Quality Assurance Sales

JOHN R. SCHEIDLER

**** ********* *****, **********, **, 45244

phone: 513-***-**** email: ***********@****.***

SUMMARY:

Accomplished executive leader with a successful track record in planning and orchestrating new product and

business initiatives leading to revenue and organizational growth.

Reputable for a professional business approach, strategic vision, persistence for results, uncompromising work ethic,

and creative “out-of-the-box” problem-solving skills.

Proven ability to implement measures that elevate productivity and reduce costs, enhancing bottom line corporate

performance.

Expertise in global sourcing, building vendor partnerships, quality assurance, and import logistics.

Strategic Planning • Business Development • Product Development • Brand Management

Marketing • Licensing • Operations, Financial Management • Global Sourcing • Vendor Relations

EXPERIENCE:

Advantus Corp., Jacksonville, FL

Director of Product Development/Management 2005 – Dec, 2008

Responsible for driving the product development process, implementing processes and controls, developing

vendor relations and sourcing strategies, leading functional teams to meet aggressive product launch timelines,

spearheading product initiatives to increase penetration in key accounts, managing product lifecycles and SKU

rationalization, and pursuing new product / business opportunities.

Pioneered and implemented a formal product development process for the company, achieving direct

accountability and control over timelines, elevating organizational efficiencies, greatly improving in-

stock percentages, and promoting cross-functional interaction.

Led the product management group and cross-functional teams in the development and launch over 200

products annually.

Launched 3 designer licensed brands, providing product and channel diversification and revenue growth.

Managed initial product forecasts, ROI, SKU rationalization, and procurement. Actively involved with

Materials Management team in reviewing and adjusting forecasts and inventory levels based on demand.

Collaborated with sales, marketing and creative staff to develop key account specific products, propelling

multi-million dollar channel growth.

Significantly strengthened international vendor base and vendor relations through sourcing initiatives,

careful evaluation of production capabilities, monitoring performance, and eradicating under-performing

and non-essential vendors. Created business partnerships with key vendors promoting loyalty and trust.

Optimized product margins through persistent cost negotiation, vendor selection, and product design.

Reduced category product costs by as much as 30%, improving retail price points and profit margins.

Promoted continuous improvement and training initiatives, introducing a comprehensive Product

Development Training Manual documenting all departmental processes & procedures.

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Imagiix Limited Partnership, Cincinnati, OH (affiliate of H. Belmer Company)

Vice President – Operations / Marketing (General Manager) 1 997- 2005

Responsible for propelling the start-up of this venture and leading the Marketing and General Management

functions of the business, including product development, marketing services, customer relations, finance,

global procurement, and logistics.

Key member of product development team, which achieved 22 industry awards for innovative products

(2000-2004). Extensive background in product development, introduction and lifecycle management.

Evaluated and negotiated strategic partnership and product licensing opportunities.

Collaborated with sales and management team to identify new channels and market opportunities,

resulting in increased sales of nearly 100%.

Developed short- and long-term business and marketing plans. Produced budgets, monthly projections,

cash flow analyses, costing models and P&L comparatives.

Directed corporate and brand marketing initiatives, including advertising, public relations, product and

promotional programs.

Conceptualized and directed internal and external designers to create collateral materials, packaging, P OP

displays, advertising layouts, and website/online store.

Managed Inventory, Procurement and Supply Chain Logistics; inventory analysis, purchasing, quality

control, load requirements, transportation, and documentation.

Led the sourcing and quality assurance of global production, fostering vendor relations, and negotiating

pricing and terms. Well versed in international logistics and foreign business practices.

Managed all regulatory and factory compliance issues, including safety testing, appropriate product

labeling, key account factory compliance (labor standards, etc.), licensing, and customer product issues.

Orchestrated company start-up, established internal infrastructure, developed corporate policies and

procedures, implemented internal processes and controls, and regulated safety and compliance standards.

The H. Belmer Company

Executive Vice President/Secretary 1 991-1997

Responsible for long-term strategic planning, marketing and business development. Also managed operations

including finance, logistics, systems, and human resources. Member of the Board of Directors.

Primary leadership role in the strategic planning for the company, establishing a “corporate vision” and

identifying new market opportunities, propelling company growth by nearly 400%.

Directed all strategic and tactical marketing efforts of the company, including the development of sales

collateral, advertising, trade shows, and promotional materials.

Spearheaded the opening of a satellite distribution center to strengthen company’s position in outlying

markets, contributing nearly 20% of the company’s revenue.

Developed internal policies/procedures and implemented operating efficiencies in the company’s D C,

increasing inventory turns by 50%, reducing costs by nearly 20%, and improving customer satisfaction.

Generated comprehensive business reviews for board, shareholder and bank meetings. Implemented

detailed weekly and monthly reporting systems to analyze business segments and emerging trends.

Produced financial reporting, budget, cash flow and inventory forecast models.

Negotiated company contracts, bank notes, stock repurchases, capital improvements, and benefits,

Manager of New Business Development 1989-1991

Responsible for identifying new business opportunities and developing strategic plans. Managed ongoing new

business and marketing activities.

Key contributor in expanding the company's geographic coverage from Greater Cincinnati to a four state

region and introducing new product initiatives, leading to increased sales of 100% in 2 years.

Collaborated with sales force and customer base to identify new product opportunities. Successfully

developed and launched the company’s first own-brand from concept to launch, achieving sales of $1MM

and margin improvements of up to 25% over OEM brands.

Pioneered the company’s international (Asian) sourcing and procurement initiatives. Responsible for

product and factory quality assurance.

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EDUCATION:

University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN

MBA (Finance/Marketing)

Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH

BSBA (Marketing), Post MBA courses (Accounting)

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Executive Industrial Distribution Management Workshop

Career Note:

Additional professional background includes role as Product Management Staff Assistant in the telecommunications

industry with Cincinnati Bell Information Systems (Convergys). Details available upon request.

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