Mitch Mann — GMPC — Garden Grove, CA
Mitch Mann
Product Line Development, Sales, Merchandising, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, Creative Development
Garden Grove | United States
Skills
No information
Interests
Climbing
Cycling
Hiking
Distance running
Alpine & nordic skiing
S.u.p. (paddle boarding)
Work experience
GMPC
Product Line Development, Sales, Merchandising, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, Creative Development | 05/2007 - Current
This position included creating custom product lines and developing exclusive designs for a variety of consumer goods. I also worked on juniors accessories, promotional items, apparel programs, organic apparel, custom accessories, a wide variety of bags, glassware, sunglasses, and I specialized in baseball caps and headwear.
This position has developed my network of sourcing and product testing as well as my ability to do presentations at any level from brand to retailers. I have continued to learn new product segments on a daily basis. From headwear to socks, panties to jewelry, this job has taught me the gift of balance between creativity and profitability.
In regards to sourcing, I have developed a strong network of factory relationships that is focused on ethical behavior and reliability. Product testing skills have also been a key part of this position. The best feedback I find in this position is when end users say they love the products we have worked to create.
I was given the 'Employee of the Year' award for two straight years and have earned the respect of my peers for creativity and honesty.
KC Caps/ Head Start Licensed Products
Licensing, Design, Merchandising and Product Development | 12/1992 - 04/2007
My duties involved designing custom headwear programs, accessory development, overseas sourcing, marketing strategies, HR, overseeing the art direction, trade show management, and entertainment and brand license program development.
I was the first employee of a start up licensed product company and helped build it to a strong market share in that industry. During a 14+ year stay here, I was responsible for a number of very successful licensing programs, private label product development, sales management, HR, and distribution challenges.
The company grew so fast that the real challenge was handling the expectations of overseas ownership within the American culture without sacrificing ethical business practices. It was great to learn from the successes, but I learned even more from programs that didn't pan out as well. Licensing can be cruel that way, in some ways, you are only as good as your last strong property. Eventually I decided to move on to a company that was able to offer more in the form of resources
Reebok
Retail Store Development and Product Development | 01/1992 - 12/1992
As a consultant to find a location and build a brand new Reebok concept retail store in Santa Monica. I was involved in site selection, design, construction, inventory development, product development, marketing, staffing, community development, and PR. I represented Reebok in all marketing functions and programs. I knew it was a temporary project, but it was a good experience dealing with such a large company and the challenges that come from that. The store ended up suffering damage from the 1994 earthquake and was closed.