Claudio Longato Junior

Experience

• 

  Longato Madeiras / Seiva Wood Shop

  Oct 1996 - Mar 2000

  Chief Executive Officer/CEO

  Assumed executive leadership of the family business, a lumber and hardware company providing products to the professional builders market in Sao Paulo, Brazil; and a wood shop manufacturing trim, mouldings, and small furniture sold primarily to retail stores nationwide. Quickly learned the industry, serving as primary decision-maker and working in collaboration with the management team and store managers to provide high-level oversight for multiple locations. Directly managed 15 and indirectly as many as 70 employees.Adapted flexibly as the economy was still shaken by the change in the country currency because of high inflation rates. Beginning in December 1999, planned and implemented an orderly exit strategy and divestiture of company assets, including store locations, inventory, and machinery.• Enhanced efficiency and profitability by centralizing key functions including credit, customer service, and outside sales and outsourcing non-core functions.• Implemented expense control program to build a healthier company to withstand monetary and market changes which led to a 45% reduction in costs over 2 years.• Hired, trained, and supervised store managers, woodworkers, and administration and sales staff.• Created a positive culture that promoted the belief that challenges are opportunities and mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. Strengthened employee morale and held turnover at a very low rate.• Played essential role in due diligence and company closing during acquisition of retail locations and wood shop. Show less

• 

  General Iron Fittings Ltda.

  Apr 2000 - now

  Founder

  Manufacturer of environmentally friendly wood finishing products sold online and through retail stores. The first company to develop and profit from this market niche in Brazil.• Developed and built business from start up to generate 6-figure sales annually.• Created, marketed and sold a full range of wood finishing products and correlates. The development of each product was conducted as being a separate project (PMI standards).• Provided assistance to businesses and woodworkers seeking to shift their manufacturing processes and standards to new generation finishing products.• Consistently maintained a high-standard performance record via exceptional service, follow-through, and specific attention to detail which resulted in higher sales and customer loyalty.• Created marketing presentations and demo products for multiple annual exhibitions at regional home shows; developed effective sales approach that emphasizes consumer education and relationship building.• Analysed complex situations, designed practical solutions, and implemented cost-effective plans.• Developed personnel, hired sales representatives and in-store promoters, trained and motivated resellers salespersons and self-employed woodworkers. Show less