Hollis Verbarendse hv10a2e00@westpost.net 503.351.

9389

DIRECTOR/SENIOR MANAGER - PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT/SOURCING

20+ years experience with major apparel/non apparel companies as effective and i
nnovative leader with broad based product development, sourcing and execution ex
perience. Recognized for ability to define, drive and communicate product/busine
ss strategies that meet financial objectives, maximize profitability and gain ma
rket share. Strong team builder/leader who excels in high pressure environments
with team members from diverse backgrounds.
Product Development Product Innovation Product Engineering
Global Sourcing Brand Integrity Tech Package Mgmt
Seasonal Strategies/Execution Quality Assurance Cross Functional L
eader
Vendor Management/Negotiations Life Cycle Management Manage/Tra
in/Mentor

P R O F E S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E
5.11 Inc., Modesto, CA 2009 - 2010
5.11 Tactical creates superior products that enhance the safety of law enforceme
nt, military, and fire fighting professionals.
Director of Development, Footwear, Accessories, Bags, Backpacks, Luggage, and Ge
ar
Responsible for the development process from concept to commercialization. Funct
ioned as the technical and business resource for designers, merchants. Managed
and mentored a team of 5.
* Established and executed seasonal sourcing and development and commercializati
on strategies down to the style level including special make ups for domestic an
d international markets.
* Actively managed/engineered prototypes to product confirmation working across
functions to drive the tech package process, ensuring products met/exceeded qual
ity standards.
* Led development and sales meetings with customers and end users including: SWA
T Teams, Fire Departments, the DEA, and the FBI.
* Generated and communicated concepts regarding engineering principles that enha
nced footwear performance and overall value to all products.
* Analyzed sourcing strategies and managed the seasonal workloads of the factori
es.
Timberland Footwear, Stratham, New Hampshire 2008 a" 2009
Established in 1978, Timberland produces quality boots, shoes, clothes and gear
that are sold worldwide.
Senior Developer, Womenas Shoes
Responsible for development/sourcing womenas footwear. Managed and mentored a t
eam of 4.
* Traveled overseas to work directly with factories on design and development.
* Worked with design and engineering on mold development from initial drawing to
confirmation.
* Oversaw seasonal development calendar from line start to commercialization.
* Managed pre-costing and seasonal cost analysis and problem solved on all proje
cts.
Lacrosse Footwear, Inc., Portland, OR 2004 - 2007
Founded in 1897, Lacrosse is a leading developer/marketer of premium branded foo
twear for work and outdoor users with distribution in North America, Europe, and
Asia.
Senior Manager/Product Developer, Footwear, Accessories, & Outerwear
Responsible for development/sourcing of footwear and accessories work-wear categ
ories. Managed and mentored a team of eight.
* Provided direction for product design, selection and product performance.
* Led development meetings with Fire Departments, and heavy industrial manufactu
rers.
* Negotiated costs to meet target markups and managed production timelines.
* Analyzed/interpreted historical data to plan seasonal sourcing strategies.
* Coordinated material deliveries and factory production to deliver photo/sales
samples on time.
* Signed off on QA, production, and ship dates and audited/certified product to
assure quality.
* Rated/approved new vendors for human rights, compliance, and environmental bes
t practices.
Hollis Verbarendse Page Two
* Sourced a new factory in Bangladesh with zero anti dumping and duty. Developed
and commercialized in-line product at new factory improving margins by 18% for
European market.
* Developed/produced new footwear updating and adding new dimension to the work
line. With new materials and silhouettes sales increased $850K for spring 2007 a
nd +12% for fall 2007.
Hanna Andersson, Portland, OR 2003 - 2004
Founded in 1983 Hanna Andersson produces quality clothing for kids and families.
Senior Manager, Development/Sourcing for Footwear, Accessories, and Apparel
Responsible for analyzing, planning, and executing seasonal strategies for sourc
ing and placing buys.
* Managed seasonal milestones for internal and external team.
* Led weekly aWork in Progressa meetings.
* Insured integration of fabrics, components, and technical development to ensur
e on time delivery.
* Negotiated costs and worked with merchants/design to make adjustments to meet
target prices.
* Developed and executed global sourcing/supplier base to meet present and futur
e brand needs.
* Collaborated with freight forwarders for customs compliance, shipping, and dut
y.
* Reviewed factories and narrowed down to most technically knowledgeable. Source
d materials in Asia for Asian factories and reduced lead times by 30+ days. Impr
oved on time deliveries from 75% to 90% generating a 20% improvement in fulfillm
ent for 2004.
Eddie Bauer, Bellevue, Washington 1993 - 200
3
Eddie Bauer, founded in 1920, is a tri-channel retailer serving the active casua
l outdoor lifestyle needs of men and women.
Senior Manager, Development/Sourcing/Buying for Footwear, Accessories, Gear & Ba
gs
Responsible for analyzing, strategizing, and executing sourcing plans to meet co
mpanyas financial plans.
* Communicated daily with sourcing agents, factories, and EBas international buy
ing office.
* Negotiated costs, placed technical packages with vendors, and managed all phas
es of product development and bulk production.
* Created/managed the seasonal calendar including identifying deadlines to meet
delivery dates.
* Led cross functional team to meet companyas brand vision and financial objecti
ves.
* Coordinated seasonal Customsa classification meetings.
* Managed product from inception to completion including: samples, fit samples,
photo samples, confirmation and preproduction sign off, and on time shipping.
The Topline Corporation, Bellevue, WA 1990 - 1993
Founded over 20 years ago Topline provides footwear for all levels of retail; it
s products are sold in North America, South America, and Asia.
Line Builder and Sales Manager, Footwear
Responsible for managing international line development and selection.
* Coordinated and conducted seasonal marketing product presentations.
* Planned department sales/mark up/margin goals, and negotiated costs and source
d factories.

ADDITIONAL E X P E R I E N C E
BBC International Senior Line Builder for Womenas, Menas, and Chi
ldrenas Footwear
Meldisco Buyer/Line Builder

E D U C A T ION
Bachelor of Arts, Business and Sociology Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
2 Stine Awards for Business Improvement Eddie Bauer, Bellevue, WA
2nd Place Award for Regional Competition Toastmasters, Redmond, WA
1st Place Thanksgiving Food Drive 5.11 Inc., Modesto, CA