W.J. Buzz Leer

Mobile: 310-***-**** actb64@r.postjobfree.com

Business Development /Sales Management / Creative Merchandising & Marketing

Proactive, results oriented Sales/Marketing/Merchandising/Business Development Professional with 20+ years of progressive experience in the Home /Fashion/ Housewares Industries with business development leaders. Experienced in problem solving for sales companies, creative marketing solutions, multiple business and operational departments. Strong strategic and tactical planning, product introduction and general management qualifications.

Possess a keen understanding of business development, e-commerce sales and marketing priorities. A genuine team leader committed to managing product introductions and projects flawlessly while contributing to business development, revenue-generating and cost reduction activities.

Cross-functional communication, motivational and interpersonal skills. Easily interface with high-profile business leaders/executives, strategic clients, consultants and representative agencies.

Versatile, innovative and loyal management/consultative professional capable of seeing the “big picture” while delivering on all details. Recognized for consistent successes in marketing new products with procedures, processes and systems necessary for increased revenues and enhanced profit performance.

Valuable network of High-Level Senior Executives in multiple industries including Retail (Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target and more) E-Commerce, Media and Entertainment, Sports (Endurance, Team, College and Professional) and Financial industries.

Expertise in:

Sales Management Corporate Identity Marketing Solutions

Visual Merchandising Design and Execution E-Commerce Development

Customer Touch Points Brand Development On-Strategy Positioning

LENOX CORPORATION – Philadelphia, PA 2014 - Current

Vice President of Sales & Marketing – Housewares Division

Lenox – Dansk – Gorham- Reed & Barton

Recruited by Lenox Corporation to head up the Sales and Marketing of the Lenox Housewares Division. Branded products include, Lenox, Dansk and Gorham. Licenses are Mario Batali, Rick Bayless, Kathy Ireland, Dr. Weil, Food & Wine and Kate Spade Kitchen. Responsible for all USA, Canada & South America Sales and Marketing efforts. Design and execute product, marketing and merchandising development for above mentioned brands. Products include Dinnerware, Cookware, Bakeware, Food Storage, Crystal, Gadgets, Cutting Boards and Small Electrics. Also responsible for 12 Sales Groups ( 100 + reps) in the USA and Canada. Key Accounts include; Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, HSN Television Shopping, Target and Gourmet Catalog.

NEOFLAM AMERICAS – Los Angeles, CA 2014

National Sales Consultant / Director USA / Canada

Neoflam Americas is a subsidiary of Neoflam LTD a China / South Korea housewares and kitchen products manufacturer. With offices worldwide sales exceeded $125 million in 2013. Factories in both Korea and China include Cast Aluminum Cookware, Ceramic and Bamboo. My responsibilities include NEW business development Retail & Ecommerce Sales & Marketing, brand strategy,(Public Relations and Social Media) strategy, product planning and forecasting for the USA and Canadian markets as well as visual merchandising strategies, trade show development, DRTV and Infomercial creation and execution. Current retail partners include Wal-Mart, QVC (USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, Taiwan), Pampered Chef, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, HSN, AAFES, Amazon (several additional online flash sites and retailers), Costco (USA and International), Sam’s (USA and International).

HC USA, INC. – Los Angeles, CA 2013 - 2014

National Sales Consultant / Director/ Happycall USA

Recruited to HC USA, Inc, a subsidiary of Happycall LTD headquartered in South Korea. Innovative Housewares/Home products including a unique cookware product that will revolutionize the cooking industry. Already launched worldwide, HC USA is now launching in the USA Marketplace. My responsibilities include business development, e-commerce, brand strategy, sales strategy, planning and forecasting, marketing (Public Relations and Social Market planning) visual merchandising development and execution. To date, launching at QVC Home Shopping Television, Bloomingdales and Macy’s. In addition to South Korea and United States, Happycall offices are in China, Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan.

WMF AMERICAS GROUP – Charlotte, NC 2011 – 2013

National Sales & Brand Manager/ Silit Cookware Division

Eastern Regional Sales Manager / WMF Americas

Recruited by WMF Group, a high-end European kitchenware manufacturer to launch a NEW division, Silit Cookware, to the USA marketplace. Created, designed and executed a sales, marketing, visual merchandising, e-commerce and brand strategy that included launching Silit at Bloomingdales (stores and online), Macys (stores and online), Bed, Bath & Beyond (online) Amazon.com and various high-end independent culinary retailers and e-commerce merchandisers. In the fall of 2012, added responsibilities included WMF Key Account Management (Bed, Bath & Beyond, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Various On-line, Flash & e commerce accounts) as well as Eastern Regional Sales Manager duties.

THE HOME DEPOT – San Ramon, CA / Boulder, CO 2010 -2011

Design / Retail Specialist/Manager. Recruited as a Sales/Manager for Appliance Department in the San Ramon, location. Became leading sales person in 3rd and 4th quarter of 2010. Transferred to the Boulder,

CO location as Manager/Sales in Design Center (Kitchen, Bath, Flooring).

LEER & ASSOCIATES – San Francisco, CA 2007-2010

Consulting Agency / Corporate Sales, Marketing & Events

Independent contractor concentrating on areas of experience and expertise that included;

>Sales & Marketing

>E-Commerce Business Development

>Sales Coaching & Motivation

>Visual Merchandising / Merchandising

>Corporate Identity / Brand Design

>Business Development

>Emcee, Host, Announcer

>On-Camera Talent / Voice Over Talent

Clients included:

>Fueler’s Energy Cookies

>Longs Drug

>Izze Beverages

>Cannonball Fine Art, Inc.

>Sonic Burger

HOME and GARDEN TELEVISION (HGTV) SCRIPPS NETWORK – Corte Madera, CA 2004 – 2007

“House Detective” / Program Host

Led a very successful weekly “fix-it” program through 65 episodes ( 5 seasons). Hosted this Nationally Broadcast HGTV show for 5 seasons (13 episodes per season). Upgraded featured homes on this weekly broadcast completing plumbing, electrical, carpentry and general “handyman” style projects in a fun, entertaining style. In addition, performed as a “Guest Host” on the Nancy Glass Productions weekly HGTV on XM Radio. Also appeared as a “Guest Speaker” at Local Home & Garden Home trade shows.

BED, BATH & BEYOND – New York, New York 2002 - 2004

Visual Display / Merchandising Contractor

Assisted in expansion for this retailer on Northern and Southern California with 12 – 15 new locations with assignments at special events with current locations.

• Improved small, narrow and shallow window opportunities in San Francisco, Oakland, Colma, El Cerrito, Larkspur, San Leandro, Foster City and Redwood City locations.

• Conceptualized, developed and implemented visual direction in Fremont, Dublin, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Campbell, San Jose and Tracy stores.

Achievement: Enhanced individual location images by providing positive customer reactions for new manager’s review.

STIFFEL LAMP COMPANY – Chicago, IL 2001 - 2002

Retail Sales / Merchandising Contractor

In a nationwide Premium Outlet Mall expansion. Dedicated an average of 2 – 4 weeks of design and construction to each new location.

• Provided creative direction and implementation for an on-strategy brand positioning with negotiated spaces for relevant marketing initiatives.

• Managed and led local teams that brought high expectations to visual impact under significant pressure due to the realities of time and money.

Achievement: Met and exceeded corporate expectations for 18 consecutive openings during one surge cycle.

SUSAN SARGENT DESIGNS – Pawlet, VT 1997 - 2001

Vice President /National Sales Manager / Business Development Director

Recruited at this “start-up” as one of four professionals to launch Susan Sargent Designs. Assembled National Sales network of independent representatives, showrooms, contractors. Typical clients included Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Marshall Fields and independent retailers with 500 to 2000 sq ft of design and inventory floor space.

• Promoted on-strategy brand positioning, design and product strategies with relevant marketing initiatives

• Effectively recruited, grew, inspired and motivated teams that grew to over 100 national sales reps.

Achievement: Installed 50+ front line visual display systems across the USA for various opening brand presentations.

PALMS & POMEGRANATES – San Francisco, CA 1993 - 1997

Vice President / National Sales Manager

Joined this Luxury Linen manufacturer, Palms & Pomegranates, as the National Sales Manager. Recruited & trained the National Sales network of independent representatives and showrooms. In the first year placed product in Bloomingdale’s (select stores), Bloomingdale’s by Mail (catalog cover), Neiman Marcus (catalog cover), Bed, Bath & Beyond (select stores) and numerous independent “high end” luxury bedding/linen retailers nationwide. Responsible for trade shows. Along with a contracted designer, executed showroom construction.

• Brand Management

• Sales Team Management

• Sales & Marketing Initiatives

• Conceptualization / Development

WATERFORD/WEDGWOOD – San Francisco / New York 1985 - 1993

Vice President / National Sales Manager

Recruited by Waterford/Wedgwood to build business in the San Francisco Bay Area. Accounts included Macy’s, Emporium, Gump’s, Sak’s, I. Magnum and Neiman Marcus. In less than 3 years, increased sales from just under $2 million to over $8 million with the largest increases coming from Macy’s. Worked closely with Macy’s Store Management to create the first “Waterford Shop” in the flagship Macy’s store. Promoted and relocated to New York and became National Sales Manager for Johnson Brothers (Tabletop). With 8 Regional Managers, increased sales from $12 million to $20+ million in less than 2 years. Responsible for Corporate Accounts ie; Macy’s, Federated, May Corp etc.

• National / Corporate Account Sales

• Manage Regional Sales Managers

• Showroom Management

MIKASA – Los Angeles/New York 1978 - 1985

Vice President / National Sales Manager

Joined Mikasa as a “road” sales representative in Southern California. Promoted 12 months later to Western Regional Sales Manager. Responsibilities included managing 7 sales reps in Western Region, Showrooms in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Denver. Also Account Manager for JW Robinson’s, May Company, Broadway and Bullock’s Department stores. Increased sales from $3 million to $11 million in less than 3 years. Promoted to National Sales Manager and relocated to New York. Continued to be responsible for various Accounts Nationally, Federated Department Stores, Macy’s and May Company. Opened Bed, Bath & Beyond, Linen’s and Things for Mikasa.

• Account Management

• Leading Sales Reps / Teams

• National Sales Meetings

• Showroom Management

Additional Home Furnishings / Decorative Accessories

Visual Decorize, Inc.: Sales/Marketing, Business Development, Tradeshow Executions

Display Cannonball Fine Art, Inc.: Sales/Marketing, Business Development

Client Services Decorative Home Accents: Sales/Marketing, Business Development

The Rug Barn: Sales/Marketing, Business Development

Visual Merchandising/Display

Macy’s San Francisco: China/Glass Waterford Shop

Bloomingdale’s New York – China/Glass/Furniture Department

PERFORMANCES House Detective HOST, HGTV (Home & Garden Television/Scripps Network)

Television National weekly home “fix it” show. 5 seasons, 65 episodes

Radio North Bay Homes HOST, Regional Home Television Showcase (weekly)

X-Deck HOST, National Infomercial / The X Deck by Safe Tec

Kelly-Moore Paint Actor/Voice – National Television/Radio Commercial, 2009

Telly Award Winner

FH Dailey Chevrolet Radio/Voice – Oakland A’s/Oakland Raiders

Fueler’s Energy Cookies Radio/Voice, San Francisco Giants

Real Estate Television Network HOST, Weekly Real Estate Home Showcase

Century 21 Real Estate Voice-over, Regional Television Commercial

American Sportfishing Association Guest Speaker/Keynote

Lawlor Institute Guest Speaker/Keynote

Sacramento Rivercats PA Announcer – Oakland A’s, AAA Baseball Club

San Jose Earthquakes PA Announcer – Major League Soccer Team

BRAND/CORPORATE Lippincott/Margulies; Business Development: General Mills/Pillsbury, Borders

IDENTITY Peter Pan Pizza, Lucent Technologies, ESPN

The Retail Group; Business Development: Wal-Mart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Lee

Watt International: Business Development: Longs Drugs, Pabst Brewing Co.

EDUCATION Bachelor of Fine Arts – University of North Dakota

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