John Doe
Honolulu
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive expertise in financial and operational management, recognized for a strong track record of leading high-performing teams and executing strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth. Proven ability to direct cross-functional projects, resulting in significant process improvements and enhanced operational efficiencies. Exceptional leadership and communication skills foster collaborative environments that inspire teams to achieve impactful results. Committed to leveraging analytical insights and innovative strategies to optimize performance and support business objectives.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director/CEO
Kai Kiholo
11.2017 - 02.2024
- Created a plan for a new company to service select corporate customers, including the development of a unique premium Hawaiian made wholesale apparel and accessories collection. The plan included the opening of a retail store to showcase the wholesale collection and to attract corporate clients. Concurrently also expanding further into other specialty internet retailing. Involved in all key details of the business, including sales, proposals and contracts, design, manufacturing, and final product delivery. Responsible for all day-to-day administrative functions of the business, most notably accounting and finance.
- Created a new apparel product line which entailed product development/design, raw material sourcing, and Hawaii manufacturing.
- Executed direct sales to key corporate customers, including creating, negotiating, and executing the final contract agreement.
- Directed the sales of the wholesale collection, including trade show participation, and successfully placed the collection in key department stores and specialty stores in Japan and California.
- Designed, constructed, and merchandised a premium retail store on a minimal budget befitting to the brand goals and targeted customers.
- Executed a grass roots marketing program which resulted in local and international exposure for the business, in print publications and the web.
- Designed & executed multiple retail websites including kiholokai.com & amosokotomoridesigns.com.
- Created and managed targeted online sales venues for specialty collector items.
- Established and maintained a cloud-based enterprise platform most notably for our retail point of sale, website management, order fulfillment, and inventory management.
- Created in-house warehousing and cutting facilities.
- Managed the capital needs of the business based upon projections and actual results.
- Managed the accounting and HR functions of the business.
- Executed specialty business consulting projects.
- Kiholo Kai is a new start-up company to service specialty clients, primarily in premium apparel and custom online sales, utilizing Hawaiian manufacturing and foreign raw materials sourcing. In 2018, the company began servicing corporate clients through traditional wholesale channels and by creating retail online sales channels for the clients. In the summer of 2019, the company expanded into its own wholesale apparel collection developed for specialty apparel stores targeting clients in Japan and California. In the fall of 2019, the company opened a retail location in Hawaii and a retail website to sell its wholesale collection.
President
Spooner Reyn
01.2015 - 07.2017
- Assisted in the marketing and oversaw the sale of the companies from a California private equity company to a private investment group including all aspects of due diligence. Oversaw the comprehensive retail, ecommerce, and wholesale functions associated with the Reyn Spooner collection. Supervised the business activities and performance throughout the design, product development, sourcing, manufacturing, sales, merchandising, planning, marketing, ecommerce, and product licensing. Partnered with the VP of Finance to develop operational budgets and Board/monthly/weekly reports for the investment group and initiate POS, ecommerce, and ERP transition plans. Executed specific Board business plans, to transform the business to a new direction, including relocating the main office in Honolulu, relocating the distribution/warehousing to California from Hawaii, transitioning out of in-house Hawaii manufacturing to independent contractors, downsizing Hawaii personnel, and recruiting personnel for the new California warehouse. Maintained key Hawaii business relationships in banking, accounting, legal matters, human resources, and other critical areas.
- Steered the successful transition of a financial-based Board to an actively participating private Board geared towards a national business expansion model.
- Successfully relocated the office and distribution/warehousing facilities in Honolulu, to new remodeled offices in downtown Honolulu and distribution/warehousing facilities in both Los Angeles and Honolulu.
- Recruited new talent for the company in design, retailing, and key sales management positions. This included creating detailed job descriptions for the new/replacement positions.
- Opened new retail outlets in Oahu, Kauai, & the Big Island, with below-market improvement costs. This included negotiating lease terms for the new locations.
- Recruited new talent for the company in design, retailing, and key sales management positions. This included creating detailed job descriptions for the latest/replacement positions.
- Opened new retail outlets in Oahu, Kauai, & the Big Island, with below market improvement costs. This included the negotiation of lease terms for the new locations.
- Initiated new retail/product partnerships in the islands to help drive sales in the stores and online. Products included collaborations with known Hawaiian brands & icons.
- Closely managed inventory at all segments of the business to minimize the need for large liquidations.
- Transitioned the in-house Hawaii manufacturing to a contract-based model to reduce cost.
- Personally assisted employees displaced during the transition in finding new employment.
- Reyn Spooner is a Heritage Hawaiian company with over 70 years of history in the Islands and abroad. The company designs, manufactures, wholesales, and retails a Hawaiian-inspired premium apparel and accessories collection highlighted by its signature Aloha shirt. The company markets and sells its products through its own retail distribution throughout the islands, as well as department and specialty stores in the U.S. and abroad from its wholesale division. Reyn Spooner also distributes internationally online through its own successful website and select online retailers. At the peak, company had 30 million in gross sales from wholesale, twelve retail stores and a retail website. A special licensing partnership was initiated in Japan to further expand the brand into Asia. Since 2014, the company operates as a subsidiary under a private investment group.
Chief Executive Officer
Spooner Reyn
01.2009 - 12.2014
- Promoted to CEO during a challenging one-year business decline, replacing a Private Equity board placed professional. Executed the Private Equity Board’s plan to transform the business from a family-based operation on the Big Island, to downsized facilities in Honolulu with a new Honolulu, Hawaii based management team recruited internally. Strategically executed a rebranding process for the company to attract new younger and affluent customers to the company on a national scale, including new product lines and retail store concepts. Oversaw the comprehensive retail, ecommerce, and wholesale functions associated with the Reyn Spooner collection. Supervised the business activities and performance throughout the design, product development, sourcing, manufacturing, sales, merchandising, planning, marketing, ecommerce, and licensing. Partnered with the newly recruited CFO to develop operational budgets and Board/monthly/weekly reports and installed a new ERP system.
- Successfully transitioned from a founder/family based entrepreneurial structure into a more corporate and Board-led model that prioritized and executed Board goals to promote growth.
- Recruited, trained, and installed a new management and operational team in Honolulu, after downsizing and relocating the main office from Kamuela, HI to Honolulu, HI. Personally assisted displaced employees to find new employment.
- Introduced the new “Modern Aloha” collection as part of the rebranding process with successful interest on an international scale, targeting a more youthful affluent customer.
- Introduced a new Retail store concept, including the rebranding of the Reyn’s stores to Reyn Spooner. The new concept would highlight the new collection and attract new customers, while retaining existing ones. As a highlight, the flagship Ala Moana store was successfully rebranded, relocated, and downsized with favorable lease terms.
- Developed and managed a strict product development, product forecasting, and line planning calendar to align retail, wholesale, and ecommerce business functions.
- Located and partnered with new sourcing partners in Asia to develop new product lines.
- Streamlined and simplified the retail business model to focus on company branded products.
- Initiated the collaboration business model, to partner with other heritage or fashion brands for sales and marketing success.
- Directly managed the ecommerce business for steady large year over year growth with little capital investment.
- Managed and negotiated a licensing arrangement with the key recognized Japanese trading company for the Japanese market.
- Worked closely to the Board to successfully market the business to new investors, at the end of their investment cycle.
- Reyn Spooner is a Heritage Hawaiian company with over 70 years of history in the Islands and abroad. The company designs, manufactures, wholesales, and retails a Hawaiian inspired premium apparel and accessories collection highlighted by its signature Aloha shirt. The company markets and sells its products through its own retail distribution throughout the islands, as well as department and specialty stores in the U.S. and abroad from its wholesale division. Reyn Spooner also distributes internationally online through its own successful website and select online retailers. At the peak, company had 30 million in gross sales from wholesale, twelve retail stores and a retail website. A special licensing partnership was initiated in Japan to further expand the brand into Asia. Since 2014, the company operates as a subsidiary under a private investment group.
Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer
Spooner Reyn & No Ka Oi Producers
01.1990 - 12.2008
- Promoted to Vice President to oversee operational details of the wholesale and manufacturing companies, and the overall business matters at retail. Partnered closely with the founding family and the external board to optimize the business functions and the structure of the company for sales growth with minimal capital investment. Developed and managed new Licensing collections which increased overall company sales over 100%. Optimized the sourcing and manufacturing process. Guided and partnered with the retail team to assure successful accomplishment of budgeted goals. Supervised the day-to-day business activities and performance throughout including product design, sourcing, manufacturing, wholesale sales, merchandising, planning, ecommerce, and licensing collection. Partnered with the CFO to develop operational budgets and Board/monthly/weekly reports and developed a custom ERP system for wholesale and manufacturing.
- Managed the highest sales, margins and profitability experienced by companies.
- Increased sales over 100% at wholesale due to the introduction of the high margin licensing collection.
- Optimized and automated made in Hawaii and U.S.A. manufacturing operations, while later introducing offshore manufacturing for gross margin increases of over 10%.
- Oversaw a staff of over 150 employees at the peak, including manufacturing and distribution/warehouse employees. Actively participated in employment activities, including goal setting, coaching, recruiting, downsizing, terminations, and resolving conflict with the HR Manager.
- Oversaw artwork and product development for licensing and collaboration collections.
- Guided retail business operations with the retail team including financial management, personnel, and lease negotiations.
- Developed in-house a profitable retail ecommerce site in 1996, with steady annual growth.
- Created a new independent retail venue for inventory liquidations. The liquidations process transitioned from a historical loss scenario to a profitable process.
- Managed the IT department including designing and directing a custom internal ERP system for all manufacturing and wholesale operations and selecting, implementing, and managing new POS systems for the retail stores.
- Created a detailed cost accounting system for manufacturing and wholesale.
- Managed third party audit, taxation and reporting needs with the CFO and the CPA firm.
- Managed and participated actively in all HR functions with the CFO & HR Manager.
- Became the sole non-family minority owner of Reyn Spooner due to performance awards.
- With the CEO, oversaw the process to help the Family in succession planning, and successfully divested the company to third party investors. Prepared the company for sale, including the development of offering memorandums, long-term investment scenarios, and presentation to interested parties.
- Hired by the new investor group in 2008 as a sole former executive to help execute their investment goals with the company.
- Reyn Spooner is a Heritage Hawaiian company with over 70 years of history in the Islands and abroad. The company designs, manufactures, wholesales, and retails a Hawaiian inspired premium apparel and accessories collection highlighted by its signature Aloha shirt. The company markets and sells its products through its own retail distribution throughout the islands, as well as department and specialty stores in the U.S. and abroad from its wholesale division. Reyn Spooner also distributes internationally online through its own successful website and select online retailers. At the peak, company had 30 million in gross sales from wholesale, twelve retail stores and a retail website. A special licensing partnership was initiated in Japan to further expand the brand into Asia. Since 2014, the company operates as a subsidiary under a private investment group.
Controller
Spooner Reyn
01.1988 - 12.1989
- Directed the accounting department with retail, wholesale, and manufacturing companies. Reported to the CFO, and established GAAP based policies and procedures. Developed a cost accounting and pricing system, which helped increase wholesale margins by 10% in two years. Oversaw the IT systems, including the revamping of the POS, legacy information systems, and the introduction of personal computers with a wide area network to the business. Reviewed the personnel policies and handbook, and revised policies to bring the company up to date. Reviewed the overall business operations to help optimize profitability and efficiently primarily in the retail and wholesale operations.
- Reyn Spooner is a Heritage Hawaiian company with over 70 years of history in the Islands and abroad. The company designs, manufactures, wholesales, and retails a Hawaiian inspired premium apparel and accessories collection highlighted by its signature Aloha shirt. The company markets and sells its products through its own retail distribution throughout the islands, as well as department and specialty stores in the U.S. and abroad from its wholesale division. Reyn Spooner also distributes internationally online through its own successful website and select online retailers. At the peak, company had 30 million in gross sales from wholesale, twelve retail stores and a retail website. A special licensing partnership was initiated in Japan to further expand the brand into Asia. Since 2014, the company operates as a subsidiary under a private investment group.
Senior Accountant, Audit Department
Deloitte & Touche
09.1984 - 12.1987
- Utilized a system-based approach to examine and report on the financial statements of audit clients, with a specialization towards manufacturing. Managed the field operations, including work scheduling and staffing of client engagements. Assess internal controls and account procedures of clients. Operate and teach specialized computer audit software. Supervise Staff and Assistant Accountants. Conducted client seminars on accounting and tax issues. Assisted in management consultant projects. Hired initially as an Assistant Accountant, and later promoted to Staff and Senior Accountant. Larger clients included Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts/C. Brewer, Hawaiian Airlines, Heide and Cook and The County of Hawaii.
- D&T is a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and advisory services, with an industry focus.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Emphasis in Accounting
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CASkills
- Collaborative strategic planning
- Analytical decision-making
- People management
- Operations management
- Project management
- Team management
- Budget management
- Organizational development
- Financial reporting
- Contract and vendor management
- Business administration
- Facilities management
- Financial analysis
Certification
- Development
- Clemson University; Pendleton, SC
- College of Commerce and Industry
- Apparel Manufacturing
- Short Cycle Manufacturing
LANGUAGES
Conversational
Japanese
Confidential Candidate Report on
- John Doe
- November 2025
Timeline
Director/CEO
Kai Kiholo
11.2017 - 02.2024
President
Spooner Reyn
01.2015 - 07.2017
Chief Executive Officer
Spooner Reyn
01.2009 - 12.2014
Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer
Spooner Reyn & No Ka Oi Producers
01.1990 - 12.2008
Controller
Spooner Reyn
01.1988 - 12.1989
Senior Accountant, Audit Department
Deloitte & Touche
09.1984 - 12.1987
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Emphasis in Accounting
University of San Francisco