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Steve Spiro
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Meeting Preference: In Person, Phone

Languages: English

How I Can Help You

Steve Spiro 215.279.3949 | 800.242.2017 | steve@elpescador.com Steve Spiro is an accomplished executive with a multi-faceted background and expertise in merchandising, retail, and hospitality management for large conglomerates and family-owned operations in the U.S. and abroad. He has built a reputation as a thought leader with a propensity for building, training, and directing high-performing teams that contribute to the attainment of overarching goals and objectives. Steve has a proven record of success with a 37-year career at Bloomingdale’s. He learned the business from the ground up, starting in the highly acclaimed training program. Steve held the role of Divisional Merchandise Manager of men’s, intimate apparel, and fashion accessories in Short Hills, New Jersey. He relocated to New Rochelle, White Plains, and Willow Grove, where he was General Manager of those stores. His next position was Divisional Vice President of coats, junior’s, and contemporary. He served as Senior Vice President, General Manager of the 59th street flagship store in New York City for 6 years. Steve’s last role was Executive Vice President of stores, visual, and store design, with leadership over 3 regional managers and a portfolio of 40 locations. As a complement to Steve’s department store experience, he acquired specialty retail acumen as President of Joseph R. Harris, a moderately-priced women’s retail chain; and Vice President General Merchandise Manager at Gimbel’s Pittsburgh. Throughout his career, he was recognized for applying his merchandising and marketing expertise to influence overall business strategy and profitability. Acknowledged for his motivational leadership, coaching, and team building, Steve cultivated and directed high-performing professionals. Additionally, he established and maintained enduring relationships with executives and key stakeholders throughout the industry. In 2004, Steve retired from Bloomingdales, and relocated to Belize, where he became the General Manager of El Pescador. This family owned and operated resort is recognized by Orvis as International Lodge of the Year in 2013, Forbes Traveler’s Top Ten Luxury Eco Resort, and received Trip Advisor’s 2012 Traveler’s Choice Award. As part of the senior leadership team, he directed a 50-person staff that oversaw guest services, operations and maintenance, food and beverage, housekeeping, security, and administration. Through effective budget planning, P L administration, and cost savings initiatives, the business increased sales 40% and profitability 25% during his 11 year tenure. Steve instituted a customer-focused methodology, which increased repeat guest stays 20%. Calling upon his business acumen, philanthropic mindset, and aptitude for mentoring talented individuals, Steve has been involved in various business consulting, Board advisory, and community engagement activities. He was a member of the University of Belize Board of Trustees for 7 years, and served as Vice Chairman for 2 years. His significant contribution included instilling a business approach to financial planning and analysis, and implementing cost reduction initiatives to operate a well-respected, higher education institution that provided competitive courses and curriculum to the student body. In conjunction with his work at El Pescador, Steve consulted for the largest home store in Belize, where for 2 years he advised the executive leadership team on devising and executing key programs and initiatives to drive organic growth, sales, productivity, and profitability. As a result, the organization tripled in size. As a passion project, Steve coordinated the People’s Coalition of San Pedro, a committee comprised of neighborhood watch presidents, police, the Mayor, and the Minister of Tourism to address and remediate crime and other issues on the island to increase safety for residents, and encourage tourism. Steve spearheaded the design and implementation of a public relations training program for 50 San Pedro and Caye Caulker police officers to equip law enforcement with the skills and tools to promote relationship building and collaboration within the community.

Areas of Expertise

  • Accounting & Finance
  • Business Plan
  • Management & Operations
  • Marketing
  • Product Development

Industry Experience

  • Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation
  • Food & Beverage
  • Retail
  • Transportation
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712 H St NE PMB 98848
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Washington, DC 20002
(804) 350-3569

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