Colin Taylor

Founder-Owner · Aina Clothing

Chesapeake, VA

In My Own Words

Experienced Small Business Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel, sports and fashion industry. Strong entrepreneurship professional skilled in Sales, Retail, Marketing, and Management.

Work Experience

Founder-Owner

Aina Clothing

2011 – Present

‘Aina is an eco-friendly active lifestyle brand that strives to be produced with the least impact to the environment.

Founder-Owner

Aina Sales Agency

2022 – Present

• Seeking new lines to represent • Sales representation for apparel, outerwear, footwear, sporting goods, pools and accessories and toys. • Aparso (Footwear & Outerwear) – Oct 25 – Present (DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NJ, NC, PA, SC, VA & WV) • Diversco’s Akona Adventure Gear, Pulse SUP, White Knuckle Sports – Jan 24 – Present (DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, NJ, NC, PA, SC, VA & WV) • Independent sales representative for Seaich Corporation (Sold) – April 22-Aug 23. • Responsible for 300+ Walmart accounts throughout the United States. • Create relationships with district/store managers, regional offices, and corporate buyers. • Cold calling on national, regional, and independent retailers.

Independent Sales Rep

Seaich

2022 – 2023

Help manage and create accounts. Support dealers by any and all means, whether that be with clinics, customer questions, technical support, placing orders, and assuring all business is dealt with professionally and efficiently. https://seaich.com/ - Sold - August 2023 Extensive line including bikes, Mucky Wear (children's rainwear) and more. https://waimeabaypk.com/ - Waimea Bay inflatable standup paddle boards, kayaks

Marketing Manager

Great American Volleyball

2004 – 2011

• Research and analyze current market trends and conditions and competitive activity to identify product or marketing opportunities. • Responsible for all contract negotiations. • Sponsorship creation and valuation.

Host/Promoter - Matchstick Production's New Jersey Premiere of: "The Way I See It"

Matchstick Productions

2010 – 2010

Hosted/Promoted Matchstick Production's New Jersey Premiere of: "The Way I See It". Responsible for securing venue, promotion/marketing, sponsorship, ticket sales, MC, and executing the night of event.

Host/Promoter - Teton Gravity Research's New Jersey Premiere of Re:Session

TGR - Teton Gravity Research

2009 – 2009

Hosted/Promoted Teton Gravity Research's New Jersey Premiere of "Re:Session". Responsible for securing venue, promotion/marketing, sponsorship, ticket sales, MC, and executing the night of event.

Production Coordinator

The Children's Place

2002 – 2004

• Responsible for the Accessories Division, a 72 million dollar business. • Work with designers and merchants to ensure styles are accurately developed.

Product Development Coordinator

Tahsin Ind. Corp. - Red Ledge & Pro Rainer

1997 – 2001

• Red Ledge Fall/Winter 2000 sales increase of 26% over LY. • Manage the development process of all garments from a two dimensional sketch to a three dimensional prototype. • Work with designer to develop new product for upcoming seasons. • Travel to Taiwan and China to ensure factory compliance to spec packages, designs, and sample making process. • Organize and attend three national trade shows five times annually.

Assistant Manager

Eastern Mountain Sports

1990 – 1994

• Analyze and interpret sales data to insure correct product assortment. • Implement and direct preparation of inventory (shrink for fiscal ’93 1.1%) • Interview and select job candidates necessary for efficient staffing. • Plan and coordinate various aspects of training.