David Hirst

Experience

• 

  Adidas

  Jan 1990 - Jan 1992

  Sales Representative
• 

  Off Ya Tree

  Apr 1995 - Dec 1999

  Retail General Manager
• 

  Outward Bound USA

  Jan 2000 - Dec 2003

  Director of Sales/Course Director
• 

  K2 Sports

  Jan 2004 - Dec 2011

  US Strategic Accounts & Skate Sales Manager

  • Managed $15M in sales, increase of 3% CAGR across business portfolio in down winter sports period, grew core business in K2 Ski, K2 SB, Ride SB, K2 Skate and Zoot Sports by 2%, implemented accessory program that grew 200% in 2010• Reduced process inefficiencies and managed costs to realize a decrease in charge backs by 86% over 4 years• Managed National Independent rep force to grow inline skate business 2% YOY and maintain from 2009-2011, and stop the bleed from 10 years of decline• Consolidated forecasts from independent sales representatives and key national accounts to monitor progress towards monthly, quarterly and annual sales targets, reporting on variances and ordering inventory to achieve budgeted sales. Within 5% of forecast 4 years running• Developed overall sales budget, sales targets, and motivate independent sales representatives to meet contract goals• Developed strategies and programs to increase sales, reduced carryover inventory and increased margin 50 basis points YOY• Created a Retail Advisory Council to develop the skate product line in conjunction with the product and International sales team which met and exceeded the needs of end users and Global retailers. • Enhanced the image and demand for the skate brand in the US market through introducing National Big Box campaigns and targeted regional promotions• Strategically managed sales/marketing/co-op for 8 brands at The Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods & REI to promulgate information to a large internal and external audience to facilitate growth through targeted marketing, PR and sales strategies Show less

• 

  The Coleman Company, Inc.

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2016

  Director of US Sales

  With $900M revenue, Coleman is the catalyst that inspires connections between people and the outside. We believe that these connections rejuvenate the bonds between each other and the planet, paving the path for a better tomorrow.• Overview: Administered sporting goods division by leveraging leadership experience. • Sales Program: Formed creative sales programs to attain company goals and cultivated productive relationships with industry peers.• Teams: Led a team • Business Success Advancement: Advanced business growth at 11% CAGR 2012-2015 by fostering strong relationships with Big Box, Buying Group, and Distributors/Specialty Independent retailers • Goals Accomplishment: Surpassed 2014 sales goal by 106% and 2013 sales goal by 104%.• Relationship Building: Developed trust through fostering strong working relationships with Big Box, Buying Group, Distributors & Specialty Independent retailers.• Trade Shows Management: Organized 15 +trade shows (order writing) by following up on leads and considering eye-catching attire, increasing dealers and SKU’s YOY, and decreasing process inefficiencies.• YOY Growth Assessment: Determined positive growth YOY through sales programs, co-op placement, and better assortment planning to analyze health of business's sales.• Strategy Formulation: Formulated inclusive strategies for National Sporting Goods Buying Groups and Distributors/specialty. Show less

• 

  Exxel Outdoors

  Mar 2016 - Dec 2018

  Vice President of Global Sales

  Exxel Outdoors, with $39M revenue, is a leading global provider of innovative outdoor recreation products. They manufacture and distribute a broad range of authentic outdoor brands.• Overview: Led team $80M+ in global sales for Slumberjack, Wenzel, MasterSportsman, Serta/Instabed brands, and Disney/Marvel/DC Licenses by estimating market potential, forecasting sales, and setting sales budgets.• Global Management: Led 9 Direct Reports to manage 5 channels (Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon, Big Box Sporting Goods, International & Specialty Markets) along with 4 Rep Agencies with 15 reps by outlining expectations, monitoring performance, reviewing deliverables, and providing feedback.• Brand Building Techniques: Accelerated brands online presence through coordinated collections while integrating marketing and POS initiatives.• Business Plan Development: Drafted international business strategy with sales and factory trips to Asia (Sam's Club, WMT), Europe (Tesco), and Latin America by researching new markets, planning marketing tactics, and determining distribution strategy.• Channel Strategy Implementation: Stimulated channel strategy focusing on specialty to align brand with eCommerce and Big Box separation (US, EMEA, Asia, LatAM) by overseeing account management sales process and 3-year global business plan. • Results: Budget met for 4 of 5 channels. Show less

• 

  Chiefton Supply Company

  Feb 2019 - Sept 2019

  Managing Director

  Chiefton Supply Company LLC, with over $5M revenue, designs and manufactures apparel products. The Company offers t-shirts for men and women. Chiefton Supply serves customers in the United States• Overview: Drove B2B channel for four-year start-up apparel brand to purchase products and services from other businesses for launching, operating.• Teams: Led team of 4 (marketing, sales, and operations).• Supply Chain: Accomplished 33% efficiencies in supply chain, including raw material costs, printing, and product embellishments YOY by expanding supply chain visibility and developing good relationships with suppliers. • Revenue Strategy: Stressed on largest revenue stream flowing from sister company, NBC by shutting apparel arm of business to stabilize financial positions and reduce risk of financial crises.• Marketing & Sales Strategy: Developed both Marketing and Sales strategy a reached quarterly budget on 1st quarter.• Product Development: Devised 5 months development schedule to monitor and control project activities and initiated 7 collections, resulting in elevating output by 350%.• Work-Flow Calendar: Formulated 12-month work-flow calendar to keep track of upcoming meetings, deadlines, and milestones. • Results: Took 75% of supply chain from US purchase inventory to Asian-based inventory and increased volume to purchase strategy to put on track to achieving $M revenue goal. Show less

• 

  Thendro Distribution LLC

  Sept 2019 - Jun 2022

  US General Manager

  With 40+ years in the business, Thendro LLC ($6M Revenue) has become a leader in many different industries by providing the largest range of smoking paraphernalia and alternative fashion and is now the world’s largest body piercing brand. I • Overview: Hired to open the US Master Distribution Center. Inaugurated 6,000 sq.ft. DC in Denver in 2019, imported product, and generated sales of $250K+ in the 1st year of business operations during COVID via marketing, referrals, social media, networking, product trials, and consultations. • Brand Creation: Established Australian brand “Waterfall” within US by devising and implementing US sales and marketing strategy.• Operations Optimization: Enhanced internal processes by defining objectives and identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement, resulting in reducing efficiencies and boosting COGS by 7%.• Strategy Development: Created and executed business growth strategies to drive business performance and profit and achieve long-term goals (marketing, operations budget, sales, etc.).• Data Analysis: Examined accounting and financial data to set financial policy, evaluate financial performance, and build long-term plans for business activity.• Business Aspects Management: Integrated all facets of business, including sales, marketing, operations, eCommerce, and finance to grow market share and attain company milestones within first three business years.• Financial Health Assessment: Analyzed financial health of US business unit for informed decision making and appropriate resource allocation.• Daily Operations Management: Administered daily business operations to streamline processes and generate sufficient revenues.• Results: Opened store 4 months before the pandemic and brought forward brand due to networking within the industry and kept it growing, despite huge loss of inventory during COVID. Show less

• 

  LZD Group

  Jun 2022 - now

  Vice President of Sales

  Lucky Zone Design Group, LLC is a privately held manufacturing and sourcing company. We specialize in the design and manufacturing of accessories and apparel, offering a wide range of technical and fashion products featuring high quality, competitive costing and sustainable supply chain practice.Our head office is based in Shanghai, with ownership of two factories in Shanghai and the Philippine's, controlling interest in five factories in East China, four contracted in Bangladesh, and an additional three contracted factories in Jordan.LZD operates multiple offices and warehouses. Our New York office houses our sales, design and merchandising teams. Our Bentonville and Tulsa offices control our logistics and warehouse interface.With over 30 years of experience in exceptional design, manufacturing and delivery of high quality, fashion and fit correct products to US, Canadian and Asian Importers, retailers and world wide brands. Show less