Michael Hess
CEO/Founder | Skooba Design
Rochester, New York Area, NY, UNITED STATES
Founder/CEO Skooba Design, CBS/Business Writer, Speaker
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Biography
Over 20 years’ experience in product development, sales and marketing, entrepreneurship and executive management.
Family's well-known photo equipment manufacturing business, The Saunders Group, purchased a major branded camera bag company in 1990. Through 1994, focused on managing all facets of the company’s bag business, designing new products and lines, managing its in-house sewing factory and establishing its overseas sourcing and manufacturing base. Grew the division by more than 300% over that 4-year period.
After 1994, served as Vice President of the parent company and its 15 branded product lines. Family sold the 50 year-old business—which had grown from 5 to 100 employees—in 1998.
After aiding in the transition of the family business to new ownership, left at the end of 1999 to start RoadWired, the carrying case company which later became Skooba Design. Also started travel product retailer Journeyware (sold business to a major luggage company) and most recent launch, Hotdog Yoga Gear.
Public speaker, advisor/mentor to other entrepreneurs and small business owners. Author of twice-weekly small business column for CBS News, and "expert" advisor on focus.com business information site. Interviewed numerous times on television and radio, in publications and online media.
B.A. in Political Science, and graduate of the intensive Textile Executive Management program at the industry-leading Philadelphia College of Textiles. Traveled extensively, developing close, long-standing relationships with factories and customers in over twenty countries.
Specialties: over 20 years' experience in design, sourcing and manufacturing, both domestically and offshore, with particular focus and expertise in sewn goods.
Expertise in small business marketing, PR and other creative functions, as well as international business.
www.businesswithclass.com / www.michaeljhess.com
Industry Expertise (8)
Textiles/Leather Goods
Advertising/Marketing
Writing and Editing
Public Relations and Communications
Consumer Goods
Outsourcing/Offshoring
Management Consulting
Design
Areas of Expertise (10)
Creative Marketing
Public Relations
Customer Service
International Business
Startups
Sourcing
Communications
Business With Class (Tm)
Entrepreneurship
Product/Brand Development
Accomplishments (2)
Winner, Internet Retailer "Hot 100" (professional)
Company website named one to the prestigious annual list of 100 hottest global sites
Winner, StellaService "Elite" designation (professional)
StellaService is an independent customer service testing firm that rates and monitors thousands of online businesses. After over 300 blind tests, my business was given the highest "Elite" designation, issued to fewer than 5% of companies tested
Education (1)
State University of New York at Buffalo: BA, Political Science 1987
Affiliations (2)
- CBS News "Business With Class" Columnist
- StellaService "Elite" Customer Service Award-Winner
Links (3)
Testimonials (1)
See, Selected testimonials | at
www.michaeljhess.com/references
Event Appearances (2)
Creativity Vs. Commerce (Keynote Address)
Creativity in Motion (Career Day) Rochester Institute of Technology
Big PR on a Small Budget
SHifT SHifT Conference Keynote, Rochester NY
Sample Talks (5)
Big PR on a Small Budget
How a small business can get big business exposure on the stringiest of shoestrings (my own business has been in every significant publication, TV news, major websites, etc., and we’ve never used an agency or spent a fortune). A “step by step” process, from building a press list to writing effective news releases, press distribution, how to work well with writers, editors and bloggers, and follow up. Perfect for those starting and running small companies.
Customer Service
My absolute business passion – making people happy – what to do, what not to do, common mistakes, etc. What great companies do and what horrible companies do. My company has been independently rated as an "Elite" customer service organization (fewer than 5% of thousands of companies tested earn this highest designation), so this is something I live and breathe.
Entrepreneurship
Starting and running a small business on a true small business budget, creative solutions, low cost resources, tools and techniques for just about everything, realities and common pitfalls of money for real-world small business owners.
International Business for Small Business People
Navigating the business and cultural issues of working with people overseas, sourcing products, etc. (based on my 20 years of traveling and working with people in probably 20 or 25 countries).
Quality Communication
Upping your personal presentation skills in a world of declining standards… how to be “that much” better in written and live communication, whether starting a career, growing a career, running a business, etc.
Style
Availability
- Keynote
- Panelist
- Workshop Leader
- Host/MC
- Author Appearance
- Corporate Training
Social