Anthony Karzen: Sales expert in Zagreb, 21

New bike builds and warranty repairs (incl. shocks & forks) for the largest bike retailer/distributor in Croatia.

On a short term, as needed basis, I managed inside MTB industry relationships with manufacturers, Incentive program providers and other industry related companies and organizations in preparation for the 2020 season. I develop outreach strategies, establish collaborative efforts and develop concepts for future cooperation and programs.

During the pre-launch period I assesed and established target retailers, managing introduction of the product to those target retailers and building initial relationships. I also coordinated all of the 'bike related' activities for the launch, assessing, selecting and upgrading trails and developed a ride program for the event. I coordinated bike distribution to attendees, established and managed a guide program as well as the overall the 'Rider experience' for the event as well as organizing all product transfer and on site preparation. I then lead the post launch process of attending festivals and other promo events, establishing a full demo program to support established sales and promotional objectives.

I have provided consulting services to various government and civil society organizations in Croatia and Montenegro. I provided specific consulting services, (e.g. capacity assessment, feasibility studies, strategic planning, and project development), to the Croatian Chamber of Commerce - Association for Adventure Tourism, Karlovac County, The Ministry of Tourism, the Municipality of Omišalj, UNDP MNE, UNDP HR, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service and others. I have also provided an assessment of the Montenegrin Mountaineering and Cycling Associations including strategic development plans for both and provided a feasibility study on the establishment of a new Center for Outdoor Industry and Education. Provided training for and wrote 2 year business and 5 year strategic plans for both associations as well as developing multiple projects/grant applications.

I worked for Social Innovation Laboratory managing the organizations participation in a large-scale project funded by the European commission as well as collaborating the organization of the Medvednica Outdoor festival and developing a protected area trail management project and an outdoor education project.

Development and Management Consultant for USAID funded projects, local and regional governments, civil society organizations, and Outdoor Industry related SME’s. For USAID; created a toolkit for Croatian consultant association on how to perform, analyze, and present market research. Also designed, managed and implemented a program for the development of nature based tourism. For local/regional governments and CSOs, developed concepts and proposals regarding sustainable development of nature based tourism and human capacity building, (funding from various sources including UNDP, EU, relevant Ministries). Also worked with organizations such as the Kayaking and Mountain Guides association on establishing standards and strategic planning. For SME’s (Outdoor Industry related – retail, wholesale, and tourism), I helped develop a full understanding of supply chain management, buying and selling cycles, product development, international sales and marketing.

Territory Manager for Fischer Skis U.S. and Voodoo Kayaks, (manufacturer of Riot, Sun, and Azul kayak lines). Responsible for development and implementation of sales, marketing, technical support and product presentation for the South-eastern and Mid-Atlantic regions. Created and worked within budget guidelines, developed and implemented advertising and sales growth plans, and worked to develop demand for specific products targeted to this region. Also responsible for all public-private partnership related activities within the territory, in particular working with tourism destinations and communities on programming and policy advisement for sustainable development.