Your Go-To Mike of All Trades

With over 10 years of experience negotiating with vendors, I understand that strong partnerships are built on both respect and strategy. I prioritize fair treatment while always keeping my company’s best interests in mind. Whether it’s securing better terms, leveraging growth potential, or applying competitive pressure, I take a balanced approach. My relationships with vendors have always been built on mutual success—ensuring that both sides benefit from the partnership, which ultimately strengthens long-term collaboration.

Currently my expertise lies in sourcing physical products, and given today’s unpredictable market (think tariffs), I stay ahead by being proactive. I was already diversifying sourcing strategies before global challenges arose, ensuring our suppliers were dual-sourced and prepared for shifts. I continuously track market trends, compare pricing from multiple suppliers, and audit vendor performance to ensure quality, compliance, and cost efficiency. Being forward-thinking in sourcing is not just about price—it’s about having the right partnerships and being adaptable to change.

I work closely with not just suppliers, but clients as well, bridging the gap between sourcing and customer expectations. Understanding product trends and contract structures is critical—I ensure we don’t lock ourselves into unfavorable terms that limit flexibility. The worst scenario is being stuck in an agreement that no longer aligns with potential ever changing conditions, so I make it a priority to rework contracts that provide security while allowing room for strategic adjustments when needed.

My background as a COO has shaped the way I operate - I don’t just stay in my lane. While my current title is Sourcing Director, my role extends across departments. To name a few - I collaborate now with Finance to ensure our margins are strong, work with Operations for smooth product launches and fulfillment, assist Marketing with product data, and most importantly, partner with the Executive Team on key opportunities. Having visibility across the company allows me to align sourcing strategies with broader business goals.

This is one of my strongest areas. Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with C-Suite executives, earning their trust by delivering strategic insights, creative problem-solving, and strong ownership of projects. I have a track record of taking on complex tasks with little direction, mastering them, and presenting clear solutions. Whether it’s providing pricing analysis, addressing potential risks, or preparing executive presentations, I ensure leadership has the data and insights they need to make informed decisions.

Efficiency is something I’m passionate about. I believe common sense isn’t all that common, and that’s where I thrive. When I joined my current company, they were manually creating and overwriting purchase orders in Excel (I know, hard to believe). Within two weeks of being hired, I implemented a cloud-based purchasing system that we used for two years before upgrading to an ERP. I love optimizing workflows, saving the company money, and freeing up people’s time so they can focus on bigger priorities. At the end of the day, improving processes isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about making work easier and more effective for everyone.