K E N T A. F R E S H O U R

* *** *****

Cell: 603-***-****

Exeter, NH 03833

Email: ac1n4c@r.postjobfree.com

Q U A L I F I C A T I O N S S U M M A R Y

A professional with more than 30 years of experience in merchandise management and financial analysis and control. An in-depth background of strategic planning, marketing strategy, brand management, inventory control and human resource development. A successful track record of increasing sales and earnings within a national retail chain, direct marketing and wholesale distribution operations. Outstanding ability to lead, manage, communicate and achieve corporate objectives.

2002 to Present BLUESTEM BRANDS – Middleton, MA

A direct marketer of apparel and household goods with annual gross demand in excess of $1 billion. At the present time, Bluestem Brands consists of three brands based in Eden Prairie, MN and has numerous other brands grouped under the umbrella of Orchard Brands with offices in multiple locations across the United States.

Inventory Planning Operations Manager (2014 – present)

When the Common Platform initiative was completed, the Appleseed’s group Inventory Planning VP asked me to return to the brand. When I returned we were managing three brands. In 2016 we were tasked with taking on three additional Orchard Brand divisions.

Given responsibility for liquidating obsolete merchandise as profitably as possible.

Developed an analysis of cost recovery by channel for this obsolete inventory.

Continued development of merchandising and inventory analysis and training of inventory control and merchandising staffs to use the business intelligence tool.

Director of Merchandising Analysis and Systems for Orchard Brands (2012 – 2014)

As Orchard Brands acquired additional catalog titles, it became apparent that the company needed to consolidate systems and reporting. This was undertaken in a project called Common Platform. I was asked to join IT to help with this initiative due to my systems knowledge and knowledge of our business processes.

Our goal was to migrate all Orchard Brand divisions to one catalog management system and inventory planning tool.

A contract was entered into for multiple instances of the inventory planning tool initially adopted by Appleseed’s.

I led a cross-divisional inventory planning group to agree on processes and common definitions of terms and participated in a similar project with the merchandising group.

I was an integral part of a group which developed a Microsoft business intelligence tool which made extraction and analysis of data easier and more effective. As part of this process, we developed a dictionary of common definitions so all divisions would be using the same terminology.

Once the tool was developed, I traveled to our various facilities to train the inventory planning and merchandising groups in its use.

Director of Merchandising Analysis and Reporting for the Appleseed’s brand (2002 – 2012)

Responsible for timely, accurate reporting of merchandising results.

Instrumental in the evaluation and eventual selection of an inventory planning/purchasing tool, assuring the timely installation and adoption of the tool by the inventory control buyers.

Supervised a staff of inventory analysts.

Instituted a drop ship sales program and grew the business to $ 1 million

1996 to 2002 KNIGHT'S LTD CATALOG GROUP - St. Louis, MO

A direct marketer of women's apparel and household goods with annual gross demand in excess of $200 million.

Director of Inventory Control

Responsible for forecasting inventory needs and maintaining appropriate inventory levels for four catalog titles with gross demand approaching $100 million.

Supervising a control buying staff of eight as well as the company's quality assurance department with a staff of twelve.

Implemented a new inventory forecasting system and open-to-buy methodology.

Formed a technical design department responsible for determining and approving fit and construction specifications for the company's private label merchandise.

1995 to 1996 MONTGOMERY WARD & COMPANY - Chicago, IL

One of the nation's largest retail merchandising organizations with over $7 billion in sales volume with 350 retail stores in 39 states.

Planning and Control Director

1986 to 1995 WOMEN'S SPECIALTY RETAILING GROUP - Enfield, CT

A subsidiary of US Shoe with annual sales of $1.2 billion. This group had as many as 1,700 specialty stores with names such as Casual Corner, Capezio, Caren Charles, Petite Sophisticate and August Max Woman.

Merchandise Controller (1992 to 1995)

Manager of Financial Planning (1986 to 1992)

1978 to 1986 FAMOLARE, INC. - New York, NY

A privately owned wholesale distributor of footwear whose peak sales volume was $170 million.

Controller (1983 to 1986)

Assistant Controller (1981 to 1983)

Staff Accountant (1978 to 1981)

1976 to 1978 EASTERN SKI ASSOCIATION - Brattleboro, VT

Accountant

1974 to 1976 BOUCHER AND MARROW, CPA’s - Brattleboro, VT

Staff Accountant

EDUCATION

University of Connecticut, BS, Accounting 1974

University of Connecticut, MBA in Marketing 1998

References available upon request

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