Customer Focused Merchant

Nathan D. Whitmire

************@*******.*** • 515-***-****

Senior Sales Executive

Accomplished leader with nearly 20 years of experience growing sales and profitability through customer focused management. A industry leader in toy, sports, and collectible industry with expertise in sales, buying, contract negotiations, competitive pricing models, and analysis of customer shopping trends.

Established history of success in product development by diversifying product mix to meet consumer demand and implementing tools to improve speed and operational accuracy.

Areas of Expertise:

Omnichannel Merchandising Strategy

Customer and Supplier Relations

Inventory Procurement and Distribution

Ecommerce Optimization

Delivering Results

Microsoft Office

Power Point

Resource Allocation and Optimization

Team Development and Mentorship

Drug Channel (Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS)

Mass Market (Target, Walmart)

JDA Space & Planogram Software

Retail Math

NPD Data Analytics

Professional Experience

Excell Marketing – Des Moines, Iowa

Vice President of Merchandise (2017 to Present)

Execute merchandising strategy, distribution, repacking, and analytics divisions while managing budget of over $290M annually. Oversee Scan Based Trading category for trading cards, collectibles, and toys for all major mass retailers along with ecommerce divisions including Target, Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS and GameStop.

Direct shopping presence and strategy at major mass retailers to influence positive customer experience and repeat sales. Develop exclusive product offerings to add customer value. Foster and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and customers. Lead and mentor department of 10 staff members; support growth of associates, manage conflict, and motivate employees. Provide category management that aligns with business planning, product assortment, pricing, and promotion for mass retail.

Selected Contributions:

Increased sales 71% over three years, delivering $120M gain.

Reduced excess inventory expense by over 63% resulting in $6.3M savings in 3 years.

Generated 34% increase in repacking division in three years, equating to $10M profit.

Delivered a record-breaking year in 2020 with sales above $290M! Largest in 60 year history of company.

Recorded top five months of sales and profitability in company’s history.

Achieved recognition as largest Pokémon supplier in the world by driving retail locations.

TOMY International – Bentonville, Arkansas

National Account Manager- Walmart (2015 to 2017)

Led cross-functional sales team for Walmart, Walmart.com, and Sam’s Club.

Cultivated portfolio of global toy brands including Disney, Pixar, Nickelodeon, Pokémon, Nintendo, and John Deere. Brokered sales with nine different major buyers within Walmart organization. Provided accurate sales forecasts and detailed assessment of product rollouts. Collaborated with Brand Managers on marketing objectives and branding alignment.

Selected Contributions:

Achieved $50M annual revenue by growing sales division nearly 500%.

Created $7M profit by developing new business channel outside Walmart.

Grew sales from $10M to $50M in two years on desk.

Excell Marketing – Des Moines, Iowa

Senior Buyer (2000 to 2015)

Managed all material and finished good purchasing, including controlling inventory and maintaining cash flow, with annual value of $150M.

Coordinated day-to-day purchasing decisions to maximize revenue within established budgetary guidelines. Negotiated major product price and term contracts. Explored new avenues of business through product development, vendor relationships, and trade shows.

Selected Contributions:

Multiplied sales 650% over 15- year period.

Improved vendor relations by creating and implementing new protocols.

Reduced overhead costs by leveraging strategic suppliers and negotiating contract agreements.

United States Marine Corp Reserve – Des Moines, Iowa

Sergeant, E5 (1995 to 2007)

Responsible for all training, instruction, reporting, evaluating and leadership of over fifty Marines.

Ensure all Marines within the platoon were safely and effective trained to be combat ready. Trained one weekend a month and two weeks annual training.

Selected Contributions:

Named Marine of the Year in 2003

Honorable Discharge in 2007

Education and Credentials

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Simpson College – Indianola, Iowa

Two Sport athlete

Served in Marine Corp Reserve while attending

Leadership Development Program Tero International, Inc – Des Moines, Iowa

Executive Coaching

Influencing Outcomes

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