Creative Agencies

Lifestyle

Moto & Powersports

Outdoor

Tech

Photography

Outdoor Recreation/Activities

Manufacturing Process Improvement

startup

product marketing

Motorsports

Brand Strategy

Co-founder/CEO

Executive

Organic growth to ~43k followers

First concert shoot 03/2007

Automotive photography

Product photography 1

<p>Results-driven CEO with experience gained over 15 years of starting, building, and running a trend-setting company of high-end consumer goods in the outdoor industry. Adept at product management, business development, driving growth, establishing manufacturing (foreign and domestic), optimizing operations, and supply chain management. Passionate about brand-building, taking products from idea to market, creating high-performing organizations, and the customer experience.</p>

1.0 SALES / MARKETING
1.1 Managed a diverse portfolio of 25+ B2B and 250+ B2C accounts, driving $2.2M+ in annual revenue across various customer segments, including direct consumers, small brick-and-mortar retailers, major online resellers, and large distributors. Led end-to-end sales operations, from lead generation and pipeline management to closing deals and customer retention.

1.2 Built and nurtured global partnerships across all U.S. states and 55+ countries, expanding brand reach across North/Central/Latin America, Europe/UK, Asia, SE Asia, Oceania, Russia/Eastern Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East, ensuring sustained growth in international markets.

1.3 Developed and executed social media strategies, managing all platforms to drive brand engagement and customer acquisition. Created high-impact content, including product photography, videography, and interactive multimedia experiences. Managed celebrity/influencer collaborations, leveraging cross-promotional opportunities to enhance market positioning.

1.4 Directed creative strategy for all promotional materials and oversaw the execution of omnichannel marketing campaigns, spanning traditional print advertising, digital marketing, online advertising, and live events. Led the development and implementation of marketing and PR initiatives, enhancing brand visibility and market penetration.

1.5 Conducted in-depth market analysis, tracking industry trends and competitor strategies to identify opportunities for revenue growth and competitive differentiation. Engaged directly with customers to gather insights, refine product offerings, and optimize marketing and sales strategies.

1.6 Planned and executed logistics for 12+ domestic and 3+ international trade shows annually, managing booth design, promotional materials, and on-site sales efforts. Organized private networking events for key partners and industry influencers to drive high-value business relationships.

1.7 Recruited, trained, and led a high-performing sales team, providing ongoing support, coaching, and performance optimization. Implemented CRM systems and sales enablement tools to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and drive revenue growth from lead generation to final sale.

2.0 OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN
2.1 Managed operations at the Central California headquarters and oversaw manufacturing, leading a team of 4-5 production workers, 1-2 office staff, and 10+ independent contractors. Ensured quality control, cost efficiency, and on-time production and delivery of core product lines while serving as the primary escalation point for critical operational challenges.

2.2 Directed all warehouse and inventory operations, implementing live JIT (Just-in-Time) inventory control systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste. Designed and enforced incoming inspection protocols, quality control standards, order monitoring and fulfillment processes, workforce safety regulations, and loss prevention measures to improve efficiency and compliance.

2.3 Developed and led procurement strategies, overseeing strategic sourcing, supplier evaluation, and purchasing of raw materials, consumables, spare parts, OEM services, and equipment (from light tools to heavy machinery). Negotiated vendor contracts, established logistics agreements, and cultivated strong supplier relationships to ensure cost-effective and reliable supply chains.

2.4 Managed domestic and international logistics, handling import/export operations, direct order fulfillment, and reverse logistics (RMA processing) via air freight, ocean freight, and small parcel carriers. Ensured full compliance with AES filing, customs brokerage, HTS classification, CBP, and USITC regulations, mitigating risks and avoiding delays in global supply chain operations.

2.5 Designed and implemented a real-time, cloud-based inventory management system, streamlining direct sales, production tracking, automated eCommerce synchronization, and reseller network order fulfillment. Enhanced visibility and operational efficiency by integrating real-time data updates across multiple remote account managers and production teams.

3.0 MANUFACTURING / PRODUCT
3.1 Led R&D, prototyping, and full-cycle product development from concept to mass production, including accessories and packaging design. Collaborated with designers, cross-industry creatives, and artisans to develop 10+ industry-leading, trend-setting products. Invented, branded, and launched multiple original designs, many of which became widely adopted across the industry, reinforcing brand leadership and market influence.

3.2 Established and managed OEM partnerships across the U.S., Italy, Russia, and China, working closely with engineering teams on component development, materials selection, and scalable production. Optimized manufacturing quality, end-user pricing, and supply chain efficiency, enabling higher production output and improved product consistency.

3.3 Identified and implemented production process improvements, introducing lean manufacturing principles, cost optimization strategies, and enhanced worker safety protocols. Established and enforced long-term operational best practices, improving efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Conducted competitive benchmarking and on-site visits to refine methods and adopt industry-leading innovations.

3.4 Designed and led training initiatives, bringing in external industry experts to enhance the technical skills of production teams. Upskilled workforce capabilities, resulting in a broader, more robust product line, exclusive market-leading innovations, and stronger brand positioning.

4.0 LEADERSHIP / HR / COMPLIANCE
4.1 Led all HR functions, including talent acquisition, interviewing, and onboarding for both local and remote employees. Developed and implemented comprehensive new hire training programs and ongoing professional development initiatives. Created employee handbooks, procedural manuals, and workplace policies to foster a safe, inclusive, and high-performing work environment. Conducted performance evaluations, conflict resolution, and employee engagement activities to enhance retention and productivity.

4.2 Managed payroll administration, benefits, and tax compliance, overseeing new hire setup, EDD tax filings, and quarterly/annual reporting for a team of 5+ employees and 10+ contractors. Designed and executed employee benefits and insurance plans, ensuring full compliance with labor laws and workplace regulations (ADA, Drug-Free Workplace, Affirmative Action Plan, etc.).

4.3 Analyzed financial data, generated reports, and managed budgets at both micro and macro levels, identifying cost-saving opportunities and optimizing business expenditures. Led financial strategy during economic challenges, implementing lean operational practices and securing strategic investments and emergency funding to maintain business stability.

4.4 Oversaw corporate regulatory compliance at the local, state, and federal levels, ensuring accurate and timely filing for income tax, sales tax, payroll tax, business licensing, trademarks/copyrights, and regulatory reporting. Managed compliance with agencies including BOE, CDTFA, IRS, SOS, EDD, DCA, FTB, SBA, FTC, OSHA, EEOC, CPSC, CBP, and USTDA, reducing risk exposure and maintaining operational integrity.

4.5 Directed IT infrastructure and business systems, leading research, implementation, and employee training for all internal technology, including ERP/inventory software, CRM, cloud-based collaboration tools, network security, eCommerce systems, data backups, and surveillance systems. Ensured seamless IT operations to support scalable growth, remote workforce efficiency, and cybersecurity.

• Partnered directly with the founder to drive end-to-end startup growth, from concept to product launch and eventual scale to 25K+ active users.

• Led investor relations efforts, including VC fundraising initiatives, pitch deck creation, and investor outreach, securing early-stage interest in a competitive market.

• Developed and executed a lean, bootstrapped marketing strategy, leveraging grassroots user acquisition, community engagement, and early adopter outreach to accelerate organic growth.

• Designed and ran beta A/B testing, focus groups, and user feedback loops, refining core product functionality, UI/UX, and cross-platform features based on real user insights.

• Defined and directed creative and technical aspects of product development, collaborating on UI/UX strategy, feature roadmaps, and cross-platform integration to enhance user experience and engagement.

• Managed fundamental startup operations for a six-person team, overseeing day-to-day workflows, lean business processes, and internal coordination in a fast-paced environment.

• Actively participated in Silicon Valley tech events and conventions, networking with industry leaders, potential investors, and early adopters to increase brand visibility and market positioning.

Creative Consultant

• Started as a staff writer, covering campus and local news, but quickly gained recognition for a distinctive writing style, leading to high-profile event coverage and exclusive interviews.

• Traveled throughout the Inland Empire and Los Angeles, reporting on concerts, comedians, and notable public figures, delivering engaging feature stories that captured cultural and entertainment trends.

• Expanded writing scope to include editorial pieces, in-depth reviews, and front-page articles, balancing hard-hitting journalism with compelling storytelling.

• Developed a sharp editorial voice, refining content for clarity, engagement, and audience appeal while maintaining publication standards and deadlines.

• Collaborated with photographers and editors to curate visual storytelling elements, ensuring high-quality imagery complemented written content for print and digital formats.

• Led all photo editing and visual storytelling efforts, ensuring high-quality images complemented news, feature, and editorial content for both print and digital editions.

• Assigned, directed, and mentored a team of student photographers, overseeing photo selection, composition, and post-production editing to maintain a consistent editorial style and brand identity.

• Covered major campus and local events, capturing newsworthy moments, portraits, and action shots, while managing photojournalism ethics, copyright considerations, and publication deadlines.

Staff Writer/Photo Editor

Eugene Solomonik is a Co-founder/CEO at Olamic Cutlery Inc in Los Angeles, CA. View their experience, skills and work history on Malakye — the professional…

Eugene Solomonik — Co-founder/CEO at Olamic Cutlery Inc

Eugene Solomonik — Co-founder/CEO at Olamic Cutlery Inc

Eugene Solomonik

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