Mitch Mann
Product Line Development, Sales, Merchandising, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, Creative Development · GMPC
Garden Grove, CA
In My Own Words
I have enjoyed a very exciting career in creative development and brand management. My experience has developed an advanced set of skills that are focused towards product development, sourcing, sales, brainstorming, marketing, and merchandising.
Being a well-rounded and passionate product person is something to be very proud of. I was brought up through the marketing and creative departments and that always brought my product merchandising expertise into use. My employers love using me for writing projects and creative presentations. My other skill sets include the designing and development of all types of accessories, bags, apparel, and other unique items. My projects have involved abilities in fabrications, trend analysis, licensing, overseas factory sourcing, product branding, and copy writing.
My ability to brainstorm at the highest level has led me to be directly involved in some amazing product campaigns with great success. I am that one person who is brought in to energize a creative conversation. I have been a key member of successful teams that have created exciting new brands and concepts. I feel there is so much more to share and achieve. My mind is racing with fresh ideas everyday.
Mitch Mann mitch23@ix.netcom.com 714.264.8068
Work Experience
Product Line Development, Sales, Merchandising, Design, Sourcing, Marketing, Creative Development
GMPC2007 – Present
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.
Licensing, Design, Merchandising and Product Development
KC Caps/ Head Start Licensed Products1992 – 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
Retail Store Development and Product Development
Reebok1992 – 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.
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