Office Manager Logistics

GABRIEL BLANCARTE

*** ******* *** **** * Arcadia, CA 91007

********@*****.*** Phone: 626-***-****

International Trade ... Compliance ... Logistics

A results-driven, dedicated logistics and compliant specialist with a 27-year background in the apparel industry. In depth knowledge of NAFTA, and ISF initiative. Updated on current US Import & Export Regulations and Laws. Strong research and analytical capabilities to assess import/export requirements and trade program benefits. Skilled in establishing productive relationships with Customs officials, freight forwarders and brokers to prevent and resolve cross-border issues related to Customs delays. Recognized for profit margin/pro-active attitude. Self-taught, industrious and work well both independently or as part of team effort. Ambitious and skilled with extraordinary cross-functional background. Keen understanding of sales, marketing and production disciplines.

Crisis Management: Effective Problem Analysis

and Resolutions NAFTA, Free Trade

Agreements and Special

Regime Programs HS Tariff Codes

Procedure/Process Improvements Oriented

Import Compliance Programs

Government agencies, practices and regulations Harmonized Tariff Schedule, its rules of interpretation and explanatory notes, with specific emphasis in apparel Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations Keen

understanding of and highly skilled with

computer numerous applications

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Picture Perfect, Canoga Park, California Nov. 2023 to Current Office Manager

Collaborated with the owner to establish an efficient workflow and recruit new staff to support company growth.

Managed daily processing of new orders and tracked incoming shipments. Assigned daily workloads to ensure operational efficiency. Engaged with clients regarding all new orders to maintain strong relationships. Stateside Merchant / Pair of Thieves, Culver City Nov. 2020 to Aug 2023 Logistics Manager

Work directly with production team to assure on time deliveries with our factories and with weekly meetings and touch base reviews on all US and Canada FOB shipments. Soley Handle Targets 45 million DI program assuring on time document filings and assist on any PO issue that may arise.

Stay updated will all ports issue that may arise and find alternative routes to assure all deliveries are on time.

Provide delivery schedules to all warehouses on incoming shipments. Customs classification for new upcoming styles and provide feedback on possible duty savings to design team Monthly US Customs /ACH account reports for accounting team Picture Perfect, Canoga Park, California Nov. 2019 to Nov. 2020 Office Manager

Worked with the owner to create a new optimal workflow and hire new personnel for the company's new growth.

Daily processing of new order and tracking of inbound shipments Assign daily work loads

Meet with clients on all new orders

Hybrid Apparel / EVY OF CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles, California 2006 to Sept. 2018 Logistics Manager/Customs Compliance Officer

Direct all International shipments of Evy of California, wearing apparel and ensure compliance with Customs regulations throughout the corporate structure and among all off-shore vendors.

• Oversee movement of between 10 and 40 containers at any given time containing wearing apparel valued between $1.4 and $8M to and from China, Mexico, Guatemala, and previously India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Philippines.

• Proactively monitor world events, including weather, political climate and trade agreements for possible opportunities/pitfalls.

• Proactively monitor Mexico TPL levels and previously China quotas.

• Extensive contacts and strong relationships among air, sea and truck lines, brokers, forwarders and Customs.

• Liaise with accounting department for LCs and TT payments.

• Liaise with production managers and domestic shipping department to ensure on-time delivery.

• Liaise with design department for duty-saving insights.

• Ensure Mexico factories have proper permits in their Pitex program and NAFTA and TPL certificates.

Procured $40,000 in duty refunds as a result of favorable Customs judgment on cotton fabrics. Merchandise detained for audit at Customs twice and quickly and efficiently proved country of origin beyond a reasonable doubt by providing all necessary documentation, from initial P.O. to the vendor’s purchase of fabrics and trims, cutting tickets, factory payroll, transit and receipt of merchandise. Procured warehouse space and developed successful distribution program for accessories out of China. Successfully reduced freight costs by calculating and negotiating container packing, consolidating

shipments and optimal space usage.

MAERSK CUSTOMS SERVICES, Los Angeles, California 2005 to 2006 Value Added Services – Customs Entry Auditor

Worked on a project requiring building a team for a 99% pre-clearance program for all large vendors. Finished assignment and was re-hired by Evy of California with new knowledge of logistics from the maritime line side of operations. Gabriel Blancarte • Page 2

EVY OF CALIFORNIA, INC., Los Angeles, California 1994–2005 Inbound Customs Coordinator

• Classify all off-shore goods; coordinate with Customs brokers for smooth entry of goods.

• Oversee logistics operations; serve as resource for strategic planning in international trade.

• Ensure compliance with Customs’ regulations and other trade requirements, including contributing duty-reduction insights to the design process.

• Develop and nurture relationships with internal divisions, Customs, brokers, forwarders and other advisors to develop and implement strategies and practices for the smooth and low- cost clearance of imported goods from around the world.

• Educate personnel at all levels on the implications and responsibilities of international trade. Costing Specialist / Product Development

• Work with design, sales and production departments to aid in product development, incorporating the nuances of global trade agreements and Customs classification guidelines to arrive at saleable garments, while taking advantage of free-trade agreements, reduced duty programs, low duty rates and low quota costs for high profitability.

• Accurate data entry and analysis for the company’s product line are key, as multi-million dollar decisions are made based on the costing analyses.

• Interact with design department to creatively meet our customers’ price points.

• Work with purchasing department to decrease excess inventory.

• Interview and train new staff members. Hold problem-solving meetings with staff assistants. Sales Assistant

• Support four account executives for major accounts, including Wal-Mart, Kmart, Sears, Mervyns, Kohl’s and JCPenney in over $50 million in sales volume.

• Maintain paperwork related to sales orders, and follow-up until orders are finalized.

• Coordinate and prepare materials for sales presentations.

• Organize information, schedules and research for account executives.

• Handle special projects as directed.

• Work with designers in implementing production and design lines in a timely fashion.

• Work with all departments on product pricing decisions. Trim Buyer

• Purchase and maintain accurate product inventory.

• Work with Design Department to lower excess on-hand inventory.

• Negotiate with vendors to create opportunities for reduced costs.

• Resolve any warehouse discrepancies.

SAMANTHA JO AND CO., City of Commerce, California 1993–1994 Coster / Trim Buyer

• Responsible for accurate data entry of the entire company’s product line.

• Worked directly with designers and vendors to meet project deadlines.

• Purchased and maintained accurate product inventory.

• Delegated work to contractors, creating new ways for lowering overhead. TRAINING/SPECIAL SKILLS

Certificate of completion in Customs broker examination preparation 5-week class and attended several classification seminars and classes, including trade pitfalls, customs compliance and strategies of logistics and transportation.

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