Pano Anthos
Managing Director
XRC Labs
Pano leads XRC Labs as its Managing Director. He wields 25 years of technology CEO and founder experience building new businesses in B2B and B2C markets across Web, social, mobile and gaming platforms. Over his career he has consulted with over 200 firms within the Fortune 500 and partnered with leading technology and media companies such as Oracle and Conde Nast. He leverages a deep startup network in Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston to fuse leading technology, e-commerce and user experience innovations to existing customer-oriented businesses.
Managing Director
XRC Labs
Pano leads XRC Labs as its Managing Director. He wields 25 years of technology CEO and founder experience building new businesses in B2B and B2C markets across Web, social, mobile and gaming platforms. Over his career he has consulted with over 200 firms within the Fortune 500 and partnered with leading technology and media companies such as Oracle and Conde Nast. He leverages a deep startup network in Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston to fuse leading technology, e-commerce and user experience innovations to existing customer-oriented businesses.
J. Kirby Best
Chairman
OnPoint Manufacturing
Kirby is the Chairman & CEO of OnPoint Manufacturing, and the President & CEO of PaaT, Inc. His passion is the integration of computers and manufacturing. OnPoint is the first fully functional on-demand apparel manufacturer and specializes in high-end women’s wear. PaaT, Inc. is a software company developing integrated purchase activated technologies.
Kirby is the past President & CEO of Lightning Source Inc. (Ingram Content Group) the world's largest digital print-on-demand book manufacturer.
Kirby was the founder and CEO of Royal Book Manufacturing - a company that optimized the book manufacturing process for speed, efficiency, and cost. He has served on several Boards including the BMI (Book Manufacturers Institute) and Sherpa Aerospace. He has written articles for trade journals, published several books and spoken worldwide on the future trends in the manufacturing and information analysis industries.
Prior to his business career he represented Canada in many World Championships. He was the driver of Canada 1 - the four-man bobsled and skied on the Canadian biathlon, speed and freestyle skiing teams.
Chairman
OnPoint Manufacturing
Kirby is the Chairman & CEO of OnPoint Manufacturing, and the President & CEO of PaaT, Inc. His passion is the integration of computers and manufacturing. OnPoint is the first fully functional on-demand apparel manufacturer and specializes in high-end women’s wear. PaaT, Inc. is a software company developing integrated purchase activated technologies.
Kirby is the past President & CEO of Lightning Source Inc. (Ingram Content Group) the world's largest digital print-on-demand book manufacturer.
Kirby was the founder and CEO of Royal Book Manufacturing - a company that optimized the book manufacturing process for speed, efficiency, and cost. He has served on several Boards including the BMI (Book Manufacturers Institute) and Sherpa Aerospace. He has written articles for trade journals, published several books and spoken worldwide on the future trends in the manufacturing and information analysis industries.
Prior to his business career he represented Canada in many World Championships. He was the driver of Canada 1 - the four-man bobsled and skied on the Canadian biathlon, speed and freestyle skiing teams.
Rick Bingle
VP, Supply Chain
REI
As vice president of supply chain, Rick Bingle is responsible for REI’s Supply Chain Division comprising of distribution, logistics including trade and compliance, sales and customer support, vendor operations, network strategy and omnichannel fulfillment.
Prior to becoming vice president of supply chain, Rick was REI’s director of global supply chain, was senior manager of global supply chain at Microsoft and spent 11 years at Office Depot in distribution-related management.
Rick serves as a Board of Advisors member for the University of Washington’s Master’s Degree Program in Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics (SCTL). The Advisory Board members help review content, guide course design and provide updates to ensure the program remains current as the field evolves.
REI is a $3 billion national multichannel retail co-op headquartered outside of Seattle. With more than 6 million active members, REI serves the needs of outdoor adventurers through innovative, quality products; inspiring classes and trips; and integrated customer service that allows shoppers to buy great gear and clothing in any way they want. REI has 143 stores in 35 states, as well as REI.com and REI.com/outlet. This year REI will invest $8 million in local communities to help care for outdoor spaces.
VP, Supply Chain
REI
As vice president of supply chain, Rick Bingle is responsible for REI’s Supply Chain Division comprising of distribution, logistics including trade and compliance, sales and customer support, vendor operations, network strategy and omnichannel fulfillment.
Prior to becoming vice president of supply chain, Rick was REI’s director of global supply chain, was senior manager of global supply chain at Microsoft and spent 11 years at Office Depot in distribution-related management.
Rick serves as a Board of Advisors member for the University of Washington’s Master’s Degree Program in Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics (SCTL). The Advisory Board members help review content, guide course design and provide updates to ensure the program remains current as the field evolves.
REI is a $3 billion national multichannel retail co-op headquartered outside of Seattle. With more than 6 million active members, REI serves the needs of outdoor adventurers through innovative, quality products; inspiring classes and trips; and integrated customer service that allows shoppers to buy great gear and clothing in any way they want. REI has 143 stores in 35 states, as well as REI.com and REI.com/outlet. This year REI will invest $8 million in local communities to help care for outdoor spaces.
Guido Campello
CEO - Creative Director
Cosabella
Born and raised in Miami, Guido Campello commenced his design career in interior finishes and renderings at Pompei AD New York for retailers Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Free People and MTV. After moving to Japan in 2005 as part of the J.E.T.T. English teaching program he joined the Sales and Marketing team at a Japanese distribution company in Tokyo. Upon returning to New York in 2007, he became VP of Sales, Branding & Innovation at Cosabella. In 2014, Guido took over as Cosabella’s first CEO and in 2015 he was inducted into The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA). At Cosabella he manages all exclusive design collaborations with the likes of Paul & Joe, Erin Fetherston, Urban Outfitters, Barneys, Bergdorf, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Galleries Lafayette, Lane Crawford, Amazon, Shopbop, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Carmen Marc Valvo & Sex and the City. He also led the creation of extension lines Cosabella Lusso, Cosabella Amore and Cosabella’s soon to be launched teenager brand.
CEO - Creative Director
Cosabella
Born and raised in Miami, Guido Campello commenced his design career in interior finishes and renderings at Pompei AD New York for retailers Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Free People and MTV. After moving to Japan in 2005 as part of the J.E.T.T. English teaching program he joined the Sales and Marketing team at a Japanese distribution company in Tokyo. Upon returning to New York in 2007, he became VP of Sales, Branding & Innovation at Cosabella. In 2014, Guido took over as Cosabella’s first CEO and in 2015 he was inducted into The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA). At Cosabella he manages all exclusive design collaborations with the likes of Paul & Joe, Erin Fetherston, Urban Outfitters, Barneys, Bergdorf, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Galleries Lafayette, Lane Crawford, Amazon, Shopbop, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Carmen Marc Valvo & Sex and the City. He also led the creation of extension lines Cosabella Lusso, Cosabella Amore and Cosabella’s soon to be launched teenager brand.
Amanda Curtis
Co-Founder CEO
Nineteenth Amendment
Amanda Curtis grew up in the fashion industry and holds degrees from Boston University & Parsons School of Design. As a fashion designer she went from New York Fashion week designing for Richie Rich, DVF, and A-list celebrities to bringing a solo designed collection all the way at London Fashion Week in her first season. From the trenches she realized that the fashion business model desperately needed a redesign. Seven years ago she entered into the tech startup world in the retail marketing space with the goal of learning first hand the efficiency and potential of the space. Nineteenth Amendment is the result of the collision of the fashion and tech worlds; a platform & business model that gives brands a smart way break into the fashion industry with the least amount of time, effort, and money (what she calls #StilettoStrapping), while growing domestic manufacturing and bringing amazing, undiscovered fashion from the runway to closets of fashion lovers. This new type of retailing she refers to as, 'fashion-as-experience' has led to partnerships with over 900 fashion brands across 29 countries, and global companies like Disney, Macy's, Microsoft, and Dell. Amanda is Forbes’ 30 Under 30 2016 for Retail & E-commerce, Apparel Magazine's 30 Under 30 2016, and she is a mentor at TechStars and AOL's Built by Girls.
Co-Founder CEO
Nineteenth Amendment
Amanda Curtis grew up in the fashion industry and holds degrees from Boston University & Parsons School of Design. As a fashion designer she went from New York Fashion week designing for Richie Rich, DVF, and A-list celebrities to bringing a solo designed collection all the way at London Fashion Week in her first season. From the trenches she realized that the fashion business model desperately needed a redesign. Seven years ago she entered into the tech startup world in the retail marketing space with the goal of learning first hand the efficiency and potential of the space. Nineteenth Amendment is the result of the collision of the fashion and tech worlds; a platform & business model that gives brands a smart way break into the fashion industry with the least amount of time, effort, and money (what she calls #StilettoStrapping), while growing domestic manufacturing and bringing amazing, undiscovered fashion from the runway to closets of fashion lovers. This new type of retailing she refers to as, 'fashion-as-experience' has led to partnerships with over 900 fashion brands across 29 countries, and global companies like Disney, Macy's, Microsoft, and Dell. Amanda is Forbes’ 30 Under 30 2016 for Retail & E-commerce, Apparel Magazine's 30 Under 30 2016, and she is a mentor at TechStars and AOL's Built by Girls.
Peggy Ekong
Retail Merchant
Macy's
Peggy Ekong is a Retail Merchant at Macy's. She is responsible for delivering strategic growth for the new outlet off-price division, as a Buyer at Macy's Backstage. She formerly led Digital Merchandising for the Plus Size Apparel market. She began her retail career in 2010 and has specialized managing global brands including Calvin Klein, Vince Camuto, Slink Jeans, INC and City Chic. With merchandising experience in all three retail channels -brick and mortar stores, digital and off-price, Peggy believes retailers win when they focus beyond current trends, put the customer first and partner with vendors to deliver innovative products and experiences.
She is a member of Terry Lundgren's Breakfast Club and serves as a Co-Leader for Macy's Onyx Employee Resource Group which places an emphasis on engagement, diversity and inclusion. Peggy is passionate about helping charitable organizations that strive to close the education gap and previously served as the Treasurer on the Junior Board of Directors for the Harlem Education Activities Fund and Chair for the Bill Gates Scholars Alumni Chapter. Prior to joining Macy's, Peggy received a dual degree in Management and Marketing from New York University's Undergraduate Stern School of Business where she was a Bill Gates Millennium Scholar and graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall as a Carl Icahn Scholar.
Retail Merchant
Macy's
Peggy Ekong is a Retail Merchant at Macy's. She is responsible for delivering strategic growth for the new outlet off-price division, as a Buyer at Macy's Backstage. She formerly led Digital Merchandising for the Plus Size Apparel market. She began her retail career in 2010 and has specialized managing global brands including Calvin Klein, Vince Camuto, Slink Jeans, INC and City Chic. With merchandising experience in all three retail channels -brick and mortar stores, digital and off-price, Peggy believes retailers win when they focus beyond current trends, put the customer first and partner with vendors to deliver innovative products and experiences.
She is a member of Terry Lundgren's Breakfast Club and serves as a Co-Leader for Macy's Onyx Employee Resource Group which places an emphasis on engagement, diversity and inclusion. Peggy is passionate about helping charitable organizations that strive to close the education gap and previously served as the Treasurer on the Junior Board of Directors for the Harlem Education Activities Fund and Chair for the Bill Gates Scholars Alumni Chapter. Prior to joining Macy's, Peggy received a dual degree in Management and Marketing from New York University's Undergraduate Stern School of Business where she was a Bill Gates Millennium Scholar and graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall as a Carl Icahn Scholar.
Kevin Flammia
CEO
REINGE
CEO
REINGE
Andy Fletcher
Head of Owned Brands
Backcountry
Andy Fletcher currently leads Backcountry’s private label apparel business, overseeing design, development, production, and marketing of several brands. Prior to joining Backcountry, Andy led corporate strategy and business development for VF Corporation’s Sportswear Coalition. His career also spans roles at Nordstrom, in private equity, and in management consulting. Andy holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia.
Head of Owned Brands
Backcountry
Andy Fletcher currently leads Backcountry’s private label apparel business, overseeing design, development, production, and marketing of several brands. Prior to joining Backcountry, Andy led corporate strategy and business development for VF Corporation’s Sportswear Coalition. His career also spans roles at Nordstrom, in private equity, and in management consulting. Andy holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia.
Dr. Mike Fralix
President & CEO
[TC]2
Dr. Mike Fralix is President and CEO, [TC]² (Textile Clothing Technology Corp.), is an experienced CEO with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and fashion industry. He is skilled in Trend Analysis, Luxury Goods, Operations Management and the Textile Industry supply chain. Dr. Fralix has worked in a variety of capacities at [TC]² and has provided guidance to hundreds of companies.
In addition to overseeing [TC]²’s strategic direction, Dr. Fralix is an internationally recognized speaker and offers expertise on a variety of.
He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Mathematics and Philosophy from North Carolina State University, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Duke University, and a Doctorate in Textile Technology Management from North Carolina State University. In 2009 he was appointed an Adjunct Associate Professor at N.C. State University and was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in the College of Textiles for 2012.
President & CEO
[TC]2
Dr. Mike Fralix is President and CEO, [TC]² (Textile Clothing Technology Corp.), is an experienced CEO with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and fashion industry. He is skilled in Trend Analysis, Luxury Goods, Operations Management and the Textile Industry supply chain. Dr. Fralix has worked in a variety of capacities at [TC]² and has provided guidance to hundreds of companies.
In addition to overseeing [TC]²’s strategic direction, Dr. Fralix is an internationally recognized speaker and offers expertise on a variety of.
He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Mathematics and Philosophy from North Carolina State University, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Duke University, and a Doctorate in Textile Technology Management from North Carolina State University. In 2009 he was appointed an Adjunct Associate Professor at N.C. State University and was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in the College of Textiles for 2012.
Rick Helfenbein
President & CEO
American Apparel & Footwear Association
Rick Helfenbein is president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the national trade association representing more than 1,000 brands in the apparel, footwear, and accessories industry. Rick became president and CEO on February 15, 2016 and leads the association and its operations.
Previously, Rick was president of all USA operations for Luen Thai Holding Limited. Luen Thai is the largest publicly listed apparel manufacturing and supply chain services company on the Hong Kong Exchange. The company manufactures clothing, shoes, and accessories for some of the most recognized brands in the industry, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Adidas, and Michael Kors. Prior to his appointment, Rick was Chairman of the AAFA Board of Directors from March 2014 to February 2016, and had served on the board of directors since 2008.
Rick has more than 40 years of experience in the apparel, footwear, and accessories industry, and has been credited as being one of the creators of the original Le Tigre brand plus helping to engineer the split between Izod and Lacoste. He also introduced Burlington Industries to the apparel market and has extensive experience with manufacturing in the USA, Asia, and Latin America both from an apparel and textile perspective. Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton Business School. He participates in the Consortium for Operational Excellence in Retailing at Wharton and Harvard.
President & CEO
American Apparel & Footwear Association
Rick Helfenbein is president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the national trade association representing more than 1,000 brands in the apparel, footwear, and accessories industry. Rick became president and CEO on February 15, 2016 and leads the association and its operations.
Previously, Rick was president of all USA operations for Luen Thai Holding Limited. Luen Thai is the largest publicly listed apparel manufacturing and supply chain services company on the Hong Kong Exchange. The company manufactures clothing, shoes, and accessories for some of the most recognized brands in the industry, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Adidas, and Michael Kors. Prior to his appointment, Rick was Chairman of the AAFA Board of Directors from March 2014 to February 2016, and had served on the board of directors since 2008.
Rick has more than 40 years of experience in the apparel, footwear, and accessories industry, and has been credited as being one of the creators of the original Le Tigre brand plus helping to engineer the split between Izod and Lacoste. He also introduced Burlington Industries to the apparel market and has extensive experience with manufacturing in the USA, Asia, and Latin America both from an apparel and textile perspective. Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton Business School. He participates in the Consortium for Operational Excellence in Retailing at Wharton and Harvard.
Liz Hostetter
Founder and President
Ellie Kai
The story for Ellie Kai began in 2011 in when Hostetter was living in Hong Kong and struggling to find clothing in her desired fit and style. As a result, she began working with a local tailor to create her own custom designs. Sourcing small quantities of fabrics and curating design ideas from her ongoing travels throughout Asia, Liz created patterns and designs that met her preferences and standards.
It wasn’t until Hostetter returned home for a visit to Cape Cod that she identified a major gap in the U.S. market for an accessible, Made-to-Order contemporary clothing line for women. Once the light bulb went on, the planning began. Hostetter started pounding the pavement to find the best sources of fabrics. From the beginning, she saw the design process as a true collaboration between company and client. She set up shop in a tight knit neighborhood in Hong Kong, which ultimately transitioned into Ellie Kai’s global manufacturing headquarters.
Although Hostetter now permanently resides stateside, the original Hong Kong team remains a trusted partner and in many ways, a second family, who continue to hold down the fort on the other side of the world. Ellie Kai is now a global brand, with offices in Boston, Cape Cod, Hong Kong and China.
Founder and President
Ellie Kai
The story for Ellie Kai began in 2011 in when Hostetter was living in Hong Kong and struggling to find clothing in her desired fit and style. As a result, she began working with a local tailor to create her own custom designs. Sourcing small quantities of fabrics and curating design ideas from her ongoing travels throughout Asia, Liz created patterns and designs that met her preferences and standards.
It wasn’t until Hostetter returned home for a visit to Cape Cod that she identified a major gap in the U.S. market for an accessible, Made-to-Order contemporary clothing line for women. Once the light bulb went on, the planning began. Hostetter started pounding the pavement to find the best sources of fabrics. From the beginning, she saw the design process as a true collaboration between company and client. She set up shop in a tight knit neighborhood in Hong Kong, which ultimately transitioned into Ellie Kai’s global manufacturing headquarters.
Although Hostetter now permanently resides stateside, the original Hong Kong team remains a trusted partner and in many ways, a second family, who continue to hold down the fort on the other side of the world. Ellie Kai is now a global brand, with offices in Boston, Cape Cod, Hong Kong and China.
Chris Hull
Chief Merchandising Officer
Shinola (Bedrock)
Chris joined Shinola in the Fall of 2015 as the Chief Merchandising Officer, leading the go-to-market vision for the Shinola stores and digital channel including product adoption and story telling. Prior to Shinola, Chris held several global leadership roles within Nike, Inc. including product management, retail strategy and merchandising. Most recently Chris led footwear merchandising and product creation for the Converse brand (a subsidiary of Nike, Inc.) in Europe.
Chief Merchandising Officer
Shinola (Bedrock)
Chris joined Shinola in the Fall of 2015 as the Chief Merchandising Officer, leading the go-to-market vision for the Shinola stores and digital channel including product adoption and story telling. Prior to Shinola, Chris held several global leadership roles within Nike, Inc. including product management, retail strategy and merchandising. Most recently Chris led footwear merchandising and product creation for the Converse brand (a subsidiary of Nike, Inc.) in Europe.
Jerry Inman
Chief Marketing Officer
Demand Worldwide
Jerry is a retail expert and motivational speaker who is regularly invited to speak at leading industry conferences and events. Focused on the retail, style and technology industries, he brings his innovative approach to concept-to-consumer technologies, Unified Commerce, "direct to consumer" strategies and season-less storytelling for the next generation of shoppers. He also sits on multiple boards in the technology and retail sectors.
Chief Marketing Officer
Demand Worldwide
Jerry is a retail expert and motivational speaker who is regularly invited to speak at leading industry conferences and events. Focused on the retail, style and technology industries, he brings his innovative approach to concept-to-consumer technologies, Unified Commerce, "direct to consumer" strategies and season-less storytelling for the next generation of shoppers. He also sits on multiple boards in the technology and retail sectors.
Mike Klepfer
COO
The Black Tux
As COO of The Black Tux, Mike Klepfer brings more than 25 years of experience in leading organizations and projects within diverse consulting and industry environments that have included multiple operating locations across the United States, Asia and Mexico. Leading operations for several small PE backed ventures as well as enterprise companies that include Motorola, Deluxe Laboratories and Amazon, Mike has a unique set of skills geared specifically toward operational excellence, operational turnaround and start-up situations. Throughout his career, Mike has developed a wide array of supply chain disciplines and been recognized in key senior executive roles within both the manufacturing and fulfillment industries.
COO
The Black Tux
As COO of The Black Tux, Mike Klepfer brings more than 25 years of experience in leading organizations and projects within diverse consulting and industry environments that have included multiple operating locations across the United States, Asia and Mexico. Leading operations for several small PE backed ventures as well as enterprise companies that include Motorola, Deluxe Laboratories and Amazon, Mike has a unique set of skills geared specifically toward operational excellence, operational turnaround and start-up situations. Throughout his career, Mike has developed a wide array of supply chain disciplines and been recognized in key senior executive roles within both the manufacturing and fulfillment industries.
Rudi Lueg
Vice President, Sales
Knapp Logistics Automation Inc
Rudi Lueg is vice president of sales for Knapp Logistics Automation Inc. He works helping clients turn their supply chain needs into a competitive advantage by: aligning European technology with American sprit; introducing true omnichannel systems to North America; and challenging the status quo of today’s fulfillment best practices.
He also has held executive management positions with W&H Systems, Fortna, SDI Industries, and Dürkopp. Rudi has a master of science in computer science and industrial engineering; speaks fluent German and English; and is a member of the American Apparel Footwear Association (AAFA), the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), and The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC). He also speaks at national conferences and trade shows including Modex and Momentum.
Vice President, Sales
Knapp Logistics Automation Inc
Rudi Lueg is vice president of sales for Knapp Logistics Automation Inc. He works helping clients turn their supply chain needs into a competitive advantage by: aligning European technology with American sprit; introducing true omnichannel systems to North America; and challenging the status quo of today’s fulfillment best practices.
He also has held executive management positions with W&H Systems, Fortna, SDI Industries, and Dürkopp. Rudi has a master of science in computer science and industrial engineering; speaks fluent German and English; and is a member of the American Apparel Footwear Association (AAFA), the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), and The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC). He also speaks at national conferences and trade shows including Modex and Momentum.
Krish Nathan
CEO
SDI Industries
Krish Nathan is the CEO of SDI. Krish joined SDI in 2000, and his wide range of experience has allowed him to work directly with clients analyzing existing characteristics and providing global engineering solutions. A United Kingdom native, Krish has worked on sortation system solutions at Constructor Dexion Systems and at Logan Fabricom. He holds degrees in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Coventry, England.
CEO
SDI Industries
Krish Nathan is the CEO of SDI. Krish joined SDI in 2000, and his wide range of experience has allowed him to work directly with clients analyzing existing characteristics and providing global engineering solutions. A United Kingdom native, Krish has worked on sortation system solutions at Constructor Dexion Systems and at Logan Fabricom. He holds degrees in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Coventry, England.
Susan Nichols Nichols
Brand Director
Apparel Magazine
Susan Nichols is Brand Director and Publisher of Apparel Magazine, responsible for all of the media brand's products, including its print publication, online offerings and events. Aparel provides competitive, actionable information — focused on technology and business insights from concept to consumer — to executives representing the world's most successful apparel brands, retailers and manufacturers.
Susan serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation; as a Director of the American Apparel Education Foundation; and on the Industry Advisory Board for the University of North Carolina-Greensboro's Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies.
Brand Director
Apparel Magazine
Susan Nichols is Brand Director and Publisher of Apparel Magazine, responsible for all of the media brand's products, including its print publication, online offerings and events. Aparel provides competitive, actionable information — focused on technology and business insights from concept to consumer — to executives representing the world's most successful apparel brands, retailers and manufacturers.
Susan serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation; as a Director of the American Apparel Education Foundation; and on the Industry Advisory Board for the University of North Carolina-Greensboro's Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies.
John Orekunrin
Founder & CEO
QUINN
John Orekunrin is the founder and CEO of QUINN, a personal shopping platform that provides a new way to shop for clothes by sending a stylist directly to your home. John leads comprehensive vision and strategy for QUINN, in addition to heading product innovation and customer acquisition. Prior to launching QUINN, John worked in sales strategy and marketing for top consumer brands to launch innovative direct-to-consumer campaigns.
Founder & CEO
QUINN
John Orekunrin is the founder and CEO of QUINN, a personal shopping platform that provides a new way to shop for clothes by sending a stylist directly to your home. John leads comprehensive vision and strategy for QUINN, in addition to heading product innovation and customer acquisition. Prior to launching QUINN, John worked in sales strategy and marketing for top consumer brands to launch innovative direct-to-consumer campaigns.
Suuchi Ramesh
Founder & CEO
Suuchi Inc
Suuchi Ramesh is CEO and founder of Suuchi Inc. Suuchi has bootstrapped the company in less than 3 years to 120 employees and an 8-digit yearly revenue run rate. Suuchi Inc. is a technology company that designs, manufactures, and ships clothing for forward-thinking American apparel fashion brands and Fortune 1000 companies. The leadership team is made up of a brilliant mix of the best minds in technology, design, and manufacturing. They proudly make all of our products in the USA, we are proudly woman-owned & mostly women-operated. Suuchi Inc’s vertically integrated supply chain replenishes inventory in as quickly as five days. Suuchi Inc’s proprietary technology, the Suuchi Grid, connects businesses with their “smart” shop floor. Businesses, and their consumers have real time access to their supply chains, with minute to minute updates and analytics. They’re radically transforming the future of American apparel manufacturing with intelligent integration of technology, and automation. Suuchi Inc is also home to Suuchi University: training the local community in advanced manufacturing skills before and on the job. They’ve proudly awarded over 100 certifications and added as many jobs in their resident Hudson County in just the last twelve months.
Suuchi was honored as EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 New Jersey, which she credits to her dedicated team at Suuchi Inc. She has also been recognized in many media outlets including CBS, BBC, CBS, and TEDx.
Founder & CEO
Suuchi Inc
Suuchi Ramesh is CEO and founder of Suuchi Inc. Suuchi has bootstrapped the company in less than 3 years to 120 employees and an 8-digit yearly revenue run rate. Suuchi Inc. is a technology company that designs, manufactures, and ships clothing for forward-thinking American apparel fashion brands and Fortune 1000 companies. The leadership team is made up of a brilliant mix of the best minds in technology, design, and manufacturing. They proudly make all of our products in the USA, we are proudly woman-owned & mostly women-operated. Suuchi Inc’s vertically integrated supply chain replenishes inventory in as quickly as five days. Suuchi Inc’s proprietary technology, the Suuchi Grid, connects businesses with their “smart” shop floor. Businesses, and their consumers have real time access to their supply chains, with minute to minute updates and analytics. They’re radically transforming the future of American apparel manufacturing with intelligent integration of technology, and automation. Suuchi Inc is also home to Suuchi University: training the local community in advanced manufacturing skills before and on the job. They’ve proudly awarded over 100 certifications and added as many jobs in their resident Hudson County in just the last twelve months.
Suuchi was honored as EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 New Jersey, which she credits to her dedicated team at Suuchi Inc. She has also been recognized in many media outlets including CBS, BBC, CBS, and TEDx.
Matt Smith
CEO & Co-Founder
ICIX
Matt is the Founder of ICIX, where he is responsible for determining the company’s vision and cultivating strategic relationships. A recognized authority in supply chain risk management and product safety, he works with governments and advocacy groups to determine and champion industry-wide supply chain solutions.
His expertise includes food and product safety, supply chain compliance, corporate social responsibility, government regulation, testing, inspection, and certification inquiries. Matt is passionate about food and product safety, helping companies address global supply chain challenges and protecting brand integrity. In pursuit of his passions, he has built strong relationships with a variety of industry, government and advocacy groups.
Prior to founding ICIX, Matt led sales and services for Megabus, a leading Australian accounting solutions company.
CEO & Co-Founder
ICIX
Matt is the Founder of ICIX, where he is responsible for determining the company’s vision and cultivating strategic relationships. A recognized authority in supply chain risk management and product safety, he works with governments and advocacy groups to determine and champion industry-wide supply chain solutions.
His expertise includes food and product safety, supply chain compliance, corporate social responsibility, government regulation, testing, inspection, and certification inquiries. Matt is passionate about food and product safety, helping companies address global supply chain challenges and protecting brand integrity. In pursuit of his passions, he has built strong relationships with a variety of industry, government and advocacy groups.
Prior to founding ICIX, Matt led sales and services for Megabus, a leading Australian accounting solutions company.
