Innovative founder with background in launching successful startups across diverse sectors. Demonstrated strengths include strategic planning, team leadership, and problem-solving. Notable for creating significant impact in previous work through innovative product development and business growth strategies. Skilled at fostering partnerships, securing funding, and driving operational efficiency.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder/Product Owner
Appalachian Naturals, LLC
Goshen, MA
03.2005 - Current
Developed and implemented comprehensive business and marketing plans to launch the company.
Oversaw product lifecycle from conception to launch, including beta testing and post-launch analysis.
Conducted market research to identify user needs and incorporate feedback into product development.
Created and managed the company's financial budgeting, forecasting, and reporting systems.
Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers for optimal pricing structure.
Developed strategic initiatives to increase market share and revenue growth.
Conducted regular reviews of existing processes to identify areas of improvement.
Responded promptly to customer inquiries or complaints regarding products or services.
Provided leadership support during times of organizational change or uncertainty, specifically during the pandemic.
Fostered a positive company culture that encourages teamwork, innovation, and excellence.
Implemented customer feedback loops to gather insights and improve product and service offerings continually.
Conducted comprehensive market research to identify unmet needs and opportunities for new business ventures.
Oversaw all aspects of operations including product development, marketing, sales, customer service and finance.
Created and implemented a business HACCP Food Safety plan, and trained employees in all aspects of food safety and sanitation practices in a thermal processing food facility.
Recruited, hired and trained staff members to ensure that operational goals were met.
Designed a 1,200-square-foot bottling room and warehouse, coordinated contractors' projects and schedules, and managed all licensing requirements and inspections.
Built a brand over 20 years that is currently distributed as far west as Idaho, and as far south as Kentucky.
Ensured compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the business operations.
Negotiated and closed deals with suppliers, clients, and other key stakeholders to optimize operational efficiency.
Optimized supply chain to reduce materials costs and improve distribution.
Developed long-range plans for business growth, resulting in increase in annual sales.
Improved profitability by accurately maintaining P&L to meet prime fiscal responsibility.
Drove revenue by cultivating successful client relations.
Founder/Restaurant Owner
Crossroads Cafe & Tavern, Inc.
Joshua Tree, CA
10.1998 - 10.2003
Developed and implemented comprehensive business and marketing plans to launch the company.
Created a menu consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, along with an entire beer and wine menu, smoothie bar, and espresso bar.
Recruited and managed a staff of 22 employees.
Coordinated weekend live music with the entertainment manager.
Created and implemented a HACCP food safety plan, and trained employees in all aspects of food safety and sanitation in a ready-to-eat food establishment.
Oversaw all aspects of operations, including inventory management, purchasing, receiving, and quality control.
Developed and managed systems to operate administrative tasks, such as budgets, payroll, and tax preparation.
Established policies and procedures for efficient workflow management.
Conducted regular reviews of existing processes to identify areas of improvement.
Responded promptly to customer inquiries or complaints regarding products or services.
Provided leadership support during times of organizational change or uncertainty.
Conferred with staff to coordinate activities, resolve problems and discuss issues.
Managed crises and unexpected challenges, ensuring minimal impact on business continuity (specifically the impact of 9/11 on the food industry)
Fostered a positive company culture that encourages teamwork, innovation, and excellence.
Program Director
Woodswomen, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN
03.1994 - 02.1998
Conducted needs assessments and developed program objectives for a 25-year-old adventure travel program for women and children.
Recruited, hired, and trained entry-level outdoor guides and instructors in all areas of outdoor education.
Led national and international adventure travel trips as a senior guide.
Worked closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors in strategic trip planning, budgeting, marketing, and fundraising.
Developed and implemented a gear inventory management system.
Developed and implemented a gear repair and maintenance schedule so that packs, climbing gear, skis, boats, and cooking equipment were kept in optimal working condition.
Hired and managed interns in all aspects of operating a non-profit organization.
Taught outdoor wilderness safety clinics at the University of Minnesota.
Education
WEMT & WFR - Wilderness EMT & WFR Certification
SOLO WILDERNESS SCHOOL
Conway, NH
10-1992
Bachelor of Science - Geology
St. Lawrence University
Canton, NY
05-1992
High School Diploma -
Milton Academy
Milton, MA
05-1988
Skills
Project Management
Quality Assurance
Business strategy
Planning and coordination
Time management abilities
Problem-solving abilities
Entrepreneurial leadership
Marketing
Operational Efficiency
Product Development
Reliability
Risk Management
Supply Chain Management
Brand Development
Strategic business planning
Defining company vision
Multitasking
Accomplishments
Athletic accomplishments in high school include: varsity soccer (captain and mvp), varsity alpine ski racing (captain), varsity cycling (captain), varsity track& field
Athletic accomplishments prior to high school: 1984 Junior Olympics/Alpine Ski Racing/NHARA-placed in top 15 along with future Junior world champion and future USA Olympian Krista Schmidinger
Leadership awards in high school and college
CISA-Local Hero Award for developing a business in the Pioneer Valley that helps sustain local food and agriculture