Jamie Russo
Northport,NY
Summary
Respected and highly talented sales professional with 20+ years of experience in the junior & missy wholesale market. Adept at leveraging persuasive communication and a fearless approach to successfully pitch new lines, secure client loyalty, and forge authentic relationships. Ability to thrive independently in high volume, fast paced environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sales Director
Blue Planet International - Dakota Blue
New York, NY
08.2023 - Current
- Launched Dakota Blue, an elevated junior denim line, resulting in new partnerships with Kohl's, Macy's, Tilly's, Beall's & Kroger within 3 months.
- Build relationships and partnerships with key accounts and target accounts through regular monthly travel.
- Contribute to the entire process of sourcing, design, marketing and materializing the product line.
- Collaborate with mills and factories to optimize line costs through established relationships.
- Develop and implement strategic sales plans to increase customer base and ensure customer retention.
- Conducted market research to identify industry trends, pricing strategies and competitive landscape.
- Direct all aspects of the sales cycle from initial contact through successful closure of deals.
- Identify areas for improvement within the organization's existing processes and procedures.
- Monitor competitor activities in order to anticipate changes in the marketplace.
- Create reports summarizing monthly performance results against established goals.
- Research industry trends in order to adapt product portfolio accordingly.
President of Sales
4Whatitsworth Global Sourcing - Rewash Jeans
New York, NY
09.2005 - 08.2023
- Experienced steady growth from a position in product development to ultimately becoming President of Sales for the years 2016-2023.
- Handled a portfolio of retail partnerships generating $90M in annual revenue. Retailers including Kohl's, Macy's, JCPenney, Marmaxx, Belk, Beall's, Charlotte Russe, Kroger, Tilly's, Zumiez, Forever 21, Fashion Nova.
- Managed private label brands for JCPenney Arizona, Kohl's Lauren Conrad, and Tilly's RSQ besides overseeing the Rewash junior brand.
- Cultivated valuable relationships with retailers, fabric mills, and factories.
- Contributed to the implementation of sustainable practices at Rewash.
- Developed and implemented strategic sales plans to increase market share and profitability.
- Coached sales team on best practices for prospecting, account management, negotiations and closing deals.
- Identified emerging trends in the marketplace through research and analysis of competitive activity.
- Coached, developed and motivated team to achieve revenue goals.
- Led sales planning, development and account management to grow existing accounts and establish new sales accounts.
- Supported sales team members to drive growth and development.
Product Development Manager
Jones NY - Gloria Vanderbilt
New York, NY
09.2001 - 09.2005
- Managed private label brands for major retailers including Walmart, Kohl's, and JCPenney.
- Created trim sheets and managed approval processes from Fit stage to TOP stage.
- Collaborated with sales president, design team, and product team to meet account requirements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY06-2001
Skills
- Networking and relationship building
- Revenue Generation
- Brand Development
- Problem-Solving
- Competitor Analysis
- Market Trend Analysis
- Brand Marketing
- Effective Communication
- Self Motivation
- Brand-building strategies
Certification
- Certified Meditation Teacher - Meditation training & practice has allowed me to cultivate stronger relationships through empathy & understanding, and maintain a balanced sense of well-being in both personal & professional spheres.
Timeline
Sales Director
Blue Planet International - Dakota Blue
08.2023 - Current
President of Sales
4Whatitsworth Global Sourcing - Rewash Jeans
09.2005 - 08.2023
Product Development Manager
Jones NY - Gloria Vanderbilt
09.2001 - 09.2005
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Merchandising
Fashion Institute of Technology
- Certified Meditation Teacher - Meditation training & practice has allowed me to cultivate stronger relationships through empathy & understanding, and maintain a balanced sense of well-being in both personal & professional spheres.
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