Diane Kirkland

**** *. **** **** *****

Altadena, CA 91001

626-***-****

Profile

* Business consultant for new ventures. Business plan development, product branding, marketing plan development, targeted press, and manufacturing consultant.

* Consultant to US flashlight/electronics manufacturing companies. Specialization in locating and securing China component manufacturers with synergistic manufacturing capabilities.

* Designer/President of DMK Designs, a boutique high-end manufacturer of fashion forward men’s underwear.

* Product Manager and Sales Manager for Biotech research equipment.

Core Competencies

* Project Management

* Competitive analysis

* Develop marketing plans

* Manage manufacturing process

* Business Plan Development for New Ventures

* Branding/Image management

* Expansion of Web presence

* Sales channel management

* Contractor management

* Product Assessment and Visual Merchandising

* Garment Design

* Design trend research

Professional

Experience

DMK Designs, Inc. Altadena, CA

President 2005 to Present

Design, manufacture, and sell high-end designer men’s underwear. Manage all aspects of branding, including marketing communications, public relations, e-commerce, press releases and advertising copy. Design and produce approximately 10 new collections per year for worldwide distribution. Build brand image and web presence of DMK. Develop and implement brand strategy and positioning. Larger clients include TJ Maxx and Marshall’s.

* Manage all aspects of business including design, first pattern, marketing, press, website, and e-commerce. Manage sales channels, source and qualify contractors, procure raw materials for production, production management, inventory management and accounting.

* Identify and secure new retail vendors via Internet editorial photo spreads, blogs and trade shows. Expand brand presence.

* Create organizational structure, develop and grow sales channels, procure new distributors through tradeshows and Internet marketing, develop and implement marketing/sales strategy and manage operating budget.

DMK & Associates Altadena, CA

Owner

1995 to Present

Manufacturing consultant. Solicit and procure US flashlight and electronics manufacturers seeking to reduce costs by transferring production to China, and match their requirements with synergistic Chinese manufacturing companies. Consult with new business ventures in varied fields in need of marketing and manufacturing expertise and guidance. My expertise includes sourcing synergistic manufacturing contractors (US and overseas), business plan development, and guidance in the implementation of marketing strategies. New clients are typically referred by previous clients and patent attorneys.

* Attained $5 million to in annual production volume

* Match US manufacturing companies with synergistic China based design and manufacturing facilities.

* Source US business for China manufacturers

* Source Chinese manufacturing facilities for US corporations with specific manufacturing requirements.

* Travel to China with US manufacturing representatives and guide them through Chinese manufacturing facilities for inspections and negotiations.

* Serve as a consultant for new business ventures:

* Initiate overseas and local manufacturing

* Finalize business plans, establish and implement marketing strategies, initiate product launch, research and implement trade show launch, etc.

UVP Upland, CA

Product Manager 1992 to 1995

Product Manager/Sales manager focused on biotech research equipment. Traveled extensively throughout the US Biotech community demonstrating Bio Imaging Systems and other laboratory products at universities and research laboratories. The main areas of focus were Bioimaging, Chemiluminescence, Electrophoresis, Bioluminescence, and analysis software for determnining the molecular weight of gels, plates and membranes. Other areas of Product Management included Non Destructive Testing and Automotive Leak Detection and Ultraviolet Lamps.

* Represented UVP at tradeshows through out the country

* Demonstrated and sold biotech equipment to universities and research laboratories through out the country including CDC and the NIH. Trained sales reps on product demonstration.

* Developed sales and marketing campaigns

* Developed and implemented sales and marketing strategies.

* Maintained and grew sales and distribution channels

International Showgirl/Dancer 1986-1989

Danced internationally as a Showgirl. Extended contracts in many places including Las Vegas, France, Japan and Bangkok, Thailand.

Education

* BA, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

* MBA, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA – Marketing/New Venture Management

Additional Certification

* I am a certified, background screened, bonded and insured Notary Signing Agent.

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