Ross Pantell

Director of Imports
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Home: (908) 542-1004 | Cell: (908) 642-2636
E-Mail: rpantell04@yahoo.com

Summary: Accomplished executive with extensive experience in Apparel and Hardlines Supply Chain
consisting of Sourcing, Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance and Logistics. Astute
business leader with a proven track record of driving revenue growth, enhancing operational efficiency,
streamlining business processes and implementing cost control initiatives.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Fanatics, Inc, Conshohocken, PA 3/2005-6/2014
Director of Imports
Product portfolio included both national and international brands (private label and licensed product)
and encompasses softlines (apparel) and hardlines categories totaling $45M in annual online sales
Worked with brands including, but not limited to, NFL, NHL, NCAA and NASCAR
Created and implemented a three-year plan (2006-2009) to restructure the Sourcing and Import
Department (12 people who worked on product development, sourcing, manufacturing and logistics)
Realigned vendor/factory matrix in Asia in order to maximize profitability, reduce product lead-times,
improve product quality and minimize risk; this led to:
o 15% aggregate gross margin increase: enhanced cost negotiations, improved volume-
leveraging with key suppliers, more raw materials purchases and better logistics planning
o 20-day average reduction in product lead-times: improved time & action calendar as well as
leadership and product development
o 10% overall improvement in on-time performance and product quality: more robust and
comprehensive factory monitoring program

Majestic Athletic, Bangor, PA 5/2003-2/2005
Director of Sourcing & Production
Led the global sourcing team, which encompassed $200 million of apparel product and included on-
field uniforms for Major League Baseball (MLB)
Liaised with cross-functional partners in design, tech design, merchandising and sales relating to
product development and execution
Increased profit margins by 20% through effective product cost-engineering efforts and improved
bulk fabric purchases
Assessed the factories and supply chain and implemented corrective action plans, which improved on-
time deliveries by 75% and eliminated poor quality suppliers

Global Sports Apparel, Basking Ridge, NJ 5/2001-11/2004
President
Spearheaded the launch of a start-up promotional products company with a niche of high school
uniforms and school branded merchandise while utilizing a hands-on approach in all facets
Generated $250K in first year revenue through strategic sales initiatives, cold calling, and sound
business acumen in a competitive landscape
Conceptualized and implemented marketing programs that expanded market share by 15%
Utilized licensed and branded apparel resources in providing quality products and on-time deliveries
Provided individual packaging by play as an added service for coaches






Vantage Custom Classics, Avenal, NJ 4/1999-5/2001
Director of Global Sourcing & Production
Directed the sourcing and production team on an international basis for a $100M high-end
promotional product apparel company with major Fortune 500 clients (includes Greg Norman brand)
Recouped $40K of overpaid duties from customs based on incorrect duty rate codes during the first 30
days of tenure
Reduced transportation time from factory to warehouse by 20% through revision of infrastructure and
proper procedures regarding the importation of all products from Asia and the Indian Sub-Continent
Reduced lead-time lines for pre-production and TOP samples as well as deliveries by 10% through
formulation of long-term business relationships with agents and factories
Implemented weekly meetings with design, product development, sourcing and production resulting
in better communications, increased team atmosphere and reduced product issues

Integrated Sports International, East Rutherford, NJ 10/1998-4/1999
Consultant, Merchandise Division
Reorganized the merchandise division based on key sports figures and top selling products
Built strong business relationships with domestic and overseas suppliers

Fila Sports, Inc., Sparks, MD 8/1995-9/1998
Director of Domestic Sourcing
Increased domestic production by 13.5% by reducing high cost products with low margins and
focusing on the basic core business
Developed and manufactured the Seton Hall Pirates Basketball Uniforms including all teams
promotion products in 1997

Apex One, South Plainfield, NJ 11/1990-8/1995
Production/Sourcing Manager
Responsible for all domestic and international production & sourcing for retail and on field apparel
Produced the Dallas Cowboys 1994 Thanksgiving Double Star on field game jersey in three days

Rabell Industries, New York, NY 5/1986-10/1990
Production Coordinator
Responsible for all production and quality utilizing 12 factories in China Town, NY & Brooklyn
Planned and loaded all domestic factories based on capacity by product category.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Certificate in International Business Import / Export 1986-1987
Fashion Institute of Technology

B.S. in Textile Management & Marketing 1977-1981
Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science (now Philadelphia University)

Certified Import/Export Broker 2011
Global Services Worldwide

SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Technical Skills: MS Office Suite, Vision Mapping, AS400, JDA, PeopleSoft
Ability to Adapt to Change
Effective Communicator & Problem Solver