Ryan Weigel
Summary
Innovative marketing leader with a proven track record in customer engagement and relationship building. Raised $33 million in funding and implemented sales strategies that significantly expanded retail presence, enhancing brand visibility and market share.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Partner
Melin LLC
Irvine
12.2011 - Current
- I'm a partner/ owner in Melin which has grown into the best hat makers in the world. I did so with 3 hats and a vision with $450 left in the startup's bank account. Melin now has an incredible 9/1 EBITA valuation with profits over $78Million this year.
- Raised $33 million from three investors through two capital raises for the startup Melinbrand Luxury Headwear.
- Secured endorsements and product placements with over 300 athletes, including LeBron James and Mike Tyson, enhancing brand visibility and reducing marketing expenses.
- Designed the "Melinbrand American Tour," covering 38 states over 3 months to target high-end boutique sneaker and headgear shops, facilitating the securing of a contract with Lids, the largest hat retailer in the world.
- Developed sales strategies, including "Lab" concept, expanding from 0 to 8 retail locations in high-end oceanfront properties, enabling customers to try on products in an engaging, experiential environment.
- Developed marketing strategy based on the 3 pillars of the "M"—Details, Materials, and Innovation—emphasizing commitment to continuous product improvement.
- Established "collection" aspect by forming online groups through social media for buying, selling, and trading products, creating scarcity with limited runs of each hat design to instill urgency in customers.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making for both Melinbrand and investors by diving deep into target markets as well as supply chain analysis.
- Performed detailed research and data analysis to inform strategic planning processes.
Sales Concierge
Bijan Clothing
Las Vegas
- Delivered exceptional customer service, enhancing shopping experiences for high-end clientele and fostering brand loyalty.
- Developed strong relationships with repeat clients to encourage loyalty and satisfaction.
- Assisted customers with garment fittings, delivering personalized service.
- Coordinated exclusive events and personal shopping appointments for VIP customers, elevating their overall shopping experience.
- Streamlined client-staff communication to resolve inquiries promptly, improving client satisfaction and engagement.
- Managed luxury merchandise inventory, ensuring optimal availability and presentation.
- Maintained cleanliness and orderliness of the boutique to reflect brand standards.
Owner Operator
Catalyst Group LLC/ BVegasVIP.Com
Las Vegas
- Organized high-profile events for brands like Sony, Nike, and NFL, including Superbowl Red Carpet events and NCAA Las Vegas Bowl, successfully selling out a nightclub of 2400 pre-sold packages and securing sponsorships.
- Developed relationships with marketing departments at Wynn, Bellagio, Planet Hollywood, and Caesars Entertainment, resulting in booking 44 red carpet events featuring high-profile acts like Avicii, Marshmello, and Paris Hilton over a 9-year career.
- Created and marketed over 44 red carpet events while managing staff and coordinating execution for exclusive VIP clientele.
- Coordinated VIP reservations and special requests for up to 100 guests weekly, leveraging established connections with individual restaurants, nightclubs, and casinos to enhance guest experiences.
- Provided prompt responses to guest inquiries and concerns by providing over the top detailed service and customer experiences by going above and beyond expectations for my clientele.
- Maintained knowledge of menu offerings and venue services. Designed and created a self-pricing engine on my website to generate packages.
- Led a team of 5, overseeing payroll and training in marketing, event promotion, and ticket sales through Ticketmaster to ensure effective execution of events.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Monetary Policy And Banking
Kansas State University
01-2004
Associate of Arts - Basketball/ Baseball
Johnson County Community College
01-2000
High School Diploma -
Manhattan High School
05-1998
Skills
- Strategic partnerships
- Business development
- Sales strategy
- Market analysis
- Brand development
- Creative marketing
- Account management
- Customer engagement
- Relationship building
- Negotiation tactics
- Team leadership
- Project coordination
- Trend forecasting
- Marketing knowledge
Education and Training
other,other,other
Accomplishments
- Team Captain Thru out High School and into College Sports
- Honor Roll Basketball Team HS & JUCO
- State Champion MHS Baseball 98'
- Overachiever Award Kansas State Men's Basketball
- Sports Scholarship JCCC
Timeline
Partner
Melin LLC
12.2011 - Current
Sales Concierge
Bijan Clothing
Owner Operator
Catalyst Group LLC/ BVegasVIP.Com
Bachelor of Science - Monetary Policy And Banking
Kansas State University
Associate of Arts - Basketball/ Baseball
Johnson County Community College
High School Diploma -
Manhattan High School