Founder, FringeSport. China Sourcing for SMB expert. Ecommerce evangelist. Crossfit gearhead.
Internet | Austin, Texas Area, US
Executive with experience contributing to and driving the profitable growth of a niche ecommerce operation into an industry-recognized leader. Strong overseas sourcing experience (focused in Chinese sourcing, but also with some European experience), broad general operations, marketing (general marketing strategy and branding, plus SEO/SEM and social media), business development, international finance (structuring payment vehicles and terms), and logistics experience. Great at working in (and refining) ambiguous environments, developing and communicating new procedures, and working under intense time and budgetary pressure. Managerial and leadership experience.
Specialties: Overseas trade (China focused)- factory identification, product development, negotiation, structuring payment vehicles and terms, inbound logistics, inspections; Product marketing- pricing, product management, outbound packaging and logistics (B2C); Ecommerce and online marketing; Business development; Reverse logistics and warranty operations; Process development in a fast-moving (and ambiguous) entrepreneurial environment
2010 - Present
Founder / FringeSport
Solid gear, great prices, world-class service. From your Crossfit box to your garage gym, we've got you covered.
Jan
2011 -
Feb
2012
Vice President / Living Direct
Jan
2005 -
Jan
2011
Director, Product Development / Living Direct
I built the team and currently manage the buying and merchandising division of Living Direct, including stateside buying/procurement, product development in conjunction with overseas OEM factories, and more. My team drives the product mix, pricing, and merchandising build-out, and product management of all product lines for LivingDirect. I also have a heavy personal involvement in business development, including new website development, and negotiation of "blue sky" new business opportunities. I report directly to the CEO.
In this role, I previously:
Was on the team that originated new division (Import, 2005). Shortly after launch of first new brand (EdgeStar, 2005), took leadership role of team and later launched a second brand (Koldfront, 2006). Developed warranty and after-sales service department for above brands of small appliances.
After proving success of import division, merged division back into the main company and transitioned warranty and service departments into existing structure of main company.
Other business development projects include the implementation of a 3PL (third party logistics/satellite warehouse) solution to drive down logistics costs and decrease time-in-transit for goods and the launch of a new niche ecommerce sites- kegerator.com and airpurifierpro.com.
Dec
2006 -
Mar
2007
Intern, McCombs ENHANCE project / Austin Ventures
Provided market analysis and industry trends for emerging supply chain security industry based on extensive primary and secondary research. Deliverables included a comprehensive market map of industry, estimate of current industry size, and 3 suggested investment/acquisition targets.
Sept
2001 -
Jan
2005
Marketing Analyst / Richlund Ventures
Managed online marketing for a multimillion dollar grossing ecommerce property. Managed a $500,000+ (annual) PPC ad spend. Populated and maintained product database with all SKUs. Set, tested, and refined pricing and promotions for all products. Negotiated promotions and terms with select vendors. Reported to Vice President.
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2005
-
2007
The University of Texas at Austin - The Red McCombs School of Business
MBA
Activities: Texas Evening Entrepreneurs, Graduate Evening Consulting Group
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1997
-
2002
The University of Texas at Austin
BS
in
RTF, Media Studies Track
Activities: Texas Rugby
-
2001
-
2001
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
Portuguese and Brasilian Culture
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Websites:
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Interests:
Entrepreneurship, Sourcing/importing, Crossfit, Soccer, Running, Cycling