LEANNA K.

SAMPLES

17550 Prairie Street, Northridge, CA 91325 * 818.700.0623 (h) * 818.606.55

27 (c) * lsaec308@westpost.net

SENIOR MARKETING / DESIGN PROFESSIONAL

Creative, accomplished and seasoned management professional well versed and expe
rienced in marketing and product design for high-end custom window coverings. E
xtensive background in all facets of directing the marketing process, from produ
ct development and design through creation of product standards to satisfy quali
ty initiatives specific to the product. Excellent training and presentation skil
ls with high visibility as company product spokesperson. MBA in Marketing and BS
degree in Interior Design serve as foundation for notable career in interior de
sign products. Seek new challenge marketing for interior design products.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Marketing Leadership * Solid Management Skills * Product Branding * Relations
hip and Team Building Customer Focus * Analytical Problem Resolution * Commun
ication Skills * Innovative Thinking

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Castec, Inc., North Hollywood, CA 2008-Present
SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGN MANAGER
Directed creation of program designed to simplify complex calculations typically
associated with custom drapery, with goal of making product less intimidating/m
ore accessible to dealers, thus increasing sales. Developed/created several Powe
rPoint training programs for use by sales group in making presentations to poten
tial new customers. Worked closely with process engineer to establish standards
creating more efficient/effective work flow.
Lafayette Interior Fashions, West Lafayette, IN 1995 - 2008
BUSINESS UNIT MANAGER - SOFT FASHIONS
Directed bi-annual fabric selection process including researching/seeking/meetin
g with large group of fabric vendors in New York, NY and Highpoint, NC. Negotiat
ed sampling allowances to work within established budgets; established pricing m
odels for fabric line/finished Soft Fashions products. Led team responsible for
ordering/receiving/shipping goods to sample maker, ensuring that group remained
focused/on task to meet challenging timelines. Selected/directed/designed fabric
sample books, worked directly with sample maker.
Served as design consultant for other proprietary window covering products offer
ed by company, including Shades, Wood Blinds and Shutters. Heavily involvement i
n creation of all other samples required by company, including working with phot
ography studios, graphic artists and creative writers. Key player in designing a
nd creating trade show displays for myriad customers. Featured speaker at nation
al shows, local seminars and other marketing events. Drapery School Instructor w
here dealers received five days of intense training on drapery plan/design.
Noteworthy Accomplishments:
* Instrumental in building soft fashions business from $5 million to $14 million
.
* Created company style book for Soft Fashions which required defining productio
n standards and interpreting them into layman's language; established the orderi
ng parameters.
* Created an organized system for capturing details for fabric sampling project.
* Implemented and led variety of marketing research efforts including dealer sur
vey, dealer satisfaction response card, and creation of Soft Fashions Advisory B
oard.
* Designed company Point of Purchase displays for featuring its vast product off
erings.

LEANNA K. SAMPLES : PAGE TWO

Springs Window Fashions Divisions, Inc., Middleton, WI 1982 - 1995

DISTRIBUTOR/FABRICATOR SALES MANAGER
Liaison between distributor fabricator (customer) and Springs corporate office.
Supervised 11 accounts; traveled extensively (70% of time). Established new dis
tributor fabricators as needed to meet market needs, requiring extensive and int
ense research/evaluation during selection process. Sole trainer for distributor
personnel; evaluated individuals, made recommendations for improvement. Conduct
ed product training and new product introductions. Featured speaker at national
window coverings trade shows; staffed booths, introduced prospective customers t
o Springs product lines.
Noteworthy Accomplishments:
* Consistently exceeded established sales and revenue goals.
* Recipient of three successive "Goal Buster" awards in recognition of exception
al performance.
* Received 1986 Southwest Region's "Top Performer" award for sales volume and me
eting corporate budget expectations.
* In 1992, earned the MIP (Most Improved Percentage) Award for generating 35% in
crease in sales volume nationwide.

Overland Park Interiors, Inc, Overland Park, KS 1978 - 1982

CO-OWNER, GENERAL MANAGER
Directed business start-up activities, including site selection, financing, floo
r layout, merchandising and staffing.
Designed retail store to meet needs of area home builders and their clients. Pr
omoted wall/window coverings, interior furnishings, accessories and supplies. E
stablished strong working relationships with vendors. Researched and sought ou
t local artisans to design/create unusual interiors.
Noteworthy Accomplishments:
* Designed/set up model homes for Parade of Homes and Builders Showcase.
* Worked with area's most significant builders: Acuff & Rhoades, Leo Ashner, La
mbie-Geer.

EDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Master of Business Administration - Marketing, Avila College, Kansas City, MO
Bachelor of Science - Interior Design - Central Missouri State University, Warre
nsburg, MO
Executive Communication Course: Communispond, Inc. Chicago, Ill
Professional Selling Skills Course: Xerox Corporation, Dallas. TX
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Allied Member of American Society of Interior Designers
Member of Color Marketing Group