L

ORI SHARP

SENIOR-LEVEL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Entrepreneurial, innovative executive with extensive revenue development experience within highly competitive retail
markets. Analytical strategist skilled in successfully navigating organizations both large and small through periods of
accelerated growth. Collaborative communicator and compassionate leader continually focused on building
relationships and promoting positive change, cohesive business approaches and enhanced profitability.
Areas of Expertise include:

Revenue & Profit Growth Strategies

Buying & Operations
Sales Planning & Marketing
Market Analysis
Strategic Planning & Forecasting

Market Research
Relationship Building
Corporate Communication
Hiring, Teaching, Mentoring
Product Development

Event Planning
Project Management
Retail Management
Budgeting & Cost Control
Strong Presentation Skills

E XPERIENCE & N OTABLE C ONTRIBUTIONS

RADIO SYSTEMS CORPORATION Knoxville, TN 2005-2015
CATEGORY MANAGER (2011-2015)
Oversees multi-million dollar business unit for leading pet products designer and manufacturer, including such brand
names as PetSafe and Guardian. Trains sales teams nationwide, while building client relationships, leading marketing
and sales presentations, tradeshow operations, corporate events and product development collaborations. Analyzes
market trends, recommending promotional and marketing strategies aimed at improving sales performance.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Developed pet product portfolios through concept, feasibility, production, market, end consumer/product life cycle
market analyses, and pricing leading to the introduction of a new $2M product launch in 2013
Increased distribution by 10%, through proven approaches to client service, forecasting, inventory planning and
negotiations.
Collaborated with sales and marketing to develop results-driven sales and promotional events annually, including
novel media promotions with social media and blogging communities.
Built corporate relationships with national clients including Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon, Lowes, PetSmart and Petco,
territory management while expanding reach into Europe, Australia, Canada and Asia.
Awarded Most Innovated Product for Pet Access Smart System at the 2013 Innovation Fair.
SENIOR BRAND MANAGER (2007-2011)
Supervised brand portfolio for Invisible Fence Brand, including brand strategy, customer relationship management,
marketing planning and execution. Led marketing team in brand development, advertising strategy and related
campaigns, while reporting ROI and other success measures.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Identified new technologies for improving branding, marketing and customer relationship management.
Directed market research, identifying trends for business, product, marketing and brand planning to enhance sales.
Served as media spokesperson for brand, growing consumer understanding of key benefits and product advantages.
Liaised between dealer franchises and corporate to ensure brand standards were met and client needs fulfilled.
SENIOR MARKETING SPECIALIST (2005-2007)
Essential member of Strategic Business Unit charged with setting and meeting annual marketing goals. Oversaw
deliverable development and delivery, including product specific packaging, web material, sales collateral and point-ofpurchase communications. Maintained product documentation, while coordinating collateral needs for trade shows.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Monitored and identified causes of consumer dissatisfaction and aligned resources to remedy.
Analyzed market/competitive landscapes including trends, prices, product offerings, key customers and retailers.
Honed understanding of consumer needs and product and service expectations through Customer Care call
monitoring, focus groups and product testing sessions.

Louisville, TN 37777

865-382-6591

LoriSharp004@gmail.com

SAKS, INC. DEPARTMENT STORE GROUP Maryville, TN 1999-2005

TOP VOLUME BUYER
Managed multi-million dollar business lines, creating product category programs, merchandising/visual category plans,
marketing, advertising and sales plans. Oversaw inventory and Open-to-Buy liability. Trained and developed buying and
merchandising associates. Promoted from Assistant Buyer to Senior Associate Buyer to leadership position.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Exceeded corporate finance goals, receiving awards for sales, gross margin and ROI annually through forwardthinking growth strategies.
Negotiated with vendors to build profitability, increasing private label product development growth from 15.7%
($1.6M) to 25% ($3.3M).
PROFITTS DEPARTMENT STORES Virginia Beach, VA 1993-1999
SALES MANAGER
Oversaw several departments, including Juniors, Estee Lauder and Womens and Mens Fragrances.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Consistently exceeded goals for sales, margins and customer satisfaction.
Managed sales associates, growing engagement through ongoing training and knowledge-sharing.
One of the first to attend Profitts Management Training Programs

E DUCATION & T RAINING

Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Adobe Certified: Illustrator & InDesign, New Horizons Training, Knoxville, TN
Computer Skills: Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Software Skills: Oracle, Salesforce, Cognos
Executive Training Program, Saks Inc., Virginia Beach, VA
Executive Training Program, PetSafe, Knoxville, TN

C OMMUNITY S ERVICE
Mentor, Knoxville Achieves (2010-2013) | Mentor, Tennessee Achieves (2013-Preset)

Louisville, TN 37777

865-382-6591

LoriSharp004@gmail.com