently and collaboratively with team to build relationships, drive sales, and mold and direct company initiatives. Self-motivated, results-driven leader adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills and commercial awareness.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder and President
Marano Foods
Chelsea, AL (Est. Newport Beach, CA) Trymaranos.com
04.2018 - Current
- Identified opportunity, developed business plan, and launched successful startup venture.
- Devised organizational, vision, mission, and foundational structure to facilitate product roll-out.
- Developed award-winning recipes and implemented concept to completion processes to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Established production and distribution facility, oversaw hiring, training, and formulated company-wide policies.
- Implemented effective marketing and media campaigns to drive outset and ongoing sales, and improve brand awareness.
- Approved and negotiated contracts with distributors, suppliers, and cross-promotion brands.
- Developed long-range plan for business growth; i.e. specialty food stores, grocery, and gift retailers (currently selling in 22 states.) Managed set-up in a variety of e-commerce platforms.
Senior Management Consultant
Maynard Consulting Services, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
05.2015 - 01.2018
- Provided strategic advice to executive-level clients on organizational development and process improvement.
- Assisted in developing campaign strategies, through direct advocacy and coalition building.
- Speech writing, copywriting, and event planning.
- Public relations, marketing, including press releases and media pitching.
- Facilitated workshops with senior leadership teams to identify areas of concern and develop action plans.
- Designed customized solutions to address complex problems in the areas of finance, marketing, operations and human resources.
- Analyzed data, identified trends and developed strategies to improve operational efficiency.
Merchandising and Fulfillment Director
Sidney A. Seidenberg Management
New York, NY
09.1996 - 04.2015
- Director of merchandising and fulfillment for prominent music talent management firm.
- Collaborated with A-list talent recommending and assisting in design production of concert merchandise and memorabilia.
- Coordinated with international event managers to ensure timely delivery and accurate inventory of concert-specific merchandise.
- Extensive world travel.
- Developed and provided detailed reports to management teams on delivery status, venue sales, and returned goods.
- Monitored incoming and outgoing material and ensured proper documentation as required by customs regulations.
- Negotiated contracts with worldwide carriers for optimal rates and services, as well as researched new shipping methods to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
- Tracked inventory levels, replenished stock, and maintained excellent records.
Education
Economics
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJBusiness Administration
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJSkills
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Corporate and Creative Writing
Communication and Flexibility
Commercial Awareness
Sales and Marketing
Quickbooks MS Office
Affiliations
- Dramatists Guild Member, NYC
- International Wine & Food Society
- United States Tennis Association Member
Accomplishments
- Marano Foods awarded "Best Pasta Sauce Brand - USA" by LUXlife Magazine's 2022 Food & Drink Awards.
Timeline
Founder and President
Marano Foods
04.2018 - Current
Senior Management Consultant
Maynard Consulting Services, Inc.
05.2015 - 01.2018
Merchandising and Fulfillment Director
Sidney A. Seidenberg Management
09.1996 - 04.2015
Economics
Rider University
Business Administration
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey