Overview:

Grew Merchandising Organization from $15 Million to $60 Million*:  As COO, Associate worked for a holding company that relocated a retail merchandising firm to focus on the home improvement retail chains.  Built the business in core merchandising, resets and product knowledge training from $15 million to $60 million+

    Problems / Challenges Faced:

• Associate's company was doing small amounts of work for assorted clients in a major home improvement retail chain

• Home improvement retailer was going through a consolidation on how to execute merchandising services, consolidating to one or two merchandising service providers per department

• Associate's company was using old and manual technology

• Goal was to grow merchandising work a large as possible in the home improvement retail chain to prepare the merchandising company for sale

     Solution:

• Growth was both organic and through acquisitions.  Associate's company was able to interview for and was selected by major Home Improvement Retailer to provide in-store service nationally in multiple departments, which allowed them to grow rapidly

• Associate led effort to change from manual operations and old technology to current technology and automated processes

  •  Implemented an effective IVR system instead of old fax-based reporting.  Passed data directly through to payroll system, automating the payroll process for over 400 field reps.  Aided greatly in the transition from salaried employees to hourly employees

  •  Implemented a handheld field data solution and systems to support retail execution of client priorities

• The value of continuing to perform as promised:  Home Improvement retailer was so pleased with the continuing level of service on the merchandising and reset work that Associate's firm won responsibility for both the Fashion Lighting and Outdoor Power Equipment departments

• Associate's firm relocated the merchandising organization they acquired to the city where the Home Improvement retailer was headquartered.  Though none of the acquired company's employees chose to relocate, the acquisition was successful and aided Associate's company significantly

Results:

• Associate's firm consistently won business and grew, though it was rarely the low price bidder

• Built the business in core merchandising, resets and product knowledge training from $15 million to $60 million+