In my own words
— RobBorn and raised in the PNW.
Sales agency owner and principal rep with extensive work history in the outdoor lifestyle and action sports industries. Trying to be the best father/ husband/ son to my family while balancing all the work travel.
Trajectory
Mar 2012 — Now
Owner/ Principal · Something Clever
Owner and Principal Rep at Something Clever sales agency. Currently managing brands through various distribution channels including the apparel, outdoor, optical, resort and winter sports industries. Current brands include: Rhythm, RAEN, Sendero Provisions, Autumn headwear, the James Brand, Bellroy, Mizu drinkware, BN3TH, Nitro snowboards, L1 outerwear, HOWL Supply, and Eivy.
Working closely with retailers of all sizes; from majors and department stores to boutique and independent speciality to increase brand awareness and maximize sales potential. Build customer satisfaction through regular communication, and collaborative business planning during the sales process. Drive new business development through successful key account management, and diversification of channel distribution and product segmentation.
Previous lines include: Etnies, Salt & Stone, NAU, Millican, Public SB and Leus.
Oct 2014 — Sep 2018
Sales and Marketing Rep · Nau Clothing
Manage PNW territory for wholesale sales and retail marketing operations for the leader of sustainable apparel and outerwear. Work with upper management to develop and achieve sales goals for the territory. Service existing accounts and prospect new accounts to achieve sales goals. Present seasonal premium outerwear and apparel collections to existing and potential accounts with retailer specific focus to merchandise across multiple channels (majors, department stores, fashion boutiques and outdoor lifestyle) while maintaining a consistent message of sustainability and versatility. Service accounts between pre-order booking with product clinics, merchandising and fill in orders. Provide semi-annual sales forecasts, as well as marketing and product feedback.
• Grew PNW territory’s sales revenue through expanded distribution and increased sales within existing accounts.
• Launched and managed NAU business with key accounts (such as REI and Nordstrom) and successfully grew business through effective merchandise assortment planning and constant communication with the buyers and planners, which resulted in increased turn rates and profit margin.
• Grew retailer account base in both outdoor lifestyle and fashion boutique by over 300%.
• Top Performing Rep 2016, 2017 and 2018
Mar 2012 — Oct 2014
Etnies Sales and Marketing rep · Sole Technology
Manage PNW territory for wholesale sales and retail marketing operations. Service existing accounts and prospect new accounts to achieve sales goals. Present seasonal footwear and apparel collections to existing and potential accounts with retailer specific focus to merchandise across multiple channels. Service accounts between pre-order booking with clinics, merchandising and fill in orders. Provide semi-annual sales forecasts, as well as marketing and product feedback.
• Grew PNW territory’s sales revenue by 538% for 2013, and again in 2014 by 260% through expanded distribution and increased sales within existing accounts.
• Managed Etnies business with Amazon.com and successfully grew business by over 200% through effective merchandise assortment planning and negotiation which resulted in increased turn rates and profit margin.
• Grew retailer account base by over 700% since starting by leveraging my existing and growing retailer network.
• Participated in brand activation by hosting national media and Etnies team members for a product wear test that was used for a global product launch for the Highlight shoe.
• Increased regional and national brand awareness by sponsoring and hosting contests such as TWS Come Up Tour series.
• Awarded “Rep of the Year” 2013, 2014
Mar 2005 — Mar 2012
General Manager · Exit Real World
Directed operations of merchandise purchasing, sales and promotions. Purchased snowboard hard goods, outerwear, shoes and accessories for men and women, and men's apparel for multi-door and web. Determined allocation of purchased product to individual stores. Supervised daily sales operations of 5 retail locations, e commerce site and a staff of 20+ employees.
* Contracted with new vendors by determining changing trends in the market to appeal to a new and broader customer base.
* Oversaw annual buying budget for multiple locations by determining differences and similarities of the customer demographics.
* Analyzed and managed open to buy budget and current inventory for maximum profit by capitalizing on high turn rates and off price product purchasing to maximize profit margin.
* Coordinate annual sales and special events such as movie premiers and Portland's Snow Expo to increase brand awareness to the public.
* Manage and recruit new athletes to endorse the Exit brand through print and video media.
Jun 1997 — Mar 2005
Store Manager/ Buyer · Exit Real World
www.exitrealworld.com
Managed daily sales, operations and personnel. Responsible for hiring and training new staff on all operating procedures. Set daily, monthly and annual sales goals for the shop and individual employees. Managed a staff of 8.
* Opened new store in Portland, OR to reach a new market and broaden distribution.
* Consistently grew store's annual sales by 30% each year.
* Organized annual sales and special events to increase brand exposure.
* Secured new vendor procurement to broaden product offering.
* Awarded "Skate Shop of the Year" by Portland Monthly for 2005.
Activity
Education history
Willamette University
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) | 1994 - 1999
Mariner High School
General | 1991 - 1994
