Adam Ryon

I offer bespoke services to small brands and individuals in need of professional business and creative guidance. I specialize in Brand Development, Strategic Planning, Sales, Marketing and International Distribution. Recent clients include cult toothbrush brand Bogobrush out of Detroit and children's shoe company Allegro Baby & Child based in Dubai, UAE.

Formulated and executed an international distribution strategy for Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East for this firm with over $60M in annual revenue. Actively researched, identified and recruited distributors that shared our company values and vision for growth. Developed, managed and implemented the annual divisional forecast/budget and P&L for all distribution markets not managed by our corporate entities. Oversaw all aspects of regional product development, inventory, sales training and fulfillment for the international territories.

• Increased divisional sales 200% 2014 vs. 2013.
  
• Expanded distribution to new territories increasing our global footprint.
• Provided and coordinated technical and sales support to partners to aid in exceeding the annual sales targets.
• Evaluated and monitored partner results and behaviors in the marketplace to ensure the results and behaviors exceeded expectations.
• Work closely with the VP/North American Sales Director to generate ideas for sales opportunities, processes and system improvements for the International Distributor Partner model.

Conceptualized and actualized the re-launch of the Home, Gifts and Grooming categories on JackThreads.com and Thrillist.com for this $100M online retailer to diversify our product offering, increase our average sales transactions and improve customer retention. Developed unique and exclusive product for the division using existing network of vendors and newly developed outside sources. Managed a team of 3 including an associate buyer, fulfillment coordinator and divisional planner.

• Increased Q3/13 and Q4/13 divisional sales 20% and 26% respectively with an increase in margin by 7%.
  
• Responsible for all purchasing for the three categories with an annual purchasing budget of $3M.
• Aligned the purchasing for the division with the overall brand concept to ensure cross divisional uniformity in anticipation of a "Full Price" model transition.
• Developed and executed conceptualized “Flash” sales for the division on a weekly basis to reach sales targets.

Reporting directly to Partner & VP Design Director, managed all aspects of brand licensing partnerships and private label business for this $30M home furnishings design house. Brand partners included House of Fraser (UK), Robert Allen, Thermos, Target.com, Global Views and Westwood Furniture and Precedent Furniture. Managed a team of 4 designers to ensure each division is providing deliverables on-time and in-line with the creative and cross functional calendars.

•  Assisted in the conception, build out and opening of the SOHO Flagship store hiring and training staff.
  
• Managed all ‘Creative Services’ projects including in-store, online and wholesale collateral.
• Oversaw all catalog production from concept to print.
• Responsible for the production and managment of all in-house lifestyle and product photo shoots including concept development, location/photographer/stylist selection, logistics and post produciton. 
• Managed a $500K annual creative budget.
• Responsible for managing all digital assets and archives for the brand including the facilitation of all re-touching, formatting and rendering.

Reporting directly to Partner & EVP Sales, designed and implemented sales plans and growth strategy to increase wholesale sales. Collaborated with cross functional departments to build strong business programs generating increased revenue. Built and established an effective sales team to drive procedure development to enhance relationships and drive sales. Oversaw the Customer Service department for both B2B & B2C divisions.

•  Achieved 40%+ year-over-year sales growth for N. American market and 75%+ year-over-year growth internationally for 2011/2012 respectively.
• Transitioned sales team from 25+ outside independent sales reps to team of 7 inside corporate sales managers including implementation of global CRM and B2B ordering system (Brandwise) lowering overhead and increasing profitability.
• Worked closely with marketing, design, production and regulatory teams to develop product, packaging and collateral for each territory/channel in operation.
• Worked closely with planning department to ensure proper forecasting and stock allocation.
• Managed all aspects of trade show production (6+ Annually) including booth design, planning and on-site execution and merchandising.

Developed, implemented, and actualized an international sales and marketing strategy annually. Actively researched, identified and recruited distributors and independent boutiques operating outside of the United States that shared our company values and vision for growth. Managed all aspects of day to day support for our all international accounts including order placement and fulfillment, product and staff education, trade shows and PR.

• Increased international division sales 303% FY/08.
• Increased YOY sales $1.2M FY2009 and $1.5M FY/2010.
• Identified, qualified and negotiated distribution relationships for 4 new territories (9 countries) within my first 8 months.
• Traveled internationally 60% of  the year. 

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, set global strategy and drove execution for SHARPS Barber & Shop brand. Developed and implemented sales and marketing strategies to achieve revenue goals and established innovative programs focused on SHARPS core competencies and brand identity to drive business and further brand awareness. 

• Established new channels for growth and aligned product development process to support this growth.
• Provoked company vision and strategy to sync with sales and marketing initiatives.
• Appointed by board of directors to creative advisory board for future brand development initiatives (ie: flagship stores/barbershops, brand co-ops, merchandising).

Managed and grew sales through business development of luxury spas, specialty retailers and independent boutiques. Managed multiple pipelines simultaneously and sought out new platforms for lead generation. Generated new leads through online research, market prospecting and cold calling.  

• Exceeded sales goals and increased door count in excess of 15 new accounts per month.
• Developed new business criteria for both wholesale and professional programs for the transition of new packaging and brand platform.
• Coordinated and led quarterly 4 day “Bio-Dynamic Beauty” and “Jurlique Business” courses for top wholesale partners at an offsite organic farm in up-state New York.

Reporting directly to the Founder & Creative Director, and part of the founding team, Managed all domestic and international sales for the ‘Premium’ Barber & Shop product line. Facilitated all B2B customer support for order placement to product issue resolution. Developed and oversaw the inaugural education program for sales associates and barbers/stylists. 

• Maintained 250+ customer relationships at all levels including Barneys New York, Barney’s Co-Op, Bloomingdale’s and Sephora.
• Worked with marketing to coordinate successful product launches and customer incentive programs.
• Hired and managed 5+ direct reports including freelance counter representatives and territory managers.

Part of opening team for the Meatpacking District’s premier Boutique Hotel. Helped develop the Front of House operations guidelines of service for all front office staff.

• Responsible for all VIP clientele interactions.
• Performed all duties from check-in/check-out, reservations, car bookings, spa bookings, dining bookings and anything else required by guests.
• Perform daily system audits to ensure all money and deposits were properly accounted for.
• Worked closely with in-house sales team to acquire and retain corporate accounts.
• Organized and executed hotel special events.

Completed an intensive Musical Theater Program with an emphasis on Performing Arts.