Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

About Me

I have worked in many levels of retail merchandising for over 14 years. I started my career in Best Buy Stores focusing on in-store presentation, sales and inventory control. I later accepted a position in regional project implementation and new store setup, also with Best Buy. My design career started after that, when I was asked to join the Interactive Design Team at the Best Buy Corporate office. I took on the responsibility for the design of interactive merchandising solutions, ensuring designs were on brand, on time, under budget and met the business needs.

An opportunity then opened up at one of the suppliers of Best Buy; LYNX Innovation (formally FUSION Electronics). There I used my experience to design and develop merchandising solutions for customers all over the world. This included display design and product design (electronics), which enhanced our displays with interactive demonstration capabilities. I was also able to learn more about the manufacturing process of the goods that we provided.

I bring a unique mix of skills and talents. Using my extensive background in retail, combined with my in-depth knowledge of demonstration systems, I’m able to design customer experiences that benefit both the customer and the customer specialist.

I am proficient with Adobe Creative Suite 3, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and In-Design. I have been using SolidWorks since 2003 and I’m versed in SolidWorks 2008. I am experienced using both Windows and Mac OSX based computers. I have a very good understanding of electronic components as my positions at Best Buy and LYNX both required me to work closely with switching systems used in merchandise demonstration.

Work History

• LYNX Innovation (FUSION Electronics), Bloomington, MN
• Designer
• August 2007 to January 2009

• • Created functional specifications to translate the customer’s needs into product and display designs
  • Created a ‘script of interaction’ for how the end user would interact with the display or product
  • Utilized 2D and 3D tools to visualize thoughts and ideas
  • Worked with engineering and logistics teams to ensure design criteria was met and the solution was packaged &
  delivered per the requirements
  • Created detailed drawing packs to provide manufacturing specifications
  • Wrote manuals for assembly, installation, and display usage

• Best Buy (Corporate Campus), Richfield, MN
• Senior Designer, Interactive Displays
• May 2002 to July 2007

• • Provided work direction and thought design best-practices to other designers
  • Led cross-functional design teams as a Project Design Lead
  • Interacted with internal clients and partners to determine their needs and wants
  • Ensure display designs were on brand, on budget, on time and meet the business needs
  • Specialized in Interactive Displays which provided demonstration capabilities for customers

• Best Buy (Field, Regional), Detroit, MI/Philadelphia, PA
• Interactive Display Specialist
• March 2000 to May 2002

• • Trained store staff how to utilize displays as sales tools and how to perform basic upkeep
  • Trained other installers implementation methods, troubleshooting and support best-practices
  • Traveled the country to implement corporate merchandising initiatives

• Best Buy (Stores), Toledo, OH/Ann Arbor, MI
• Sales/Merchandising/Inventory Specialist
• September 1995 to March 2000

• • Utilized merchandising resources to assist customers with finding the right solution for their needs
  • Taught coworkers merchandising and sales best-practices
  • Responsible for final presentation of products including price accuracy