Cycling, Travel, Reading, Nutrition
Joe Krafka
Long Beach,CA
Summary
A results driven leader with a track record of creating value and driving growth in highly competitive apparel market niches. Ideally suited for CEO, President, or Division President roles, combines strategic vision, operational excellence, passionate leadership, excelling at optimizing distribution channels while developing strong company culture.
First hand experience in the due diligence process for both an IPO and M&A transactions.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO / Managing Partner
AMO Denim
Los Angeles, CA
03.2021 - Current
- Following acquisition in 2021 promptly re-organized product assortment, improved domestic production costs and lead-times, stabilized business operations, creating a platform for growth.
- Initiated new marketing and advertising campaign to launch online direct to consumer sales channel and stimulate and create new interest from wholesale clientele.
- Business has grown 4x in five years since take-over with a healthy 60%/40% revenue split between wholesale and online sales channels.
- Directed strategic vision and growth initiatives to enhance brand positioning within competitive denim market.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making frameworks to optimize operational efficiency and profitability margins.
CEO / Managing Partner
Nation LTD
Los Angeles, CA
01.2016 - 11.2025
- Complete reorganization of company from product line, internal operations, personnel, sales and rebranding in highly competitive market niche.
- Within initial eighteen months successfully reduced overhead by 30%, cut seasonal expenses by 36%, increased gross margins by 10%, and driving b2c increase x5 prior monthly avg.
Brand Director
EVER clothing
Los Angeles, CA
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Orchestrated the re-launch of lifestyle brand after 3year hiatus. Achieved sales of $3.0m in initial 12months placing product in top retailers: Fred Segal, Shopbop, Revolve, Equinox, Four Seasons Resorts, and limited Bloomingdales locations. Responsible for all product concepts, production, sales, marketing, and distribution.
Division Director
AG Jeans
South Gate, CA
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Directed launch of contemporary men’s & women’s sportswear product lines for established jeans manufacturer. Initiated and executed strategies for targeted sales and marketing plans for division and repositioning of company as a lifestyle brand. Division produced $19m in total revenue during tenure with an avg. 45% growth ea year and increasing avg. gpm to 76%.
President / Partner
T Luxury Apparel
Costa Mesa, CA
01.2004 - 01.2010
- Created better contemporary women’s knit and related sportswear line targeting specialty boutique market with collection of simple sophisticated basics. Successfully distributed product to top retailers including Barney’s Co-Op, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus – Cusp, Anthropologie, Ron Herman, Scoop as well as key International retailers in Japan, Germany, and Canada. Recognized by Vogue in “Top Ten: T-shirts” Nov 2006.
President / Partner
Red Tiger Trading
Los Angeles, CA
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Created multi product line incubator utilizing shared infrastructure of sales, sourcing & production, general office operations and warehouse distribution. Developed four unique companies (EVER, Capital Tailors, Michelle Jonas, & T) providing comprehensive oversight to different brand concepts and respective product strategies. Placed lines in target retailers: Barney’s, Sak’s, Neiman Marcus, Ron Herman, Louis Boston, Scoop, Selfridges, Lane Crawford and more.
President
EARL JEAN
Los Angeles, CA
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Facilitated company’s growth and pioneered the premium denim market. Responsible for daily operations, product, personnel, merchandising, and sales management with showrooms in LA, NY, Atlanta, London, Toronto, & Tokyo driving growth to $40m during tenure. Worked closely with M&A firm The Sage Group through preparation, due diligence and eventual sale to Nautica Enterprises. 2001.
VP Production & Merchandising / Officer
Mossimo Inc.
Irvine, CA
01.1988 - 01.1998
- One of original founders of brand, held numerous positions and responsibilities throughout 10-year service with the company. Significantly impacted organizational growth to level exceeding $100million in revenue and helped facilitate successful IPO in Feb 1996 as an officer of the company.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness and drive organizational growth.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Varsity Crew, Big C Society
University of California, Berkeley
1988
Skills
- Leadership
- Brand Management
- Product and Sourcing
- Leadership and Team Building
- Clarity and Communication
- Organizational agility and efficiency
- Analytical and critical thinker
- Mergers and acquisitions
Interests
Timeline
CEO / Managing Partner
AMO Denim
03.2021 - Current
CEO / Managing Partner
Nation LTD
01.2016 - 11.2025
Brand Director
EVER clothing
01.2013 - 01.2016
Division Director
AG Jeans
01.2010 - 01.2013
President / Partner
T Luxury Apparel
01.2004 - 01.2010
President / Partner
Red Tiger Trading
01.2002 - 01.2004
President
EARL JEAN
01.1998 - 01.2002
VP Production & Merchandising / Officer
Mossimo Inc.
01.1988 - 01.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Varsity Crew, Big C Society
University of California, Berkeley