Tom Tanner

Experience

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  Tanner Family Enterprises

  Jan 1980 - Jan 1987

  Managing Partner

  Partnered with family members to develop and manage multiple family-owned and operated businesses, while in high school and college:Tanner's Hamlin Inn - Operational responsibility of a local hospitality & tourism business. Direct management of a local Inn, including a full-time restaurant and bar. Oversaw staffing, purchasing, marketing, promotional events and strategic partnerships.Tanner's Orchard - Financial and operational responsibility for a seasonal family business. Managed and maintained a 20+ acre orchard of apple, pear and cherry trees with my younger brother. Hired 20+ part-time workers each season. Marketed and sold locally grown produce and food items to farm markets, local businesses and processing/distribution centers, including Motts. Show less

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  Audits & Surveys, Inc

  Jan 1988 - Jan 1990

  Research Director, Audit Division

  Coordinated and conducted CPG market research studies, managed POS audit tracking services and performed competitive analysis in multiple consumer categories including soft drinks (Coca-Cola), appliances (Norelco) and software (Microsoft). Utilized primary and secondary data sources to develop and support market observations and business recommendations.

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  Edmar Supply Corp

  Jan 1990 - Jan 1993

  Director of Sales and New Business Development, Industrial Division

  Initially hired as a commercial sales representative responsible for growing the NYC territory for one of the largest distributors of cleaning supplies, chemicals and equipment in the U.S. Presented a business plan to create an industrial division focused on developing larger accounts with more demanding needs. Negotiated and established exclusive representation agreements with global industrial manufacturers including 3M, Tennant and Advance Cleaning Equipment. Managed 3 sales reps to provide operational and service solutions to facility managers of mid-sized and large businesses. Opened 100+ new accounts including Port Authority of NY/NJ, Empire State Building and Simon Properties. Awarded sales rep “Rookie of the Year” honors for first year sales results. Show less

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  CMP Media Inc.

  Jan 1993 - Jan 1999

  Director of Marketing & Interactive Business Development

  Oversaw marketing, market research and new business development for a leading global publishing company serving the broad spectrum of builders, sellers and users of technology.Developed advertising and custom content publishing programs delivered across multiple mediums (print, digital, television, live events) to increase client reach and frequency, while enhancing customer experience and significantly improving conversion.Established new channels of revenue by selling custom market research programs, B2B digital tutorials and micro-site development to start-ups and global technology leaders (Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, IBM, etc) - generating over $5 million in first year. Show less

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  AutoStart

  Jan 1995 - Jan 1998

  Founding Partner and President

  Successfully led the ideation, design, production, launch and distribution of a patented consumer product significantly contributing to the creation of a new portable power product category in the automotive and marine markets. Sourced and produced components in China with final assembly in the U.S. Sold via retail, independent sales reps and trade shows (B2C and B2B).

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  Independent Business Management, Marketing & Sales Advisor/Consultant

  May 2000 - now

  Strategic Marketing & Business Management Coach, Advisor & Consultant

  Certified Small & Mid-Sized Business Consultant (AASBC) provides enhanced/interim management, strategic marketing, business development and financial improvement services to privately-owned businesses and academia.Educational Advisor: Customer Experience Certification ProgramRecruited & selected to participate in a limited, invitation-only advisory position based on professional experience. Work with a team of diverse, innovative, and well-connected subject-matter experts to provide strategic guidance and mentoring services to faculty and students to optimize program objectives, content and value.Developed and launched an ecommerce platform for a mid-sized B2C business including customer needs assessment, product and pricing strategies, data acquisition, platform evaluations, catalog creation, staffing/resource management, customer acquisition and business performance reviews. Sales grew over 30% with ecommerce becoming the most profitable revenue channel. Conducted market research to assess product positioning, confirm customer needs/messaging and estimate sales potential for a high-tech incubator commercializing technologies developed by Cornell University, MIT and Virginia Tech.Performed market & competitive analysis for a national retailer to identify new business opportunities and improve inconsistencies in customer experience. Secret shopped multiple retailers, interviewed hundreds of customers and developed a business plan that included product and pricing strategies, multi-channel communications program, sales training and performance metrics.Orchestrated the consolidation of multiple business units for a leading industrial publishing company. Centralized operational and support functions, reducing operating expenses by $3 million. Trained 12 sales reps and developed new advertising and content-for-sale programs resulting in nearly $10 million in new business. Show less

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  Ticket Craft

  May 2001 - May 2004

  Chief Operating Officer - General Manager

  Hired to turnaround a declining family-owned business. Significantly improved financial performance and operational efficiencies of this regional manufacturer. Restructured staffing, increased sales and average order size, modified operational workflow, reduced time-to-market, improved product quality and significantly increase profitability. Successfully facilitated an exit strategy of selling the business and transitioning to new ownership.

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  Jewelry.com (A Richline Group, Berkshire Hathaway Company)

  Jan 2004 - Jan 2008

  Senior Director of Marketing

  Responsible for the development, positioning and business management of one of the highest performing affiliate business models on the Internet (at that time). Generated and delivered millions of pre-qualified referrals/leads to national and regional retailer partners (Macy's, Kohl's, QVC, Kay Jewelers and Zale’s) via consumer-facing portal that attracted over 50 million annual visitors.Started a separate e-commerce business selling excess inventories to employees of global businesses, directly and in partnership with employee benefits providers. Converted unsold, aging inventory into a revenue generating business contributing millions in new sales. Show less

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  Frederick Goldman, Inc.

  May 2008 - May 2016

  Senior Vice President of Marketing

  Provided strategic leadership, business planning and executional direction for three business units of a global jewelry, fashion and accessories manufacturer. Responsible for nine consumer-facing brands and licenses including Vera Wang, Karl Lagerfeld, Scott Kay, Triton, Keepsake, and ArtCarved across multiple channels of distribution including mass merchants (Walmart, Kohl's), department stores (Macy's), clubs (Sam's, Costco), specialty retailers (Kay Jewelers) and independent retailers (London Jewelers). Show less

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  Diamonds International

  May 2016 - now

  Vice President of Marketing

  Oversee strategic planning, execution and financial management of corporate and retail marketing, brand management, new business development, strategic partnerships, affiliate marketing and e-commerce for a global manufacturer and international retailer selling direct-to-consumer via 130+ company owned and operated fine jewelry and luxury watch stores located in more than 15 countries.