DeWitt Kendall

Set strategic, trend, sourcing and physical product direction to capture business exiting China.

Leading licensing initiatives to license brands, personalities and designers in the US and UK directly with India manufacturers to distribute directly into the US, UK and EU markets.

Rebuilt the tabletop sourcing matrix to establish a new good-better-best assortment plan opening up new sales opportunities.

Reinvented the company as a casual entertaining company. Responsible for all company physical product development, merchandising, sourcing, branding and marketing. Managed and lead a team of 8 industrial designers, product developers, packaging designers and the factory development and QC team in China. Expanded product lines to a broad range of consumer hardgoods to capture new sales.

Formed and implemented a plan that resulted in a 30% increase in sales, new private label partnerships with Macy’s, and a 21% increase in contribution margin. As first head of product for the company to step in upon the retirement of the founder, Arnold Godinger I was hired to impose some order and discipline in the Physical Product Merchandising and Design departments, to re-negotiate and overhaul supply chain and manufacturing partnerships, and to re-invent the Godinger brand as an upscale casual brand. Managed a team of 7.

Increased sales with Target Corp. by 300% and 200 with Bed Bath & Beyond. Held a unique, hybrid position which was half Physical Product Development and half Key Account Direction / Key Account Sales. My expertise in executing large private label programs for fashion forward mass marketers resulted in a attracted new accounts with Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, HSN and others.

Contract Consultant – Various Clients in Consumer Products Manufacturing and Importing Including: Celebrate Express/Costume Express and others 06/09-06/10
Example 1: Made company more attractive for potential acquisition. Led a staff of 25 across 3 departments. Reduced staff by 20%, retrained and developed key staff to absorb additional roles, outsourced logistics functions resulting in a 40% increase in merchandising ROI.

Example 2: Brought a toy and novelty importer into compliance with CPSIA child products compliance.

Executive Mini MBA Program in Digital Marketing

Won multiple Nattional and International awards for student work in Architecture, Furniture Design, and 2D design.