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JENNIFER C. MATHEWS 4184 Greens Drive Apt. 106 • Springdale, AR 72762 Phone: (479) 220-9934 • Email: [email protected] CAREER SUMMARY Results-driven product manager with proven record of driving revenue and category growth, brand conversion, cost containment, margin expansion, process improvements, and developing unique, consumer-driven products. Broad international supply chain/sourcing experience with extensive travel to Asia and India. Team leader with proven ability to synthesize the efforts of a diverse group of individuals including highly creative designers, business analysts, and project managers to achieve a common goal. CORE COMPETENCIES New Product/Brand Development Product Commercialization & Growth P&L and Cash Flow Management Strategic Planning Business Development & Analysis Shopper & Consumer Insights Analysis Financial Reporting, Analysis & Modeling International Supply Chain/Sourcing PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS 2004 – 2014 DAYSPRING/HALLMARK, INC. Siloam Springs, AR Sr. Product Manager, (in)courage (2013 – Present) Hand selected as the brand leader of an initiative to commercialize a content- centric ecommerce brand. Developed major programs with numerous companies and organizations on 4 different continents to create/curate a 2000+ SKU portfolio of products. Generated $1M in new revenue in the first year as an omni-channel brand. Reported directly to Vice President of New Business Development with indirect reporting to President and Sr. Leadership team. The (in)courage brand and its ecommerce business had corporate scrutiny and was on Hallmark’s list of key growth areas within their subsidiaries for 2014. Developed the company’s strategic plan for the (in)courage brand which was a new division for DaySpring. Plan consisted of strategic direction, operating plans, financial forecasts, necessary partnerships, and required financing. Established the strategic framework for partnership engagements with a broad range of suppliers and manufacturers. Initiated multiple discussions for bringing needed partnerships to the company. Developed major programs with numerous companies and organizations on 4 different continents to curate a 2000+ SKU portfolio of products. Extensive travel domestically and internationally to our manufacturing partners. Established a higher-efficiency product development process via technology. Process involved coordination across a wide range of external vendors to 1

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JENNIFER C. MATHEWS

4184 Greens Drive Apt. 106 • Springdale, AR 72762Phone: (479) 220-9934 • Email: [email protected]

CAREER SUMMARY

Results-driven product manager with proven record of driving revenue and category growth, brand conversion, cost containment, margin expansion, process improvements, and developing unique, consumer-driven products. Broad international supply chain/sourcing experience with extensive travel to Asia and India. Team leader with proven ability to synthesize the efforts of a diverse group of individuals including highly creative designers, business analysts, and project managers to achieve a common goal.

CORE COMPETENCIES

New Product/Brand DevelopmentProduct Commercialization & GrowthP&L and Cash Flow ManagementStrategic Planning

Business Development & Analysis Shopper & Consumer Insights Analysis Financial Reporting, Analysis & Modeling International Supply Chain/Sourcing

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

2004 – 2014 DAYSPRING/HALLMARK, INC. Siloam Springs, AR

Sr. Product Manager, (in)courage (2013 – Present)Hand selected as the brand leader of an initiative to commercialize a content-centric ecommerce brand. Developed major programs with numerous companies and organizations on 4 different continents to create/curate a 2000+ SKU portfolio of products. Generated $1M in new revenue in the first year as an omni-channel brand. Reported directly to Vice President of New Business Development with indirect reporting to President and Sr. Leadership team. The (in)courage brand and its ecommerce business had corporate scrutiny and was on Hallmark’s list of key growth areas within their subsidiaries for 2014.

Developed the company’s strategic plan for the (in)courage brand which was a new division for DaySpring. Plan consisted of strategic direction, operating plans, financial forecasts, necessary partnerships, and required financing.

Established the strategic framework for partnership engagements with a broad range of suppliers and manufacturers. Initiated multiple discussions for bringing needed partnerships to the company. Developed major programs with numerous companies and organizations on 4 different continents to curate a 2000+ SKU portfolio of products. Extensive travel domestically and internationally to our manufacturing partners.

Established a higher-efficiency product development process via technology. Process involved coordination across a wide range of external vendors to streamline internal product execution and generate efficiencies. Researched and introduced three new technologies to simplify the process. Resulted in cost savings for outside creative budget totaling over $25K in first year.

Served as key member of Extended Leadership team. Participated in all conversations regarding ongoing corporate level financial planning, strategic partnerships and licensing, organizational alignment, and high-level logistics.

Sr. Product Manager (2010 – 2013)Responsible for all aspects of Product and Project Management of Specialty portfolio including: (i) Management of 8 direct reports; (ii) Develop and manage a $750K division expense budget; (iii) Research, development, and execution of 500+ new SKUs per year; (iv) Sales execution in tandem with internal and (external) field sales teams to ensure product placement at store level; (v) P&L responsibility for $20M+ wholesale division; (vi) International supply chain/sourcing direction; and (vii) Reported directly to Vice President of Specialty.

Led a team that opened new markets and launched innovative products into existing channels to supplement declines in other more mature markets, categories, and channels. Resulted in additional $4M in revenue with profitable margin.

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Developed and launched the largest comprehensive gift program to-date for DaySpring’s Specialty division generating over $3M in retail sales and contributing 8-10% margin to the bottom line.

Led campaign to re-brand DaySpring from a trusted card company into a manufacturer of quality, relevant gift products.

Established strategy for re-launch of Specialty Products division. Assessed market attractiveness, capability gaps, and sources of competitive advantage. Process led to four areas of focus including out-licensing and decisions to exit declining categories.

Worked closely with finance team to forecast my division year-end financial results, determine next year financial plans (including SKU count, margin targets, and gross and net margins), as well as project a 5-year financial plan for the division that was used for corporate planning.

Assembled and hired a cross-functional team consisting of high-level graphic designers and marketing managers to support the evolving business needs of a complex division within the company.

Evaluated all aspects of current product assortment at the item level including margin, standard cost, replenishment rate, and consumer perception. Results were a clearly defined grow/maintain/exit strategy for the portfolio.

Created brand/product line strategies, which included a comprehensive marketplace and financial review resulting in re-alignment of all elements of the marketing plan including pricing, advertising, promotion types & levels, brand positioning, product development, and supply chain. This resulted in margin increases by 20% within the first two years, while revenue increased slightly.

Profitably developed 5 new products which won awards in two different fields within the gift industry in 2012 and 2013.

Restored vendor relations with our overseas manufacturing partners through intentional business transactions and increased communication resulting in shorter schedules and better costing.

Product Manager (2004 – 2010)Fast tracked through the organization due to strong business development skills, strategic and creative thinking, a “get it done” mentality, and team leadership. Ever-increasing level of responsibilities shifting from project-based, support roles to managing my own portfolio of products. Responsible for category-level expense budget and increased exposure to high-level strategic planning within the category. Managed direct reports and began to travel internationally for the company in 2008.

EDUCATION

B.A., John Brown University, Siloam Springs, ARMajor: English

SKILLS / CHARACTERISTICS

Strategic thinker with excellent analytical, creative, and problem solving skills. Unique understanding of cross-cultural/international business relations with regard to schedules, cost

negotiation, and product execution. Thrive in a fast-paced environment that requires adaptability with quick and decisive action. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to develop relationships and

partnerships that led to win/win scenarios. Self motivated and results oriented.

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