Timothy R.

Geis
Indianapolis, Indiana 46256 (317) 370-4095 timgeis14@aol.com

General Merchandise Executive

with comprehensive experience in Strategic Planning & Implementation Product / Brand Management Organizational Transformations Market & Product Expansion Mergers / Acquisitions / Integrations Innovative Marketing & Merchandising Resource Planning & Allocation Merchandise Buying & Distribution Global Vendor Management Team Leadership & Development

Versatile and imaginative Retail Management Professional offering distinguished career in planning and leading product placement and brand management strategies that drive sales within highly competitive marketplaces. Demonstrated abilities in analyzing sales, margins, and turn results to develop tactical plans and inventive merchandising and buying programs that achieve defined goals. Strategic, conceptual decision-maker known for exceeding expectations, welcoming change, and being first to explore and apply innovations to product development and brand management. Strong presentation, communication, and planning talents complimented by ability to forge collaborative relationships across entire organization.

Relevant Professional Experience

The Finish Line Indianapolis, IN Established career of achievement and advancement with national, mall based retail chain store operation specializing in athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories, generating over $1.17B in annual sales. Senior Vice President General Merchandise Manager (2003 to 2006) Partnered with President, Chief Merchandising Officer, and Senior Vice President of Marketing to develop and drive improved company vision, short- and long-term plans, product management strategies, and market share growth initiatives. Provided hands-on leadership to 6 Managers responsible for directing team of 56 retail professionals in supporting 660 nationwide stores with footwear, apparel, and accessory buying, merchandising, distribution, and planning. Developed, monitored, and administered multi-million dollar budgets for merchandising groups. Managed relationships with key international vendors, such as Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Puma, New Balance, and other industry leaders and led negotiations on product development, branding, purchase plans, profits, turn, and sales goals. Selected Achievements: Instrumental in growing store sales year-over-year, including growth from $1.16B in 2005 to $1.26B in 2006. Achieved sales budget 3 out of 4 years including exceeding 2005 target by 17% and 9% in 2006. Served as architect behind Nikes first-ever vendor specific exclusive line Maddie which generated $2M in additional sales during first 9 months after launch. Enabled smooth transition of acquired ManAlive company by assuming responsibility for new company footwear merchandise buying and distribution. Played key role in creation, vision, and set-up of new concept store designed exclusively for athletic women. Generated substantial savings in operational and manpower costs by negotiating with executive teams within the vendor community to label and bar code merchandise at manufacturing facility. Groomed and developed 2 buyers into executive leadership positions within merchandising. Senior Vice President Footwear (2003) Vice President - Footwear (2001 to 2003)

Held full accountability for driving over $700M in annual nationwide footwear sales through development and implementation buying plans, merchandising budgets, and sales goals. Recruited, trained, developed, and evaluated team of up to 7 buyers responsible for execution of initiatives nationwide. Prepared and presented periodic footwear sales and merchandising plans to executive management team. Collaborated with marketing counterparts on presenting clear picture of organizations vision to all store locations. Participated in semi-annual investors and trade shows. Selected Achievements: Successfully grew sales from $530M to over $765M during 3-year tenure by creating more market-driven buying plans and forging trusted relationships with key vendors and partners. Clearly communicated future merchandise direction and buying strategies through engaging presentations at Annual Managers Meetings. Improved accuracy and efficiency of distribution services through working with Nike on implementation of ordering system that case packed size run of shoes.

Divisional Merchandise Manager - Footwear (1996 to 2001) Promoted into leadership to realign footwear buying department with corporations new strategic thinking and vision. Led merchandising team in transitioning from traditional performance footwear approach to more fashion-forward buying / selling approach. Selected Achievements: Honored with winning of 1997 and 1998 Peoples Choice Award for service and initiatives above the call of normal duties. Footwear Buyer (1995 to 1996) Performed in-depth market trend analysis to develop and execute strategies for maximizing sales and profitability for cross-training, tennis, casual, cleated and sandal athletic footwear. Drove in annual sales by creatively managing products and vendor structure. Additional retail experience included tenures as Footwear Buyer with Champs Sports and The Athletes Foot

Recent Professional Experience

Indiana State Referee Committee Indianapolis, IN Provided organizational leadership to state-wide association responsible for training, developing, and managing activities of over 3,500 referees serving both adult and youth soccer leagues. Director of Indiana Referee Academy (2009 to Present) Hold full accountability for establishing short- and long-term goals of the Academy, along with standards for referees on- and off-field performance and conduct. Drive personal and professional improvement for academy member through organizing educational and instructional meetings. Evaluate and observe nonAcademy referees to determine eligibility for joining Academy. Promote top referees to out-of-state and national tournaments resulting in opportunities with top soccer events. State Director of Assessment (2000 to Present) Provide hands-on leadership to team of 23 state-wide assessors responsible for evaluating performance of referees in both youth and adult soccer league games. Create, organize, and deliver educational and instructional programs for assessors ensuring understanding of current rules and regulations. Maintain confidential records on both assessors and referees.

Educational Background
General Coursework Miami dade Community College, Miami, FL HR Dimensions Leadership Seminar Business Negotiation Seminar Mohr Leadership Group Executive Level Responsibilities within United States Soccer Federation