Michel Schnaas
Work experience
The Gralen Company
General Manager | 09/2020 - Current
KVP International, Inc.
General Manager at Gralen Company | 07/2018 - Current
• Took over General Management of business unit by setting brand and distribution strategy, product costing and merchandising, and efficient integration into broad company operations.
The Gralen Company
Brand Director at Katie's Bumpers | 10/2018 - Current
• Led the re-launch of the Katie's Bumpers line of pet products, including revisions to sourcing, pricing, and branding, that translated to better margins, distribution, and storytelling.
KVP International, Inc.
Vice President Of Business Development & Strategy | 07/2018 - 09/2020
• Key contributor to setting corporate strategy, including operating and financial plan in close collaboration with company leadership team.
• Led the implementation of multiple digital solutions for business optimization covering multiple company-owned e-commerce sites, connectors to ERP system, and data analytics software implementation and training.
KVP International, Inc.
Director, Business Operations and Strategy | 08/2016 - 07/2018
• Established Sales forecasting, expense budgeting, and product planning and forecasting processes including seasonal and yearly review process.
• Participated in end-to-end implementation of Netsuite legacy system through data clean-up and proper integration with third-party systems.
• Managed warehouse staff and led the implementation of WMS system by improving existing processes using Kanban, Lean 6 sigma, and 5s concepts.
• Worked closely with company President, CFO, and HR manager on the development and motivation of company staff through continued review and adjustment of company org-chart, job descriptions, positions and departments aligning with company goals.

ASICS America
Business Manager | 11/2013 - 04/2016
Managed the Latin America Distributor business for all categories of the ASICS Sports and Lifestyle brands (Volume: $20m). Development and implementation of strategic initiatives in the areas of Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Finance. Extensive travel for market research, business model evaluation, contract negotiation, product presentations, sourcing and logistics evaluation, and events supervision. Responsible for revenue and margin maximization through strategic pricing; setting operational strategy, cross-functional integration throughout the organization, P&L and Budget creation and management.
Sole Technology
International Sales & Marketing Manager | 07/2012 - 10/2013
Developed and Managed distributor/licensee business in Latin America for multiple brands: etnies, Emerica, Altamont, and ThirtyTwo. Established new distribution in Mexico and Brazil as well as local manufacturing in Brazil and Argentina. Double digit growth in key markets such as Costa Rica and Chile through the implementation of focused initiatives in all areas of the business. Oversaw the execution of large scale events in key markets such as Argentina and Costa Rica. Grew overall business in the region by 30%.
Oakley
Southern California Sales | 04/2011 - 06/2012
Responsible for Sales and Regional Marketing of the REVO Premium Polarized Sunglass brand into the Sun Specialty, Optical, and Sports Channels throughout the Southern California territory from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Primary focus on servicing existing business and establishing new distribution. Responsible for demand creation through the development and execution of grass roots marketing initiatives. Grew business 120% within assigned territory.
Oakley
International General Manager | 01/2009 - 04/2011
Acting-General Manager during the relaunch of Oakley Mexico, Inc. subsidiary. Accountable for the creation and implementation of Annual Operating Plan, Budget, and P&L reports. Successfully built and managed a team, covering various areas of the business, through the use of SMART goals and the implementation of KPIs. Accountable for business and brand development into new markets and channels of distribution; oversight of marketing strategy implementation; team building and development; and overall business growth. Accomplished double digit growth due to successful cross-functional integration with parent company, establishment of solid business structures, and penetration into unexploited segments of the market. Additional tasks included the sale of company HQ building, scouting for and establishing a new office location, and the ultimate integration of the business into the parent company.
Oakley
International Assoc. Sales Manager | 05/2008 - 01/2009
Managed sales and marketing programs for seven subsidiaries and distributors’ footwear business, with volume of $80 million. Key contributor to product merchandising of the footwear category by providing specific market feedback in the form of margin requirements, SMU projects, local sourcing requirements, as well as channel and price segmentation.
Rip Curl, Inc.
International Sales Manager | 05/2005 - 05/2008
Managed all Direct Sales, Distributor, and Licensee business for Rip Curl, USA in Asia, Israel, Latin America, and S. Pacific region. Sales and Marketing strategy creation and implementation. Supply chain management for Licensee business. Set up sales shows in multiple countries. Range showings at national trade shows and other regional shows. Distributor and Licensee contract review and negotiation with multiple candidates. Accomplished 20% YoY growth on average.
Quiksilver
Asstistant Business Manager | 06/2004 - 05/2005
Tech Department Management: wetsuits, eyewear, and watches (Volume: $10 million of $1 billion company). Sales and technical support for eyewear and watches for the eastern US and Puerto Rico. Domestic and International B2B2C Technical support as wetsuits specialist. Order files management and product allocation to a 90%+ order fulfillment.
Quiksilver
International Sales Assistant | 04/2001 - 06/2004
Managed over 300 accounts for six sales representatives in S.E. Asia and Latin America (Volume: $12 million of $900 million company). Order file management: Maintained a minimum of shipped to booked dollars ratio of 85% - 95%. Prepared and presented order and sales reports to top management and customers. Tradeshow attendance, company walkthroughs, phone and E-mail in both Spanish and English. Marketing: Assistance in the areas of sports marketing, merchandising, and events.
Quiksilver
Sales Associate | 09/1999 - 04/2001
Managed 200 domestic accounts (Volume: $5 million of $600 million company). Responsible for order file integrity and fulfillment through relationship building and systems operations.
