Michael D. Robinson
Northbrook
Summary
Legal advisor and consultant with extensive experience at Robinson Group, specializing in business development and mergers. Proven expertise in contract negotiation and change management, successfully leading a hand sanitizer start-up during the pandemic. Achieved significant cost reductions and enhanced operational efficiency through strategic initiatives.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Legal Advisor & Consultant
The Robinson Group
07.2019 - Current
- Provided legal and financial counsel to businesses from start-up to $40M revenue, focusing on business development, organizational design, marketing, and customer relations.
- Guided organizations through labor and service issues, intellectual property, and trademark contract reversals and renewals.
- Led customer care and organizational functions as interim executive during mergers and acquisitions, ensuring seamless transitions.
- Implemented technology programs and trainings, achieving 50% reduction in payroll costs through cross-training and outsourcing.
- Identified a need for economical hand sanitizers for corporations and distributors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and led the start-up of a hand sanitizer company; negotiated pricing and agreements with manufacturers, managed transportation and storage, developed website, and oversaw the e-commerce team.
Chief Operating, Financial, & Strategy Officer
Happy Lobster LLC
Chicago
04.2017 - Current
- Grew the company from one truck to three trucks and two restaurant locations and increased sales by $1.75M by ensuring five-star service and the highest-quality products; company is rated as the #1 food truck and one of the top three lobster rolls in Chicago, including fine dining restaurants.
- Secured financing for additional food trucks and expanded menu offerings to quick-service food courts in downtown Chicago.
- Collaborated with entrepreneurs to conduct market research and develop business and employee strategies for lobster food truck in greater Chicago area.
Interim Chief Operating Officer
Matthew Christopher Inc.
St. Charles
06.2018 - 04.2019
- Recruited to oversee the turnaround of an upscale bridal house and e-commerce organization, with a focus on increasing customer retention and improving supplier relationships.
- Oversaw full P&L for sales, marketing, operations, and service, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
- Developed growth and retention plans that turned the business around from a $300K loss to a profit, culminating in the successful sale of the business to an independent party.
- Revamped operations, marketing, strategic partnerships, and website to drive business development.
- Implemented operational improvements, including real-time inventory information, shipping and arrival calendars, and enhanced communication processes, resulting in a 10% increase in stock orders.
President & Chief Operating Officer
Lobster Gram International LLC
Chicago
06.2006 - 03.2017
- Developed strategic plans that accelerated growth and profitability while streamlining customer service and reducing expenses.
- Renegotiated loans and lender agreements that resulted in a 10% interest savings and brought the organization from a significant revenue loss to a profit of $250K.
- Built brand recognition by collaborating with QVC to introduce products to new audiences and conduct 'on-air' sales; increased sales by $6M.
- Introduced new categories of business, including B2B, cruise ships, and travel destinations, that increased sales by $1M.
- Analyzed internal processes and outsourced customer call center and non-critical functions; generated $500K in savings while retaining excellent customer service.
- Led the conversion from a proprietary computer system to an open architecture platform that allowed full integration of all hardware and software peripherals.
- Implemented improved technology and training that reduced payroll costs by 50% and improved employee satisfaction.
- Redesigned marketing infrastructure and implemented new product plans based on market research insights.
Consultant & Legal Advisor
Michael D. Robinson & Associates Inc.
- Provided consultative and legal services to seven organizations with sales between $1M and $10M, focusing on business development, marketing strategies, and customer acquisitions to enhance brand value.
- Served as interim senior executive during acquisitions and mergers, ensuring smooth transitions and strategic alignment.
- Facilitated opening of two retail locations, significantly increasing market presence and accessibility.
Director
Rubin Brothers Inc. & Union Line
Chicago
- Developed vision and strategy to enhance sales, elevate brand recognition, and improve employee satisfaction.
- Boosted sales by 50% while streamlining operations and creating new business silos.
- Led transformation of underperforming business to address sales shortfalls.
Executive Vice President
Nemesis
Chicago
- Streamlined financial reporting system, led budget creation, implemented cost reductions, and introduced new product line, resulting in $250K revenue turnaround in 18 months.
- Led strategic initiatives to align company goals with market trends.
- Developed and implemented high-level operational policies for efficiency.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to drive organizational change.
- Developed financial plan to enhance revenue and manage expenses.
President
Urban Living II
Kansas City
- Grew business by $2M+ in two years.
- Managed development, operations, training, and purchasing to streamline processes and improve service delivery.
- Negotiated partnerships with local artisans and growers to diversify product offerings.
- Developed urban market and floral distribution retail/wholesale concept to enhance community engagement.
Executive Vice President & Co-Founder
Victor Casio & Associates
Leawood
- Generated over $1M in funding by presenting compelling business plans to potential investors for a start-up computer keyboard firm.
- Defined target markets and developed comprehensive market positioning, branding, and pricing strategies to drive competitive advantage.
- Advised start-up organizations on management strategies, leadership training, strategic planning, and operations to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Executive Vice President
King Louie International Inc.
Grandview
- Led company transition from public to private, established new brands and markets, and increased sales from $5M to $40M.
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to define business objectives and priorities.
- Oversaw cross-functional teams to execute corporate strategies and projects.
- Advanced through roles at largest bowling apparel manufacturer and third-largest bowling center chain in U.S.
Education
Juris Doctorate - Business & Finance
Washburn University
Topeka, KSBachelor of Arts - Education & Human Resources
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KSSkills
- Legal advising proficiency
- Contract negotiation
- Regulatory compliance
- M&A expertise
- Change management strategies
- Business development
- Retention strategies
- Revenue growth initiatives
- Budget management
- Vendor management
- Start-up management
- E-commerce
- Team development
Affiliations
- Attorney, Supreme Court of Kansas, Court of Appeals
- Board of Directors, The Cove School
- Adjunct Faculty, Johnson County Community College
Certification
Certified Incentive Professional, National Premium Sales Executives
Advanced Training
- Master of Law Program, Employment & Labor Law, University of Missouri-Kansas City Law School
- Financial Accounting for the Non-Financial Executive, Wharton School of Business
Timeline
Legal Advisor & Consultant
The Robinson Group
07.2019 - Current
Interim Chief Operating Officer
Matthew Christopher Inc.
06.2018 - 04.2019
Chief Operating, Financial, & Strategy Officer
Happy Lobster LLC
04.2017 - Current
President & Chief Operating Officer
Lobster Gram International LLC
06.2006 - 03.2017
Consultant & Legal Advisor
Michael D. Robinson & Associates Inc.
Director
Rubin Brothers Inc. & Union Line
Executive Vice President
Nemesis
President
Urban Living II
Executive Vice President & Co-Founder
Victor Casio & Associates
Executive Vice President
King Louie International Inc.
Juris Doctorate - Business & Finance
Washburn University
Bachelor of Arts - Education & Human Resources
University of Kansas