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MICHELE LETARTE ROSSlinkedin.com/in/michele-letarte-ross [email protected] 917.544.0230
Retail Executive known for ability to envision and create successful outcomes in complex environment
Strategic VisionBrand ManagementNew Business DevelopmentFinancial PlanningProduct DevelopmentDual Distribution Retail StrategyMarketing & Sales Public Relations Social MediaStrategic PartnershipsAccount ServicesHigh-Performance Teams
Entrepreneurial Leader Founded and led successful swimwear label that grew from start-up to world-recognized lifestyle brand gracing numerous covers of the Sports Illustrated Swimwear Edition. Talented in all facets of business with deep expertise in management, marketing, merchandising, sourcing, and dual distribution – wholly owned retail and wholesale accounts. Builds robust business partnerships.
Versatile, Creative and Accomplished Recognized as a highly creative and intuitive executive with strong analytical skills who gets results. Fuels innovation – creates environments in which people are given the tools and resources to think differently, challenge the status quo, push boundaries and achieve growth. Inspiring leader who develops and engages world-class talent.
EXPERIENCE
LETARTE, INC.FAIRFIELD, CT
Iconic Maui-based swimwear label created by sisters Michele Letarte Ross, business leader, and Lisa Letarte Cabrinha, designer
CEO, PRESIDENT, FOUNDER 2001 – 2016
Founded Letarte Swimwear and built the brand into a recognized lifestyle company with annual sales of $9.5 million; anticipated, explored and uncovered business opportunities and partnerships for the brand.
Led and shaped the development of a successful new brand from business plan to profit Developed two key success factors that drove strong results: innovative design of carefully
cultivate trans-seasonal product lines and high-end dual distribution strategy – high-end wholesale and owned-and-operated freestanding retail boutiques
Created wholesale sales strategy that includes accounts with luxury and resort retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton hotels to name a few
Enlarged retail footprint – designed, developed and launched ten wholly owned retail stores in Manhattan, Nantucket, Southampton, Palm Beach Island, San Jose, Malibu, Newport Beach, Paia Maui and Waikiki; negotiated leases and hired key managers
Launched marketing plan and landed impressive publicity opportunities, appearing in top fashion and lifestyle magazines including Elle, InStyle, Marie Claire, Self, and Women's Wear Daily; more than 50 swimsuits appeared in the pages of the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, including two covers in 2005 and 2013
Amplified category leadership by continuously bringing new customers to the business Built a devoted fan base of loyal customers worldwide, including endorsements from Hollywood stars
and internationally acclaimed media Negotiated successful purchasing program agreements with both domestic and international
vendors Raised funding through private banking as well as venture capital to support the company’s
growth as needed Created Human Resources capabilities for employees
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MICHELE LETARTE ROSSlinkedin.com/in/michele-letarte-ross • [email protected] • 917.544.0230
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Served on several women and business panels about entrepreneurship, such as Women Who
Launch Mentored students from Fairfield and Sacred Heart Universities; participated in Ludlowe High
School’s annual internship program Raised money in support of the American Cancer Society with a pre-shop at Letarte warehouse
sale and Relay for Life
SEATTLE PACIFIC INDUSTRIES
NEW YORK, NYA privately held multi-brand apparel sportswear company, founded in Seattle, WA, in 1981
VICE PRESIDENT, SALES 1999 – 2001
Reported to the President and helped re-launch brand from the ‘70s, generated new business and grew sales
Re-launched and re-introduced the Sergio Valente brand for men and women in specialty and department stores with all new marketing and brand distribution
Sold 1.5 million units the first year after the launch Identified the right buyer experience to drive purchases in the U.S. market for men’s and women’s
categories Formed strategic partnership with specialty and department store retailers Prospected and pitched new accounts
MOSSIMONEW YORK, NY
EASTERN SALES MANAGER 1994 – 1998
Reported to the Senior Vice President of Sales, representing men’s and women’s categories in specialty and department stores for the Eastern Region
Built sales in the territory from $500 thousand to $7 million in three years On board for company’s IPO transition in 1996; continued to grow profitable sales
QUIKSILVERNEW ENGLAND AND NEW YORK, NY
Sales Rep 1987 – 1994
Started out as a independent road rep with a $400 thousand territory and helped grow it to $12 million in sales
Moved to NYC to open a new showroom for the brand One of the first women in the Quiksilver family to be an independent rep Part of the company’s IPO; helped grow the company from $40 million to more than $120 million
during tenure
EDUCATION
PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITYPART OF UNIVERSITY SYSTEM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, MARKETING
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MICHELE LETARTE ROSSlinkedin.com/in/michele-letarte-ross • [email protected] • 917.544.0230
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OTHER EXPERIENCESPORTS AND COACHINGCommitment, Discipline, Focus and a Drive to Win Competitive skier – Ski coach on weekends as a level 1 alpine instructor Accomplished Equestrian Golfer, hiker and all around outside enthusiast
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