RON LADIN
Deerfield,IL
Summary
National Sales Leader with 20+ years of experience driving multi-million-dollar revenue growth across licensed and non-licensed consumer goods. Proven track record of managing national retail accounts, building high-performing sales teams, and developing strategic partnerships. Expertise in forecasting, budgeting, product development, and licensing, with consistent success exceeding revenue targets.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
National Sales Manager
The Memory Company
Phenix City, AL
12.2024 - Current
- Lead national sales strategy for licensed and private label product lines across hydration, glassware, and housewares
- Manage key retail accounts including Dick's Sporting Goods, Kohl's, JCPenney, AutoZone, Family Dollar, Dollar General, and HomeGoods
- Develop new strategic accounts while growing existing multi-million-dollar business
- Own forecasting and budgeting across monthly, quarterly, and annual cycles
- Serve as liaison between licensing partners, retailers, and production teams
- Represent company at trade shows and lead seasonal line reviews
- Oversee closeout sales strategy across off-price retail channels
National Sales Director
Prime Brands Group
Brooklyn, NY
05.2022 - 12.2024
- Directed national sales across licensed and non-licensed consumer electronics product lines
- Managed and developed an 8-person sales team across brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and team channels
- Led expansion into collegiate and leased operator accounts including Follett, Barnes & Noble College, and Alumni Hall
- Oversaw relationships across NFL, MLB, NHL, and NCAA licensed product categories
- Owned forecasting, budgeting, and reporting for executive leadership and ownership
- Spearheaded new business development initiatives and national account growth
- Managed off-price channel strategy and inventory liquidation efforts
Vice President, Sales
J. America Sportswear / Top of the World (TOW)
Chicago, IL
04.2000 - 05.2022
- Built retail sales division from zero to a top 5 collegiate apparel producer as ranked by Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC)
- Led national sales strategy across department stores, sporting goods retailers, and mid-tier accounts
- Managed and developed a team of sales representatives, driving consistent revenue growth
- Oversaw key licensing partnerships, including development of a single-source licensing model with The Ohio State University
- Collaborated on product development across men's, women's, and youth apparel lines
- Drove incremental revenue through new product introductions, including eco-sustainable apparel initiatives
- Directed account management strategy, merchandising, pricing, and margin negotiations
- Maintained strong relationships with major retail and wholesale partners
- Partnered with sourcing and operations teams to ensure execution of production and shipping goals
- Monitored market trends and adjusted sales strategies to maximize growth opportunities
Founder/Owner
RBL, Inc.
Chicago, IL
01.1997 - 01.2000
Regional Vice President
Crable Sportswear
Chicago, IL
01.1994 - 01.1997
West Coast Regional Sales Director
Apex One
Hermosa Beach, CA
01.1992 - 01.1994
Education
B.A. - Journalism/Public Relations
Eastern Illinois University
Skills
- National Account Management
- Sales Leadership
- Licensing & Retail Partnerships
- Revenue Growth Strategy
- Forecasting & Budgeting
- Product Development
- Team Leadership
- Off-Price Channel Management
- Trade Shows & Line Reviews
Timeline
National Sales Manager
The Memory Company
12.2024 - Current
National Sales Director
Prime Brands Group
05.2022 - 12.2024
Vice President, Sales
J. America Sportswear / Top of the World (TOW)
04.2000 - 05.2022
Founder/Owner
RBL, Inc.
01.1997 - 01.2000
Regional Vice President
Crable Sportswear
01.1994 - 01.1997
West Coast Regional Sales Director
Apex One
01.1992 - 01.1994
B.A. - Journalism/Public Relations
Eastern Illinois University