Alicia LaFrance: in Centreville, VA

• Worked closely with the vice president of product development to generated new business and product development ideas for gaming and pop culture licenses including Fallout, Rocket League, and Player Unknown Battleground. • Advised on long term goals, provided input on multiple initiatives, and communicated appropriately with internal groups, customers, and suppliers at all levels. • Generated new revenue opportunities by utilizing my industry relationships. • Oversaw the executive affiliate program by onboarding executive level partners and utilizing their expertise and connections to bring in new business opportunities. • Composed and presented product pitches designed to meet brand & sales objectives.

• Work with CEO to define product strategy and roadmap. • Developed over 100 products across multiple categories including home goods and apparel, through the entire product lifecycle including quotation, prototype sample review, production, safety testing, QC inspection, and FOB delivery. • Designed creative and custom products for our clients' private brands that resulted in over $500,000 worth of revenue above what was forecasted for the 2017 fiscal year. • Directed two designers on product line creation and documentation. • Sourced new manufacturing partners through industry trade shows (Magic Trade Show, Canton Fair, Hong Kong Toy Fair) and previous manufacturing relationships, and our China office.

• Executed 80 to 100 products annually, in both hardline and softline categories from ideation to delivery in warehouse for ThinkGeek’s private label and licensed consumer products. • Negotiated and coordinated with over 25 overseas manufacturers on projects to maintain competitive pricing & profit margin. • Spearheaded pitching, developing, and producing the Fallout 4 Pipboy Collector's Edition program, which resulted in one of the largest, most successful video game CE editions in 2015, resulting in over $18 million dollars in revenue and spawning a deluxe Bluetooth edition, a top seller on ThinkGeek.com for two years. • Plan project timelines and identify milestones that support the predetermined presentation and in-store dates. • Strategically collaborated with internal/external customers, including domestic and international vendors, licensors, and cross-functional teams, to ensure on-time delivery of products; tracked project progress in our custom Salesforce PLM software. • Managed licensor submissions and relationships with BBC America, Disney (Marvel & Lucas Films), AMC, Blizzard Entertainment, Mojang, Capcom, Valve Corporation, Fox Entertainment, HBO, CBS, and Warner Brothers. • Ensured all technical documentation and safety requirements were reviewed and met by product development and compliance teams; facilitated production reviews guaranteeing product compliance and on time delivery. • Oversaw execution of product production including purchase orders, internal protocols and acceptable quality limits (AQL) with manufacturing partners. • Forecasted budgets, revenue targets, and product timelines. Reported forecasting to merchandise, marketing, and supply chain teams. • Conceptualized new products authentic to the ThinkGeek brand, met licensed IP requirements.

• Develop detailed project schedules and ensure that Account, Creative, and Production are aligned and aware of key project milestones. Update timelines as needed and call out potential conflicts.

• Oversaw audits of editorial and contractors’ expenses, reconciled accounts, and prepared reimbursements for National Geographic Magazine. • Assisted in developing accurate projections and budget management in support of editors’ estimations for total cost of stories, providing an overall trip estimate. • Served as a liaison between vendors, editorial, and Corporate Finance; submitted all expense reports through the approval process using a custom FileMaker Pro solution and PeopleSoft. • Provided administrative and special project support to include proper handling of vendor checks, voucher pulls, timekeeper duties, supply ordering, and additional financial reporting and file updating as needed. • Instrumental in developing a customized, digital payment archive filing system which allowed for easier access and review to internal groups, in addition to increased security, searchability, and accessibility. • Significantly increased efficiency and turnaround time of reimbursement payments.

Deftly managed the profitability of studio by strategically balancing labor, studio expenses, local marketing budget, loss prevention, and balance cash variances between two point of sales systems. Calculated daily, weekly, monthly, and annual goals referencing previous year’s sales, corporate projections, and current business trends. Generated reports to track studio and employee performances. Ranked within Top 20 studios in recognition of sales, profit, and loyalty. Increased customer loyalty by 20% over the course of a year through training and coaching Studio Associates in the provision of outstanding customer service and quality photography.