James Dickinson
Principle · The Dickinson Group Services
Charlotte, NCIn My Own Words
25 plus years of experience and expertise in development, marketing, selling, promotion, and branding of high-end and technical product lines, marketing programs and services to specialty retailers and their customers.
Highly skilled in successful retail sales practices, merchandising, purchasing, business start-ups, development and management.
Outstanding record of cultivating long-term relationships with vendors, retailers and customers... Tailoring inventories, vendor programs, products and services to meet customers’ need ... Creating and developing sales territories ... Consistently increasing sales volume and capturing new market share ... Developing and securing brand loyalty at the consumer and retail levels.
Work Experience
Principle
The Dickinson Group Services2013 – 2015
Operating an Outdoor Service company specializing in Retail Consulting to the small independent outdoor stores, running Fly Fishing School and Commercial Insurance
Asst. Manager/Fishing Manager
Orvis Charlotte2009 – 2013
Responsibilities include merchandising, and management of the Fishing Department, related schools and clinic, Promotions as well as training all associates in successful sales technique… As Assistant Manage assumed the Managers role and responsibilities in Managers absence…Develop working relationship with Home Office to create correct product mix, managed and evolve diverse and well rounded fly selection, and creation a profitable Fly Fishing School Program...Implementation of corporate directive and programs…Achieve store and individual Key Performance Measures (KPM’s)
Principle/Owne
The Dickisnon Group Sales1991 – 2009
Created and operate an independent manufacturers’ rep group, representing fly-fishing and general-tackle lines to high end specialty retailers throughout the Southeast (VA, WV, NC, SC, TN, KY, GA, AL). Travel throughout the territory to promote and sell vendor marketing programs; present in-store product clinics to buyers and store personnel; and conduct casting, fishing, and other schools for consumers at stores and regional trade shows. Highly involved in the development of new products, sales and marketing programs with companies represented. Focused on guiding retailers in establishing correct inventory levels for their individual situations, maximize product turns and profitability, using vendors products and programs as an invaluable sales tools. Recruited and managed two subcontractors, 1996-99.