Jason Contarino
Sales & Business Development · Gale Force Outfitters LLC
Milford, NH
In My Own Words
I’ve amassed over 15 years’ experience managing sales, operations and merchandising at the regional level for top action sports brands.
For my entire working life my jobs have been about relationship building. As a sales representative, this skill has proved invaluable, enabling me to develop strong bonds with clients through trust and mutual respect. I place a high value on listening as a key to understand and meet business goals of internal and external teams.
I employ strong organizational and analytical skills to explore data and develop insights. Along with embracing data analytics to identify customer needs and interests, I use that information to curate best in class product assortments. My goal is to strengthen the brand, increase conversion, and drive sales, all through the power of data.
Managing a large account base I’ve become a capable problem-solver with proven ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast paced environment. I always look to leverage my experience in retail buying and wholesale sales to develop creative solutions to business needs.
When I’m not at my desk, I’m out snowboarding trying to get the perfect carve, listening to an endless list of podcasts, taking a bike ride with my wife and kids or just enjoying the beauty of New Hampshire.
Work Experience
Sales Representative and Business Development Analyst
Gale Force Outfitters LLC2022 – Present
Brands Grundéns | Mobile Warming | Tough Duck | Glacier Outdoor | GRIP6 | Klein Tools Outdoor | REVO | Fathom Offshore
Distribution Channels Outdoor | Footwear | Hardware | Recreational Fishing Saltwater-Freshwater-Fly Commercial Fishing | Marine Supply | Industrial Supply | Construction Supply | Food Service
Owner
Old Man Soles2007 – 2021
Sales and strategic brand management for top footwear and action sports brands in the New England region.
Past brands represented include Vans, Ukala by Emu, Holden Outerwear, Deeluxe, DC Shoes, Airblaster
New England Sales Representative
Vans2008 – 2020
Selected to drive sales growth and elevate brand presence in family footwear and lifestyle stores throughout New England. Built multimillion-dollar sales territory of 40 retail partners in multiple channels, including eCommerce, Sporting Goods, Department Stores, Athletic Specialty, and Fashion.
Invested time in developing and maintaining strong long-term relationships with retail partners. Built trust with customers through honesty and authenticity. Applied strong analytical skills and utilized a collaborative approach to manage relationships, diffuse difficult situations.
Managed end-to-end sales process, including customized assortment planning, merchandising, sell-in and sell-through analysis. Consistent YOY growth of territory; achieved by assisting clients in analyzing sell-through and inventory levels to support their purchasing process and foster more educated buying practices. Secured pre-season orders against a budget, managed distribution, developed strategic sales plans by matching account insights and goals with brand message and key product stories, and worked cross functionally to successfully deliver seasonal initiatives.
New England Territory Manager
DC Shoes2006 – 2007
Managed the footwear, apparel and snowboard boot business across a diverse account base of 60 retailers, including action sports specialty stores, sneaker boutiques, athletic specialty and family footwear stores. Worked to increase sales, door count and profitability across all channels of distribution. Created directed assortments for each channel of distribution to maximize ROI. Concentrated on identifying growth opportunities that were beneficial for the brand and my dealers. Increased market share and brands’ strength through development of relationships within customer base.
Sales Represenative
Clockwork Enterprises2002 – 2005
Agency representing brands made up of hardgoods, outerwear, apparel, and footwear products throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England Region. Brands included The Program*: Forum Snowboards, Special Blend Outerwear, and Foursquare Outerwear as well as Circa Footwear.
Executed a shared organizational vision of a collaborative, customer-centric philosophy, through product expertise, best-in-class service and strong relationships. Executed regional brand marketing activations, regional product demos, and regional trade shows. Assisted in the processing of purchase orders from retail shops to manufacturers, ensuring accuracy, and appropriate assortments.
Manager / Buyer
The Loft2002 – 2005
Buyer of Snowboard, Skateboard, Footwear, Clothing and Accessories. Purchase and maintain inventory for 3 locations, creating appropriate assortments for each location and demographic. Determined staffing requirements, directed daily store operations including staff and workflow oversight.
Education
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Connections
Rich LowePrincipal - Gale Force Outfitters | Manufacturer Rep Group | Brand & Team Builder | Trusted Advisor | Storyteller 🚐&🗣️ | USN AirCrew Veteran
Chris PhillipsProduct Manager
Joshua BrayboyDIGITAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Dave HendersonTerritory Sales Manager
Courtney CruzHuman Resources Business Partner
Mark SperlingCo-Founder / CEO
