Michael Lugo

Successful sales executive with proven ability to drive and sustain corporate revenues through broad-based competencies in forecasting and inventory management, strategic planning, new business development, account management, product development/co-branding, international/domestic sales, marketing/sales promotions, and expertise in Asian sourcing strategy. Built strong relationships with major retailers including Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Sears/Toys R Us, and Wal-Mart International. Experienced in developing and implementing short and long-term strategic sales and business plans.

Skilled in senior level presentations, negotiations and relationship building. Work with European distributors in the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, France, Finland, Netherlands, and Middle East. Created new business in the U.S., South America, and Europe with manufacturing collaboration in China.

Director of Domestic and International Sales - Maccabi Art, division of Cra Z Art - Miami, Florida

(2016-02)

200 Million Dollar company specializing in NBA stationery products, backpacks, arcade games, MLB & NBA figures, pro ball sports, licensed soccer balls, soccer products (Real Madrid, Barcelona), pet toys, and inflatables.

• Directed and managed sales reps for the United States, South America, Europe, and the Caribbean
• Responsible for working with accounts, distributors, and reps
• Direct sales planning and market analysis activities, including market research, competitive product evaluation and selling techniques throughout each sales territory
• Structure and negotiate pricing, volume discounts, co-op advertising and premium promotions
• Provide input to product development to enhance product offerings based on evolving market conditions and customer feedback
• Direct and maintain customer service standards to ensure maximum sales opportunities and brand loyalty
• Create short- and long-term strategic plans and sales forecasts to ensure projected volume and profitability goals are met
• Responsible for key accounts such as Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Wal-Mart Mexico, Wal-Mart Puerto Rico, and Walmart Chile
• Implement business activities to develop and launch new products as well as innovating new global sales
• Prepared weekly call reports
• Attend key trade shows: Hong Kong, NYC Toy Fair, Nuremberg, Sports and Licensing Show
• Opened new markets in Peru, Chile, Belgium, France, Ecuador and Greece
• Responsible for 5 in house sales executives and 25 outside sales reps
• P&L responsibility and cost analysis
• Responsible for account managers contract preparation

Vice President of Sales & Marketing - Winway Corp/Made4Ustudio - Shrewsbury, New Jersey

(2014-07 - 2016-02)

Specializing in wooden accessories for 18" dolls, mechanical baby dolls, electronics, fashion dolls, arts & crafts, activities and craft EZ Oven, and wet pets.

• Direct and manage sales representatives for the United States
• Strategically steered the development of sales marketing incubation processes for new products and sales channels
• Developed new brand and category management approach to drive growth, customer focus and profitability
• Responsible for key accounts: Walmart, CVS, Toys R Us, Target
• Expanded into new markets resulting in 27% growth with new customers
• Planned and executed sales & marketing strategy, analysis, business development, sales marketing trade shows
• Participated in product development strategies and input on the hottest trends
• Led sales team to achieve new sales and customer quotas
• Created pricing and product strategies to maintain a competitive edge in the toy industry
• Drove market share and brand awareness growth
• Executive leader managing a team of over 15 sales reps

Vice President of Sales - NSI International Inc. - New York, New York

(2013-10 - 2014-06)

$40 million dollar company specializing in Nickelodeon Gak & Floam, slime, Smithsonian science kits, magic rocks, Wubble Bubble, Oglo crafts and Oglo sports.

• Directed and managed key accounts: Wal-Mart, Toys R US, CVS, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby
• Directed and managed sales representatives for the United States and South America
• Responsible for working with China to ensure quality and on time shipping
• Work with Nickelodeon licensures
• Created and executed appropriate sales strategies to make sure that sales goals are reached
• Provided day to day leadership for sales and marketing personnel
• Set aggressive monthly sales goals
• Demonstrated superior negotiating skills to maintain profit margins while achieving marketing and sales goals of the company
• Developed strategic sales and marketing plans
• Built and developed a high performance sales team

Vice President of Sales & Marketing - The Wish Factory Inc, Paw Prints group, Les Friedland & Associates, Winway Corp. - Montclair, New Jersey

(2003-03 - 2013-09)

$50 million dollar company specializing in infant, toddler, fashion dolls, mechanical dolls, doll accessories, Pound Puppies plush, 1Direction licensed products, crafts, activities, and pre-school products.

• Responsible for key accounts in Canada
• Directed and managed sales representatives for the United States, Canada and Latin America
• Responsible for working with China to ensure quality and on time shipping
• Created and executed appropriate sales strategies to make sure that sales goals are reached
• Provided day to day leadership for sales and marketing personnel
• Set aggressive monthly sales goals
• Demonstrated superior negotiating skills to maintain profit margins while achieving marketing and sales goals of the company
• Developed strategic sales and marketing plans
• Responsible for key accounts such as Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, Hobby Lobby, Michael's
• Built and developed a high performance sales team

Director of Sales - Rose Art Industries Inc. - Livingston, New Jersey

(1993-05 - 2003-01)

$200 million dollar company in manufacturing of toys, activities, arts & crafts and stationery.

• Responsible for all sales and sales related staffing, forecasting, pricing, and product development
• Responsible for managing sales force consisting of 25 sales representatives
• Direct call responsibility for top house accounts, mass, specialty, drug, and grocery accounts
• Pioneered company into mass market, warehouse clubs, off price supermarket, and drug retailers
• Mastered the art of positioning and selling unique product in non-traditional departments to maximize sales
• Played a key role in the growth and development of such key accounts as Staples, BJ's Wholesale Club, Kroger, Ames and Rite-Aid Corp.

National Sales Manager - Coloron Industries Inc, A Division of Rose Art Industries - Brooklyn, New York

(1990-05 - 1993-04)

20 million dollar company.

• Managed five inside account managers and ten outside sales rep organizations
• Directed business activities to develop and launch new products. Enhanced sales results of existing and continuing products
• Collaborated strategies and decisions regarding manufacturing in China. Worked closely with China office and was the liaison with overseas operations
• Implemented new sales, marketing, and product development programs
• Successfully managed Glitter Magic/Crayon Division