JOHN S. OLSEN
Cranston,USA
Summary
Dedicated leader with over 25 years of comprehensive management and logistics experience in the jewelry and giftware manufacturing industry. Capacity to develop high end branded products domestically for successful manufacture overseas and distributed to national retailers. Demonstrated ability to train, manage, and motivate team members to achieve organizational objectives. Vast experience with overseeing every aspect of development as it pertains to getting correct, quality product manufactured per stringent specifications and on time. Expert communication, interpersonal and multi-tasking skills.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Product Development Operations
UNCAS INTERNATIONAL / CRIMZON ROSE ACCESSORIES
04.2010 - 02.2018
- Customers included: Walmart, Target, JCP, Big Lots, CVS, Rite Aid, Dollar General, Meijer, Steinmart, BonTon, Macy’s, etc.
- Also, management of all operations pertaining to the fairly new giftables division (2015-2018)
- Oversee all in-house product development decisions re. specs, samples, costing, pricing etc.
- Have solely developed large lines of decorative drinkwares, tote bags, stationary sets, tech accessories, wooden frames, plaques, and art, plush throws, pillows, clothing, etc.
- Work closely with 23+ factories in China; traveling there 2-3 times/yr; spent 3 months here in 2016
- Interface closely with design, product development, merchandising, sourcing etc.
- Constantly involved in manufacturing feasibility, ease, quality assurance, and social compliance
- Brands have included Rebecca Minkoff, Erickson Beamon, Rachel Zoe etc.
- Have managed up to 24 employees
- Thorough knowledge of manufacturing and troubleshooting
- Budget and deadline oriented style of operations management
Owner
WORLDWIDE PRODUCTS INC.
01.2001 - 01.2010
- Developed product from design concept to finished product, including mechanical drawing.
- Manufactured metal components necessary to complete crystal and table top products.
- Exported metal parts overseas for assembly to crystal and packaging for retail in the USA.
- Produced all seasonal samples for factories in Asia.
- Insured quality, fit, and on time delivery of product developed in USA and produced overseas.
- Sourced eight crystal factories in Germany and Czech Republic.
- Developed and sourced product for the following companies:
- Reed & Barton
- Nambe
- Waterford Crystal
- Lenox China
- Harvey Lewis Designs
- Gorham Silversmiths
Plant Manager
ARCHER MANUFACTURING INC.
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Developed a work environment within manufacturing that promoted trust, teamwork quality and safety.
- Ensured adherence to safety policies and procedures.
- Empowered workforce, built teams, assigned accountability, hired, evaluated, trained and coached over 20 employees.
- Accountable for the controllable costs and capital execution of the plant.
Owner
JOHN S. OLSEN CO.
01.1988 - 01.1997
- Owned and managed high volume, diversified, broad based jewelry manufacturing company
- Provided sterling silver and base metal products for Sears, Banana Republic, Walmart, Macy’s, etc.
- Recruited, hired, and trained staff of 25 employees
- Worked with numerous vendors locally, nationally and internationally
- Marketed company at trade shows
- Increased sales by ensuring client satisfaction
Education
Certified - Computer Aided Design
Community College of RI
Warwick, RIundefined
RISD
Providence, RISkills
Strategic Planning
Operations Management
Training & Development
Lean Manufacturing
Distribution & Transportation
Procurement & Inventory Control
Sourcing
Regulatory Compliance
Budgeting & Cost Reduction
Additional Information
2024-Present Aura Accessories/Arden Jewelry
Consultant on new product categories. Specialized accessories, new manufacturing processes and developing factories
Timeline
Director of Product Development Operations
UNCAS INTERNATIONAL / CRIMZON ROSE ACCESSORIES
04.2010 - 02.2018
Owner
WORLDWIDE PRODUCTS INC.
01.2001 - 01.2010
Plant Manager
ARCHER MANUFACTURING INC.
01.1998 - 01.2001
Owner
JOHN S. OLSEN CO.
01.1988 - 01.1997
Certified - Computer Aided Design
Community College of RI
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RISD