Fred Scott: CEO and Founder I in West Des Moines, IA

Company Bio - It began in the heart of Iowa - a simple idea to sell t-shirts to promote messages of buying local, eating local, strengthening local communities and sharing state pride. Locally Grown has developed into a nationally recognized, message-driven brand that generates awareness of where our food and clothes come from. We design and manufacture our own, super soft t-shirts and sweatshirts, Made in the USA, with a socially and environmentally conscious mindset, utilizing eco-friendly and sustainable materials in fair working conditions. In just eight years, over $7M in total sales and more than 400,000 shirts SOLD! • Led national sales across multiple channels of distribution including specialty outdoor, specialty grocer and gift business categories averaging over $1M in sales annually. • Recruited and built national sales organization consisting of five independent agencies while managing up to 20 independent sales individuals. • Individually led start-up from zero sales to $1.4 million in five years (2015) and maintained sales performance at $1.5 million (2016) and $1.2 million (2017). • Individually opened over 700 retail accounts across the country via direct sales and maintain personal connections and communication with majority of industry owners and managers. • Identified and executed disruptive and innovative grassroots sales and marketing strategies and unique market positioning to establishing the brand. • Created and provided custom selling tools for sales team including samples, custom graphics, order forms, work books, marketing collateral, digital and print catalogs as well as individual training and led sales meetings. • Maintain customer relationships and key account management by identifying needs and issues with customers and prospect new business on a regular basis. • Manage brand development and execution of company vision, identity, messaging and direction. • Maintain knowledge of industry trends and maintain competitive edge by working with innovative artists and industry leaders for inspiration for continual development of the brand. • Continuous education and exploration of new ideas, collaborations and experiences that align with the brand through trade shows, networking, speaking engagements and industry events. • Manage financials and work closely with accounting to prepare monthly and annual financial statements for investors and prepare annual reports and communicate results. • Prepare sales forecasts to help determine operating budgets, growth plans and production forecasts for manufacturing and production. • Promote messages of supporting local and increase awareness to help inspire and empower individuals towards collective action on environmental, sustainability, social and ethical issues. • Critical leadership involvement in creative design, graphic design, product design, color development, consistent with overall brand direction. • Manage and establish all product pricing and gross margin analysis for wholesale and retail. • Manage and operate Locally Grown Clothing Co. retail store with a personal, nice, outgoing and welcoming demeanor. • Creatively merchandise store with like-minded, socially and environmentally conscious, urban and outdoor brands to offer a unique assortment and customer experience. • Collaborate with customers on merchandising, product line, collaborations and marketing strategies to curate an assortment that fits their target consumer. • Demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills, written communication skills and negotiation skills. • Manage development and maintenance of online presence and facilitate all .com activities for B2C sales and fulfillment through Shopfiy and related services. • Manage content creation and distribution that accurately reflects the brand position and targets customers through social media, sales and marketing tools, and digital and print catalogs. • Manage all social media marketing campaigns and activity including Instagram and Facebook.