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Team : Advisors : Retail
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Karyn BarsaKaryn Barsa has extensive experience in premium brand strategies and operations as the former CEO of Smith & Hawken, and former COO and CFO of Patagonia, multi-channel companies that include retail stores, catalog, Internet, and wholesale distribution. She has specialized in public and private turnaround opportunities, including financial management roles at former NYSE-listed companies Tacoma Boatbuilding Corporation and Kerr Glass Manufacturing Corporation. Barsa is also the founder of HeadStart Custom Helmets, a consumer products company in the powersports industry. Barsa's career also includes leveraged buyout analysis, structure and funding at Midland Capital Corporation in New York, and workout banking at Wells Fargo Bank. She has been a featured speaker for numerous organizations including the American Management Association. Barsa holds a BA in Economics from Connecticut College and an MBA from the University of Southern California. Lisa BermanLisa Berman is an executive with extensive retail experience in premium brands throughout the United States. She is the former President and CEO of the Picture People, the largest national freestanding mall based portrait studio (owned by Hallmark). Berman also led Sales and Operations as Vice President for fashion retailer, Limited; home furnishings brand, Pottery Barn; and elite fashion leader, Guess?. She is accomplished in aggressive growth as well as turnaround opportunities for both private and public companies. Her breadth of experience includes leading a sales transaction, re-positioning large real estate portfolios, creating teams to develop hiring profiles, implementing performance management, and managing store design, planning and construction. Berman most recently founded Art of the Eye, an Eyelash and Eyebrow bar that focuses on “eyes only” to enhance the frame of an individual’s best features. Art of the Eye differentiates itself from the large “spa” experience by connecting the clients in the studio with brow specialists and high level concierge type service. Simultaneously, she has been assisting in the development of a business capability model as part of launching Sage Consulting Partners. Additionally she has assisted groups by being a guest speaker and panel member for Services Management Group as well as the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the Stanford School for Business. Berman has been associated with non-profit Room to Grow, as well as Alliance of Chief Executive Officers in San Francisco, National Retail Federation, and the International Shopping Council. John BuckinghamJohn Buckingham is Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Solana MedSpas, the nation's foremost medical spa licensing/consulting company with a growing network of locally branded facilities all over North America. Under Buckingham's leadership, Solana MedSpas created a new market segment by combining aesthetic healthcare with the spa movement, coming from the medical rather than the spa orientation. Buckingham has served as president and chief executive officer for seven private and public healthcare companies including West Chemical of Princeton, New Jersey and Intoximeters of St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to joining Solana MedSpas, Buckingham was chancellor and president of a major for-profit university in Southern California. He is a founding board member of the International Medical Spa Association, and serves as their vice president of corporate affairs. He is also co-creator with the University of California, Irvine, of their new Spa and Hospitality Certificate Program and serves on the UCI faculty. Buckingham holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy with distinction from Purdue University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Andrew R. FinkelsteinAndrew R. Finkelstein, whose family founded, owned, and operated an international chain of hair salons, literally 'grew up' in the beauty business. Since earning Economics and Advanced Business degrees from The Wharton School of Business and Harvard Business School, he has spent over 25 years working in every aspect of the beauty industry. Finkelstein served as president of Jean Louis David salons USA as well as Executive Vice President of Glemby International, an international chain of over 1,500 salons. Among his many other accomplishments are the creation of the Frederic Fekkai salon at Bergdorf Goodman, the creation of the first US day spa in a department store (Henri Bendel, NYC), and the start-up development for Salon AKS. As contributing editor to Salon Business Strategies Magazine, Finkelstein writes the monthly New Leader column and works with the Strategies team at the Incubator Seminars as a keynote speaker and industry expert. Currently, Finkelstein is putting his experience to use running The Beauty Resource, a business he founded to train, coach and develop people in the industry using a success system that is guaranteed to get results. Lucy FlanneryLucy Flannery is a 20 year veteran of retail operations and sales. As National Director of Stores at Lucy active-wear, she managed the visual merchandising, training programs, operational controls, and new store opening process, as well as building the operations infrastructure and hiring a talented field organization. Prior to joining Lucy active-wear, Flannery spent nine years at Guess, where she was Regional Director, responsible for all retail operations for 50 stores within 6 states, generating annual revenue of over $100 million. Flannery graduated with a degree in Interpersonal Communication from William Paterson University. Howard FlaxHoward Flax is Chief Executive Officer of Flax Art & Design. Having "grown up" in this family-owned business, Flax has spent 20 years in the retail trade and his skills and experience span all functional areas. Under Flax's leadership, the company grew into a $24m multi-channel, multi-branded entity. He led the seamless integration of two acquired businesses engaged in mail order and ecommerce, T.Shipley and Reliable Home Office, which allowed Flax Art & Design to successfully expand its range of product categories and enter new markets. Involved in every phase of merchandising, Flax has sourced products domestically and internationally, selected products, and written copy for catalogs mailed to millions of U.S. households. The catalog success fueled Flax Art & Design into Internet Retailer magazine's Top 500 Guide. Flax holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Keith HarbandKeith Harband has nearly twenty years of varied marketing experience with increasing levels of responsibility managing and growing major brands in the consumer products marketplace. A creative problem solver and effective written and verbal communicator, Harband’s marketing industry experience spans such specialties as Licensing, Franchising, Media, Entertainment, Publishing and Retailing. Prior to launching his own consultancy, Harband’s career history includes some of the most successful and prestigious global brands. His most recent position was Senior Vice President of Marketing for Discovery Communication’s Consumer Products Division, a subsidiary of the Discovery Channel. Harband was responsible for the overall marketing of a national chain of 175 Discovery Channel Stores, Licensing, Divisional Communications and Creative Resources. Prior to Discovery, Harband was the Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer of the Gymboree Corporation, an international chain of nearly 1,000 vertically integrated children’s clothing stores and children’s Play Program locations. He was also responsible for the successful marketing launch of Zutopia, Gymboree’s retail foray into the older, 7-13 year old apparel and accessory market. Before joining Gymboree, Harband was the Director of Brand Management of Scholastic, Inc., the largest children’s book publisher in the US. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Columbia University. John HartJohn Hart is founder and Chairman of Hart Realty Advisers, LLC, a domestic equity real estate advisor to endowments, corporate and governmental pension funds. With over 40 years in the industry he has invested in all property types throughout the nation. Hart is regarded as an authority on structuring and valuing larger, complex real estate projects with major developers and operators in joint ventures with institutional capital. Hart has held leadership positions and has been a frequent speaker for the International Council of Shopping Centers, American Hotel and Motel Association, Urban Land Institute, Mortgage Bankers Association, and the Counselors of Real Estate. He did both undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Michigan. William LechtnerWilliam Lechtner is a senior level merchandising executive with deep and diverse experience across all merchandise categories. His expertise includes creative brand building, innovative supply chain solutions, motivational leadership, and producing highly effective promotions. Lechtner's most recent position was Vice President/General Merchandise Manager with PETCO, the $2 billion pet store chain, where he led the procurement, sales, brand building, and promotional marketing of all merchandise for 850 stores and their website. Previous experience includes Senior Vice President/General Merchandise Manager for Pet Food Warehouse, Vice President/General Merchandise Manager for Half Price Stores, and Vice President/General Merchandise Manager for Pic & Save Stores (a chain of 300 stores in 18 states). Lechtner also worked for Zayre Stores and Burdines. He holds a BBA from the University of Miami. Martin McClananMartin McClanan, a noted leader in the direct marketing and specialty retail industries, is the former CEO of RedEnvelope, where he grew the company from $6 million in revenue in 2000 to $60 million in revenue in 2002. McClanan raised more than $50 million in two private equity financings in very difficult fundraising climates that generated positive returns for investors. He started his career in sales for the E&J Gallo Winery, and later, he was the direct marketing manager for Nestle USA where he managed all direct marketing activities for a $1 billion+ division. Subsequently, McClanan founded and managed the Preview Catalog, focused on specialty foods sold to the food industry. He then served as the Practice Director for the digital commerce practice at Prophet Brand Strategy, where he oversaw projects focused on Internet brand management, international operations expansion and catalog marketing for companies such as Travelocity, Levi-Strauss, Williams-Sonoma, and Adidas. Since early 2003, McClanan has served as Executive Officer at Flax Art & Design where he has been instrumental in incorporating new catalog/internet brands. At Papo d'Anjo (a luxury children's apparel brand), McClanan launched a new catalog and e-commerce channel. He also serves on the board of Signature Wines, Buyer Leverage Corporation, and On the Fly Inc. McClanan holds a degree in business from the College of William and Mary and an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. Alan McColloughAlan McCollough served as Chairman of the Board of Circuit City from 2002 until July of 2006. He was also Chief Executive Officer of the company from 2002 until his retirement from that position at the end of February 2006, and President of the company from 1997 until 2005. McCollough joined the company in 1987 as general manager of corporate operations and was subsequently promoted to assistant vice president in 1989, vice president and Central Division president in 1991, senior vice president, merchandising in 1994 and president and chief operating officer in 1997. Before joining Circuit City, McCollough spent 12 years with Milliken and Company, a textile manufacturer. His career at Milliken covered a wide range of positions including cost accountant, business manager, director of quality, manufacturing plant manager and director of marketing. McCollough holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri Valley College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Southern Illinois University. Mark MillerMark Miller has held leadership positions for businesses and divisions with up to $450 million in revenue, from Fortune 50 companies to entrepreneurial ventures. Most recently, as Group Executive Vice President for the Americas at Right Management Consultants, the world's largest career transition and organizational consulting firm, Miller held P&L for $200 million in revenue and approximately 80% of corporate profitability. Prior to joining Right, Miller served as Chairman & CEO of Signature Care Networks, a consolidated surgical practice management company he co-founded and led to revenues of $6.5 million within 13 months of obtaining initial venture funding. Miller held a number of executive positions, including President, at Nutri/System, a $650 million LBO consumer weight loss business based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Miller's tenure at PepsiCo/TacoBell involved acquisitions, streamlining processes and strengthening operations to yield substantial increase in revenue and operating profit. Shailendra Shelley NandkeolyarShelley Nandkeolyar has over 25 years experience in general management and P&L responsibilities with strong expertise in retailing, eCommerce, direct to customer and marketing. Most recently, Nandkeolyar was President of Home Depot Direct Brands. In this role he oversaw the development of Home Depot's direct to customer channel and the launch of two new direct brands - 10 Crescent Lane and Pace Trading Company. Prior to joining The Home Depot, Nandkeolyar was EVP/President of Martha Stewart's Internet/Direct Commerce business segment and oversaw the direct-to-customer business as well as the company's overall web presence. He has been honored and received awards from several different organizations for his expertise in leading businesses including a Clio for the launch of Williams-Sonoma's website in 1999. Nandkeolyar has been a Director on the NRF board and has also been Vice-Chair of shop.org. Alison Norton NelsonAlison Norton Nelson is a retail merchandising and marketing leader with 17 years experience in big box, discount, department store, specialty, catalog, e-commerce, brand management, and product sourcing. Nelson is the founder of Manitou Rey Sales, Consulting and Design, a company that assists clients with category management, product development, and international sourcing projects. Recently, Nelson defined and merchandised two new catalog/Internet brands for Celebrate Express, which went live and exceeded the industry standard for success. Prior to founding Manitou Rey Sales, Consulting and Design, Nelson held executive positions with leading retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Williams-Sonoma Inc, Eddie Bauer, Tommy Bahama, GiftCertificates.com, and Caldor Corporation. Nelson holds a BA from Cornell University, and is fluent in German and conversant in Italian. Robert SalernoRobert Salerno, Chief Operating Officer of Nancy Koltes Fine Linens, is a seasoned retail executive with over 35 years of experience in the retail industry, both as a consultant and as a retail operating manager. He has worked with a diverse range of retailers, from general merchandise to food, luxury goods to discounters, and start-ups to large mature organizations. Salerno has also worked with financial institutions on retail acquisitions, turnaround, and restructuring transactions. He is a former partner with Coopers & Lybrand in their National Retail Consulting Practice, and served as Senior Vice President of Bergdorf Goodman. Since then, he has served in interim management roles with luxury goods companies, serves on the Board of Directors of Bon Ton Stores Inc., and is an instructor in retail operations at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Salerno has a BS from Clarkson University and an MBA from Cornell. John TateJohn Tate is currently a Partner at Human Strategy Partners, a consultancy providing strategic, financial, and cultural process development services. Previously (2002-2006), Tate was the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Member of the Board of Directors at Restoration Hardware, a multi-channel retailer and manufacturer of home furnishings, textiles, and lighting. Prior to Restoration Hardware, Tate served as Chief Operating Officer at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts; Chief Financial Officer and President at Krispy Kreme Manufacturing and Distribution; and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Williams-Sonoma, a specialty retailer of home products. Tate also served as Corporate Chief Financial Officer at Dole Food Company, Inc. and served as SVP and CFO for Dole Europe, and Dole Fresh Vegetables in Northern California. Tate also held management positions at Ryder Systems, PepsiCo, Sara Lee, and other consumer products and service companies from 1980-1992. Mike TattersfieldMike Tattersfield served as the Chief Operating Officer of lululemon athletica, a yoga inspired retail company, from 2006 until April of 2008. Tattersfield also held several senior executive operational roles with Limited Brands and YUM Brands International, including, President of A&W restaurants from 2003 until 2005. Tattersfield is a member of the board of Peter Piper Pizza Company, an entertainment based restaurant company. He received a BS from Indiana University and an MBA from Harvard University. Rick UptonRick Upton is the Chief Operating Officer for The Entrepreneur Authority, the leading franchise development and franchise brokerage firm in the country. In addition, Upton runs the Oregon/Pacific Northwest practice for The Entrepreneur Authority from his office in Portland, Oregon. He is also a licensed franchise advisor and is certified by the Franchise Center of Excellence (FCOE). Before joining The Entrepreneur Authority, Upton owned and operated a franchise business called Save It Now, which provided a range of products and services including telecom, overnight shipping, office supplies, office equipment, mailroom and janitorial supplies, office furniture, and conference calling to small and medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations. Upton built the business into the 3rd largest franchise in the system in just six months. Prior to Save It Now, Upton had over 23 years of Fortune 100 corporate experience; 17 years with Pepsi and 5 years with Unisys. Upton earned a BS degree in Packaging from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. Andrea M. WeissAndrea Weiss has had a twenty-five year career in senior leadership with America's foremost retailers. In October of 2002, Weiss founded a boutique consulting firm, Retail Consulting Inc. (RCI) focused on the retail and consumer industry, and is engaged in projects in the United States and Europe. Her clients include: L'Oreal, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Grupo Cortefiel (Spain), Starbucks, and private equity groups: Catterton Partners, Coqui Capital. Currently, she is a member of several public and non-profit Boards, including CBRL Group, Inc. (CBRL), Brookstone, Inc. (BKST), eDiets.com, (DIET), and Hampton University. Prior to founding RCI, Weiss held senior level positions with dELiA*s, The Limited, Inc., Intimate Brands, Inc., GUESS, Inc., ANN TAYLOR Stores, Inc., and The Walt Disney Company's Orlando theme park and resort division. Weiss holds a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Masters of Administrative Science from The Johns Hopkins University. |
