Jerry R. McKinish

915 Lake St.

Huntington Beach, Ca. 92648

714-369-7148

Jerryisrockin@yahoo.com

Express Yourself LIVE

Executive Summary

Fashion Industry Executive seeks Design or Merchandising career in a retail or manufacturing environment, where I can utilize my comprehensive understanding of Trend Direction and Creative Team Management.

http://www.mycoolcareer.com/bio/bio_mckinishj.html

Professional Experience

President Oct. 2005-Current

Intelicept Inc., Huntington Beach, Ca.

Founder of an international full package/ private label apparel company which capitalizes on my years of extensive experience as a trend expert and business development pro. Partnered with my international vendors for all sampling, pre-production, production and logistics management. Negotiated all financing with vendors, customers and financial institutions. Worked directly with key accounts to achieve sales goals , trend direction and maintain customer satisfaction. Solely responsible for all aspects of this startup including sales, merchandising, and international production management.

Merchandising Director/ Partner June 2002- Dec 2005

Meridian -Vernon, Ca

Directed this $40 million textile and private label apparel company in all phases of Merchandising, Design, Sourcing, Sales and Management. Worked directly with CEO to establish annual goals in merchandising, business development and profitability. Traveled globally to establish international vendor base for full package junior apparel and textiles including all cost negotiations, quality control and vendor compliance. Directly responsible for expanding the company into retail direct business and acquired new customers such as Arden B, Limited Too, Ella Moss, Charlotte Russe, Rampage, Wet Seal, Windsor, Alloy.
• Built import business from 5% of company revenue to over 85% in a period of 3 years
• Established operational procedures for import team of 15 employees to improve time to market, improve quality and reduce costs for textile development and garment sampling

Senior Designer Dec. 2001- Mar. 2002

Limited Too- Columbus Ohio

Responsible for all design direction, specifications, tech packs and seasonal timeline for the Active division of this highly successful tween fashion retailer. Managed the graphic design team, pdm operators , assistant designers and interns. Directly accountable for researching the newest trends in fabric, trim and styling . Presented trend direction to CEO, VP of Merchandising and GMM. Improved divisional performance by 25% within the period of one year and received the prestigious “Stellar Performance Award” for divisional profitability.
• Received Stellar Performance Award” for improving divisional profitability by 25%
• Designed and developed active knit shorts with butt graphics that sold over 2 million pieces in a few months

Product Development Director Jan 2000- June 2000

Moxie Girl- Manhattan Beach, Ca.

Directly responsible for creating this position and proposing it to the CEO. Started the in house design and private label manufacturing division and was responsible for all phases of budgeting, costing, designing and reporting. Coordinated all phases from concept to production domestically. Managed all pattern makers, sample making , purchasing. Strategically negotiated all costs and established gross margin for entire product line. Worked closely with Senior Buyer to analyze sell through and inventories.

Owner/Designer June 1993-Nov. 1999

Sugartooth- Fountain Valley, Ca.

Started this trendy junior casual fashion company with a $5000 investment and built the company into a million dollar enterprise within the period of 3 years. Sourced all fabrics trims and garment contractors domestically. Built in-house sewing facility with over 20 machine operators.Designed a seasonal collection of knit tops, woven bottoms and graphic tees which I personally sold to specialty chains such as; Wet Seal, Delias, Alloy, Gadzooks, Vanity, Nordstroms, The Buckle, Tillys and Anchor Blue. Secured a deal to finance all receivables and improve company cash flow. Responsible for all marketing activities and promotions including trade shows like Magic, ASR and NY Fashion Boutique Show.

• Received editorials in YM, Teen, Jump, WWD, California Apparel news, Apparel Industry magazine
• Established and managed national showrooms to increase annual sales and recognition in the marketplace
• Initiated product development with buyers of specialty chains to increase sales per account

Industry Accomplishments

Apparel Industry Magazine- QST All Star Scholarship Honoree

CBS: The Cut Featuring Tommy Hilfiger- Finalist

Limited Too- Stellar Performance Award

Dale Carnegie Sales Course- Certificate in Sales and Communications

Press

Teen, YM, Jump, WWD, California Apparel news, WWD, Orange County Register

Education

FIDM- Associates Degree -Los Angeles Ca. – Manufacturing Management