Rick Mason
Versailles,KY
Summary
Versatile, dynamic professional with experience in higher education recruiting and national account footwear sales. Proven track record in relationship building across a wide variety of clients, successfully launching new footwear programs and increasing graduate enrollment. Adept at program management, with a strong focus on achieving revenue growth, training and development and client satisfaction.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Professional Recruiting
UK Gatton College of Business and Economics
02.2019 - 10.2024
- Recruited graduate students for five specialty MS programs (Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Human Resources and Supply Chain Management)
- Launched MS Marketing and MS in Strategic Human Resource Management and Analytics programs during my tenure and grew both programs to over 30 students per semester.
- Developed understanding of five different programs and career opportunities for graduates.
- Established rapport with a very diverse cohort of students ranging from traditional "four + one" students to international students.
- Mentored and advised students on career searches during a position vacancy.
- Increased Part-time MBA recruiting for one season while the MBA position was vacant.
Vice President-Sales
Mercury International Trading Corp.
11.2016 - 03.2018
- Sold design, development and sourcing services to major footwear brands. Managed projects from conception to delivery.
- Worked with major retailers to build private label product to enhance their margins.
- Priced projects to deliver profitable business to the company.
Director of National Accounts
Rocky Brands
02.2014 - 11.2016
- Strengthened strategic partnerships with major clients (Bass Pro, Academy Sports), securing long-term contracts and revenue growth.
- Managed promotions and promotional budget for Bass Pro.
- Secured major account private label business for Rocky's owned factories.
Key Account Director
Harbor Footwear
02.2010 - 02.2014
- Grew G.H. Bass & Co. business from $3.5 to $5 million with accounts across the midwest including DSW, Shoe Carnival and Genesco.
- Launched Izod in the territory adding $1 million to volume.
Director National Accounts
Tommy Hilfiger Footwear
04.2002 - 06.2009
- Managed $20 million women's footwear business in national accounts, making up 90% of the division profit.
- Liquidated the inventory 60 days ahead of target when Hilfiger took the license in house.
Various Roles
Nike, Inc.
05.1987 - 12.2001
- Director National Accounts-JC Penney 2 years
- Director Sales Training and Development 3.5 years
- Regional Sales Operations Manager 3.5 years
- Territory Sales Manager 5 years
Education
Bachelor of Science - Economics
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KYMBA -
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KYSkills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Program management
Timeline
Director of Professional Recruiting
UK Gatton College of Business and Economics
02.2019 - 10.2024
Vice President-Sales
Mercury International Trading Corp.
11.2016 - 03.2018
Director of National Accounts
Rocky Brands
02.2014 - 11.2016
Key Account Director
Harbor Footwear
02.2010 - 02.2014
Director National Accounts
Tommy Hilfiger Footwear
04.2002 - 06.2009
Various Roles
Nike, Inc.
05.1987 - 12.2001
Bachelor of Science - Economics
University of Kentucky
MBA -
University of Kentucky
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