Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Robert Metz

Sherman Oaks,CA

Summary

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
Robert Metz