BERT SHLENSKY BIOGRAPHY I have over 30 years of executive experience as a results-driven executive leader in the textile, apparel and internet marketing fields. I have a strong track record of achieving growth and operating profitability in start-up, internet and turnaround businesses. Most recently I initiated several entrepreneurial startup businesses selling home furnishings on the Internet which achieved sales within 6-10 months of their funding and had a major internet component. These programs were all based on combining Chinese production, internet marketing and innovative logistics to market high-quality home furnishings to consumers . Prior to that I was President and CEO of Sure Fit Products. I joined Sure Fit in 1992 as a turn around specialist to rescue a company from a failed leverage buy out. Together, we grew and reinvented the business by focusing growth strategies on the development of new products, packaging, quick response, delivery, and marketing programs. We grew the business from $ 50 million to $ 150 million including the development of a $ 60 million direct internet and catalog business. I also headed a number of West Point-Pepperell’s business units. I joined West Point in 1985 as President of their Apparel Fabrics Division. I then headed the $400 million Cluett shirt group which included Arrow, Burberry, Colors and private label shirt companies, I was with U.S. Industries from 1976, where I began as Director of Corporate Marketing of USI’s Consumer and Apparel Group and in 1982, I became President of Talbott Knitting Mills. I graduated Roosevelt University and received an MBA and PhD from the Sloan School of Management at M.I.T. I also participated in a number of programs at Harvard’s Kennedy Institute and Lehigh University’s entrepreneur program. I am also currently a counselor for SCORE’S executive program to counsel new and small businesses. I have counseled almost 500 score clients in 3 years

Xerox Corp, selling training and management development programs to Fortune 500 companies (nothing to do with copying machines); sales management of six East Coast offices at Xerox; started a jigsaw puzzle and game company selling to Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble and thousands of specialty stores; acquired by a game company in 2007. Startups on little money, financing, product development, wholesaling, manufacturing, design, sales management, selling company.

Alex Ramig is President and founder of AR Associates, a consulting business providing unique and experienced proven management consulting. He works with organizations primarily involved with manufacturing coatings or chemical products used by the coatings industry. AR Associates uniquely helps clients achieve desirable results in (1) strategic development, (2) technology management, (3) new product development and (4) project management.
Dr. Ramig is a world-recognized leader in developing and managing technology strategy, developing business strategy, and in developing and bringing new products to market. Before founding AR Associates, he was Vice President of Research and Development for the paints and coating division of a major chemical company where he directed a worldwide R&D function of about 1200 scientists and technologists. During that time he also served as a member of the senior international business board where he was involved in developing global business and technology strategy.

In total, Dr. Ramig has over 40 years of experience in the coatings industry with 26 of those years in various management positions with the Glidden Company and ICI. He has published and lectured worldwide. He has also held the position of adjunct professor at Northwest Nazarene University where he taught environmental science.

His awards include a Roon Award; he holds three patents and is recognized as the inventor of “plastic pigment� for use in latex paints. He holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry, is an active member of several professional organizations and serves in his local church.

Neal has led manufacturing and supply chain management operations at the VP-level at public and private companies ranging from startups to Fortune 100 firms. He has successfully transferred key management skill sets across industries as diverse as medical devices, fine art publishing, lasers, instrumentation and appliances. His areas of expertise include process and quality improvement, lean manufacturing, customer service (B2B and B2C/retail), strategy development and implementation, cost reduction, new product introduction, turnarounds & troubleshooting and team building. He has been a SCORE mentor to small businesses and nonprofits since 2011.

Owner and partner in a large plumbing, heating and air-conditioning distributor in the Philadelphia Area. Hold a Florida Real Estate associate broker license and was a real estate sales associate in Pennsylvania. Retired as a Captain from the USAF after 2 years of active duty and 10 years in the reserve. Served as a Supply Officer. Served on the Boards and as an officer in a number of non-profits in Philadelphia.