For the past 23 years Fred has been President of Consumer Specialists and a leading consultant in the $300 Billion home improvement market. From 1998 through the first quarter of 2015, Fred’s consulting has included serving as Managing Director of the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI). Through his leadership the organization was revived from financial distress and doubled in size in the face of industry consolidation which reduced the pool of potential member companies. During this period, HIRI’s research expanded in both the number of studies members received as well as embracing new methodologies. From an operational side, new approaches led to lowering overhead and increasing efficiency. In early 2015 Fred elected to end his relationship with the company providing management services to HIRI and refocus on Consumer Specialists core mission of helping companies prosper in the industry.
Prior to forming Consumer Specialists in February 1997, Fred was the leader of the marketing effort that turned the Thompson’s® Water Seal® brand into the dominant national brand in waterproofing. This success was built via a strong market and brand understanding combined with clear strategic direction and top notch execution. Fred brings these skills to each consulting assignment to insure achieving the client’s goals. Unlike some big well known consulting firms, each client of Consumer Specialists gets the full attention of a seasoned industry veteran. In addition, each assignment is approached in a custom manner, not force fitting it into some existing business model.
Fred has 38 years of consumer marketing experience including:
- Executive Vice President at Thompson · Minwax
- Vice President of Marketing for a subsidiary of Eastman Kodak
- Manager of Business Development – General Electric
- Senior Product Manager at General Foods (now Kraft)
Winner of Key Marketing and Industry Awards
- Recipient of award as one of the top 100 marketers in the US from Advertising Age Magazine (click here to see the article)
- Received Gold Effie award from the American Marketing Association for proven business results
- Numerous industry awards for new products, packaging design and point of purchase materials
28 years in the Home Improvement Industry
- Line business management at a senior business level
- Expert on industry sources of data
- Leadership position within two industry associations
- Senior Management level interaction with key Home Improvement Retailers
- Sales experience in Home Centers, Mass Merchants, Hardware Stores, and Lumber Dealers
Other Experience / Education
¨ Four Years of Financial Management and Analysis experience
¨ Two Years of Retail Store Management
¨ Master of Business Administration from The Pennsylvania State University
Interests
¨ Volunteer with Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant, Emergency Services Division. Work in search & rescue operations and responding to 911 calls for medical emergencies.
¨ Advanced amateur photography. Event and portrait areas of emphasis.
¨ Travel, cruises in particular. Part-time travel agent.