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Over 20 Years of International Experience

My life can be characterized by an intricate mosaic of various languages, cultures, educational backgrounds, and work experiences of nearly 25 years in 20 countries, all of which enable me to think within a global context and understand different market structures, consumer behavior, product profiles, and the assorted needs of each stakeholder in the chain.

 

Focusing on international development, I have unfolded my career from education to business administration, marketing, and sales.  My background in education has proved indispensible in equipping me with strong academic skills that undergird my professional role in international business.

 

I have lived for varying stays in Italy, the US, China, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Belgium.  I have also worked extensively throughout Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, and the UK.

 

I am fluent in Italian and English, and I have near native fluency in Bulgarian.  I have a good command of Russian and Chinese, while I speak Spanish and French to varying degrees.  I have recently begun studying Arabic, and I have a proficient reading knowledge of several other languages.

Professional Experience

Go Global

NJ, United States
Oct 2003 - Present
Director 
  • Provided Turn-key Solutions to various size companies throughout Europe and the US for overseas expansion and increased revenue.
  • Spearheaded new Pilot Projects consisting of Development, Marketing, and Implementation. .
  • Performed Market Research to determine Optimal Product/Service Development and Distribution in international Markets.
  • Managed Brand Image, Pricing Strategies, Import/Export Logistics, Merchandising and POS Schematics, Marketing Campaigns, Advertising, Public Relations, and promotional events globally.
  • Developed and managed National and International Distribution Networks.
  • Responsible for the negotiation of International Contracts and Agreements.
  • Collaborated with local agencies in promotional activities, including exhibitions, trade shows, and workshops in the US and Europe.
  • Analyzed industry trends and Technology to identify proactively Supply Base Issues.
  • Responsible for Website optimization and SEO, comprising Technical Specs, Training Videos, Brochures, White Papers, and Press Releases.
  • Accountable for all HR duties to include Recruitment, Training, Coaching, and Management of Employees.
  • Local and International Event Planning for the European Commission.
  • Doubled enrollment for prestigious adult learning institute.
  • Launched showroom for import /export and wholesale/retail of luxury items throughout Europe.
  • Assisted in the launch of the 1st and only all-menswear magazine in Egypt, currently acting as Managing Editor.
  • Maintained contact with and Reported on hundreds of emerging Designers on personal website.
  • Launched e-store to market and sell designers' products.
  • Lectured on Fashion, Fashion Merchandising, Cultural Branding, and International Business at local Universities throughout the European and American Markets.

US Department of Commerce

Philadelphia, PA, United States
Nov 2002 - Oct 2003
Foreign Trade Specialist 
  • Conducted Market Research and Analysis of Foreign Markets encompassing Northeast Pennsylvania and the Tri State Area for the USEAC. Created, developed, and managed databases of client companies.
  • Developed PowerPoint Presentations to present Export Opportunities and to develop client companies on Export Potentials.
  • Introduced US Products into foreign markets- defining Strategic Marketing Options and opportune channels of Distribution to include Franchising, Licensing, and Direct Sales.
  • Promoted to International Trade Specialist of the Balkans at the US Department of Commerce in Washington, DC.

DPM International

Caserta, Italy
Nov 1994 - Oct 2001
European Director of Project Management Division 
  • Established and developed the European Distribution Network composing of Licensees, Agents, Representatives, Franchisees, and Country Managers for an expansive 15 countries in the European Sector.
  • Conducive Market Research to determine effective means of Distributing Products tailored to each Nations Portfolio.
  • Negotiated Contractual Terms for Licensing, Franchising, Joint Ventures, and Agencies.
  • Defined Brand Image and Promotional Events within specific regions.
  • Experience in Budgeting, Finance Allocations, and Investment Funds in the 15 countries.
  • Accountable for the Research, Project Management, Diagnostic Reviews and Adult Training Services in a wide Cross Section of Disciplines, specifically Socio Economic Development, Government Policy/ Reform, Information Technology, and Organizational Technology.

CEC Foundation

Sofia, Bulgaria
Sep 1990 - Nov 1994
Director Education & Business Development 
  • Patterns and Database Integrity to successfully market Consumer Purchasing Trends. 
  •  Executed small and medium sized businesses to stimulate new emerging economics and create Employment Stimulus.
  • Developed and Managed a Chain of newly created and independent Retail Stores.
  • Responsible for all Human Resource Operations of such entities to include Recruitment, Training, and Management of personnel.
  • Negotiated contracts with Foreign Companies, obtained Licenses, Managed Brand Images, and developed National Channels of Distribution.
  • Accountable for all Purchasing Patterns and Database Integrity to successfully market Consumer Purchasing Trends.

University of Technology/Teachers’ College

Guizhou, China
Sep 1986 - Sep 1990
Department Head, Lecturer & Teacher Trainer 
  • Founded and directed the Linguistic Institute at the University of Technology.
  • Developed entire curricula and wrote materials and textbooks for various courses.
  • Taught foreign languages (English and Italian) at both the Guizhou University of technology and the Teacher's College.
  • Instructed Chinese teachers in Pedagogy, Educational linguistics, Socio-linguistics, and Psycho-linguistics.
  • Trained and supervised a team of native English language teachers.
  • Organized and lectured at conferences, seminars, and workshops for Chinese instructors, presenting lectures in Mandarin.
  • Liaised with foreign authorities and organizations regarding fundraising.

Educational Background

University of Pennsylvania - School of Arts & Sciences

Philadelphia, PA, United States
Sep 1979 - Jun 1982
Bachelor of Arts, Russian & Chinese Languages & Area Studies

Magna cum laude

University of Pennsylvania - Graduate School of Education

Philadelphia, PA, United States
Jan 1981 - Jun 1983
Master of Science, Educational Linguistics

Magna cum laude

AMU/APUS

Manassas, VA, United States
Jan 2002 - Dec 2003
Master of Business Administration , Competitive Intelligence

Sum cum laude

Certifications

Breaking into the Trade Game

(Fox School of Business and Management of Temple University)
Feb 2003 - Apr 2003

Export management: documentation, shipping logistics, Inco terms, L/C's, international market research.

International Trade

(US Department of Commerce)
Mar 2003 - Mar 2003

One-week training course in international commerce.

Foreign Languages

English & Italian

(Rockstar)
10+ Years Experience, (Last Used <1 year ago)
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Native Fluency

Mandarin Chinese

(Advanced)
10+ Years Experience, (Last Used <1 year ago)
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Advanced Level

Russian

(Expert)
10+ Years Experience, (Last Used <1 year ago)
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Advanced Level

Bulgarian

(Expert)
10+ Years Experience, (Last Used <1 year ago)
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Near Native Fluency

Spanish & French

(Intermediate)
10+ Years Experience, (Last Used <1 year ago)
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Intermediate Level

Arabic

(Beginner)
1-2 Years Experience, (Currently in use)
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Technical Skills

Word Processing: Microsoft Word, Word Perfect

Databases: LotusNotes, Access

Spreadsheets: Excel

Graphic: Corel Draw, Photoshop

Presentations:  PowerPoint

Other: Outlook

 

My Publications

Uomo Moda

Uomo Moda
I am the managing editor of fashion for the 1st and only menswear magazine in Egypt, which is published in English.
 

Academic

New Wine
A treatise on ancient society, culture, religion, and customs.
 

Sports

International Competitive Masters Swimming

 

2008 Gold Medalist in International Finals.

Major Achievements

Charting Life's Course as a Team

Whitewater

1986-1990: Trained professionals in Far East Asia and launched institute at university in China.

 

1990- 1994: Pioneered new businesses throughout Eastern Europe.

 

1994-2001: Directed European operations in 15 countries for a multinational.

 

2001-2003: Earned MBA and worked for government agency commerce department.

 

2003-present:  business development; sales & marketing; brand, product, project & event management--globally.

Italy Government Partners

US State Partners

Delaware SBDC

Small Business Development Center

Improving local business processes.

University Partners

Delaware University

University of Delaware

Training local student interns in business development & marketing.

Lecturing & Training

University of Delaware

University of Delaware

Intern training & Guest lectures in cultural branding, merchandising, sales & marketing.

Journalism

Example of Articles

Artice

Never Judge a Book by Its Cover—Unless It’s in Italian!

 

An article I wrote for the Fibre Magazine of the Fashion Department at the University of Delaware, comparing menswear in Italy vs. the US!

Global Research

Global Travels

Ancient Carthage, Tunisia

Each year, I travel the globe, such as to ancient Carthage in Tunisia, to research ancient civilzations, peoples, customs, languages, and designs, all of which unergird my understanding of contemporary life, business, and practice.  The Phoenicians established the first global network!

Ancient Research

Barumini

The ancient Nuraghic people. who lived in Sardinia, constructed honeycomb-like cities an designed apparel that could rival Milan Fashion Week.