Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Core Competencies
Professional Development
Timeline
Generic

Kim Cole

Mechanicville

Summary

Accomplished Product Specialist with extensive experience supporting luxury and premium products, with a career anchored at Silhouette Optical – a global leader in premium eyewear design and innovation. Recognized for translating sophisticated product features into powerful sales strategies that resonate with discerning customers. Expertise spans launch coordination, immersive training of sales and customer care teams, and execution of high-visibility brand initiatives at international trade shows and industry events. Proven collaborator who drives alignment across marketing and sales to uphold brand integrity, market leadership, and customer satisfaction.

Work History

Senior Product Specialist

Silhouette Optical LTD
  • Company Overview: Silhouette is an international leader in premium eyewear design and manufacturing, renowned for its minimalist aesthetic, technological innovation, and handcrafted Austrian quality. https://www.silhouette-group.com/
  • Spearheaded product launch coordination across North America, ensuring the rollout of innovative rimless and full-rim collections aligned with Silhouette’s brand philosophy of lightness, elegance, and design precision.
  • Designed and delivered in-depth product training programs for sales representatives and customer care teams, fostering expertise in frame materials, lens technology, and luxury positioning to elevate customer consultations and brand loyalty.
  • Provided in-field support through strategic ride-alongs with sales reps, empowering them to effectively communicate product benefits, optimize in-store visual merchandising, and enhance retailer partnerships.
  • Led preparation and on-site execution for Vision Expo and premier optical industry events, orchestrating immersive brand experiences that reinforced Silhouette’s reputation as a market innovator and design leader.
  • Developed comprehensive sales kits, and training resources, equipping the North American sales force with tools to confidently engage discerning customers and drive revenue growth.
  • Acted as a trusted liaison between product development, marketing, and sales teams, and delivering strategic insights to influence future collection designs and go-to-market initiatives.
  • Contributed to Silhouette’s mission of redefining eyewear aesthetics by ensuring every product touchpoint – from training to trade shows – reflected the brand’s commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless style.

Store Manager

J.Crew
  • Managed daily operations of a premium retail store, leading teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences and achieve sales targets in alignment with J.Crew’s elevated brand standards.
  • Recruited, trained, and developed sales staff to uphold product knowledge excellence and customer engagement best practices.
  • Directed merchandising execution and inventory control, creating an inviting, conversion-focused environment reflective of the brand’s aspirational aesthetic.
  • Analyzed performance metrics to drive strategies that increased transaction value and customer loyalty while optimizing profitability through effective cost controls and operational compliance.

Account Relations Manager

FairPoint Communications
  • Managed and grew a portfolio of small to enterprise business accounts with a focus on service utilization, satisfaction, and retention.
  • Served as the primary client liaison, coordinating escalations and delivering tailored voice and data solutions to align with customer objectives.
  • Conducted reviews and presented service enhancements to drive account growth, collaborating with internal teams to ensure seamless implementation and support.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Marketing

The College of Saint Rose
Albany, NY
06-1992

Skills

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Virtual Training & Presentation Tools
  • Project & Event Management Platforms

Core Competencies

  • Premium Product & Launch Execution
  • Luxury Brand Training & Sales Enablement
  • High-Impact Presentation & Communication
  • Sales Support, Documentation & Resources
  • Project & Program Management
  • Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration
  • Organizational Excellence & Process Improvement

Professional Development

Continuous training in luxury product presentation, sales enablement, and customer experience best practices, with a deep specialization in premium eyewear fashion and international brand strategy.

Timeline

Senior Product Specialist

Silhouette Optical LTD

Store Manager

J.Crew

Account Relations Manager

FairPoint Communications

Bachelor of Arts - Marketing

The College of Saint Rose
Kim Cole