Experienced business leader with demonstrated strategic planning, business development, problem-solving and team-building abilities. Successful at hiring and training staff to handle customer and business needs. Strong background in both hybrid and remote environments.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Consultant
ROBERT METZ & ASSOCIATES
Los Angeles, CA
01.1990 - Current
Generated incremental sales for clients by creating new products and collections.
Developed branding and/or licensing programs for manufacturers and retailers.
Work closely with clients to identify their needs, challenges, and provide practical solutions.
Designed a training program and assisted in company management in strategic and tactical improvements for retailers in e-commerce, brick-and-mortar, and TV shopping.
Re-merchandised one retail client’s product assortment, resulting in 2-year sales growth of 150%.
Past clients have included QVC, Inc., Ultra Diamonds, Helzberg Diamonds, Richline, World Gold Council, Leo Wolleman, Inc., Charles & Colvard, Inc. (creators of Moissanite), CleanOrigin.com, and many others.
Vice President of Merchandising & Marketing
SIMON GOLUB & SONS, INC.
Seattle, WA
01.2007 - 01.2008
Increased total sales 28% and corresponding net profit increases
Mentored a staff of 10, including a director of merchandising, buyers, assistant buyers, inventory management personnel, product photographer, graphic artists, and clerical personnel
Created new print media as a cooperative advertising vehicle with retail customers
Developed successful proprietary product in cooperation with the Diamond Information Center (N.W Ayer) and various materials suppliers
Negotiated substantially more favorable pricing and terms with all vendors of jewelry and advertising materials
Extensive experience in foreign markets, China, Hong Kong, Spain and others as noted previously
Director of Jewelry and New Product Development
SHOP AT HOME NETWORK (SCIRPPS MEDIA)
Nashville, TN
01.2003 - 01.2005
Complete responsibility for all merchandising and marketing efforts in jewelry for this $300 million (annual volume) TV shopping business.
Hired, trained, and developed a staff of 12 buyers, assistants, and clerical workers.
Increased jewelry sales from $40 million annually to $105 million during the term of employment.
Brought recognized TV personalities to the network associated with new brand product lines. One such program generated the highest unit sales volume in the network's history.
President
JEWELONLY.COM
New York, NY
01.1999 - 01.2000
Reported to the Chairman of the Board of this internet start-up
Supervised all aspects of web development, merchandising, HR, marketing, etc
Assisted the board in raising additional operating capital
Vice President of Merchandising & Marketing
SILVERMAN’S FACTORY JEWELERS
El Paso, TX
01.1995 - 01.1996
Developed and implemented all purchasing and inventory systems.
Moved all advertising, marketing, and PR creative in-house and supervised the same.
Increased sales by 42% with no increase in advertising costs.
Hired, trained, and managed a staff of 10.
Oversaw the selection of merchandise for stores in multiple locations.
Director of Jewelry
CVN
Minneapolis, MN
01.1988 - 01.1990
Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
Promoted a culture of innovation and encouraged staff to contribute ideas.
Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and procedures.
Traveled domestically and internationally for trade shows and to acquire the best products and terms on gold and gem products.
Foreign experience in India, Thailand, Israel, Italy, etc.
Director of Jewelry (Guild Division)
STERLING INC. (SIGNET)
Akron, OH
01.1986 - 01.1988
Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
Managed crisis situations to minimize impact on operations and reputation.
Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
Took this division to profitability in 18 months.
Education
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
Gemological Institute of America
Santa Monica, CA
Skills
Financial Performance Analysis
Strategic Marketing Tactics
Strategic Business Oversight
Workplace Negotiation
Cost Optimization
Program Design and Execution
Team Oversight
Employee Development
Contract Management
Partnership Development
Operations Management
Team Leadership
Financial Planning
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Networking Skills
Sales Strategy Development
Clear Written Communication
Proficient in Contract Negotiation
Project Management
Strategic Marketing
Brand Development
Licensing
Customer Relations
Microsoft Office
Excel
Word
PowerPoint
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Vice President of Merchandising & Marketing
SIMON GOLUB & SONS, INC.
01.2007 - 01.2008
Director of Jewelry and New Product Development
SHOP AT HOME NETWORK (SCIRPPS MEDIA)
01.2003 - 01.2005
President
JEWELONLY.COM
01.1999 - 01.2000
Vice President of Merchandising & Marketing
SILVERMAN’S FACTORY JEWELERS
01.1995 - 01.1996
Owner/Consultant
ROBERT METZ & ASSOCIATES
01.1990 - Current
Director of Jewelry
CVN
01.1988 - 01.1990
Director of Jewelry (Guild Division)
STERLING INC. (SIGNET)
01.1986 - 01.1988
Ohio State University
Gemological Institute of America
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