1. MICHELE LETARTE ROSS
linkedin.com/in/michele-letarte-ross Micheleletarte007@gmail.com 917.544.0230
Page 1 of 2
Retail Executive known for ability to envision and create successful outcomes in complex environment
EXPERIENCE
LETARTE, INC.
FAIRFIELD, CT
Iconic Maui-based swimwear label created by sisters Michele Letarte Ross, business leader, and Lisa Letarte Cabrinha,
designer
CEO, PRESIDENT, FOUNDER 2001 – 2016
Founded Letarte Swimwear and built the brand into a recognized lifestyle company with annual sales of $9.5 million;
anticipated, explored and uncovered business opportunities and partnerships for the brand.
 Led and shaped the development of a successful new brand from business plan to profit
 Developed two key success factors that drove strong results: innovative design of carefully cultivate trans-seasonal
product lines and high-end dual distribution strategy – high-end wholesale and owned-and-operated freestanding
retail boutiques
 Created wholesale sales strategy that includes accounts with luxury and resort retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman,
Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton hotels to name a few
 Enlarged retail footprint – designed, developed and launched ten wholly owned retail stores in Manhattan, Nantucket,
Southampton, Palm Beach Island, San Jose, Malibu, Newport Beach, Paia Maui and Waikiki; negotiated leases and
hired key managers
 Launched marketing plan and landed impressive publicity opportunities, appearing in top fashion and lifestylemagazines
including Elle,InStyle,MarieClaire, Self, and Women'sWear Daily;more than 50 swimsuitsappeared in thepages ofthe
annual SportsIllustrated Swimsuit Edition,includingtwo coversin 2005and 2013
 Amplified category leadership by continuously bringing new customers to the business
 Built a devoted fan base ofloyal customersworldwide, including endorsementsfrom Hollywood stars and internationally
acclaimed media
 Negotiated successful purchasing program agreements with both domestic and international vendors
 Raised funding through private banking as well as venture capital to support the company’s growth as needed
 Created Human Resources capabilities for employees
 Served on several women and business panels about entrepreneurship, such as Women Who Launch
 Mentored students from Fairfield and Sacred Heart Universities; participated in Ludlowe High School’s annual
internship program
 Raised money in support of the American Cancer Society with a pre-shop at Letarte warehouse sale and Relay for Life
Strategic Vision
Brand Management
New Business Development
Financial Planning
Product Development
Dual Distribution Retail Strategy
Marketing & Sales
Public Relations
Social Media
Strategic Partnerships
Account Services
High-Performance Teams
Entrepreneurial Leader
Founded and led successful swimwear label that grew from start-up to world-recognized
lifestyle brand gracing numerous covers of the Sports Illustrated Swimwear Edition.
Talented inall facets of business withdeep expertise in management, marketing,
merchandising, sourcing, and dual distribution – wholly owned retail and wholesale
accounts. Builds robust business partnerships.
Versatile, Creative and Accomplished
Recognized as a highly creative and intuitive executive withstrong analytical skills whogets
results. Fuels innovation – creates environments inwhich people are giventhe tools and
resources to think differently, challenge the status quo, push boundaries and achieve
growth. Inspiring leader who develops and engages world-class talent.

2. MICHELE LETARTE ROSS
linkedin.com/in/michele-letarte-ross • Micheleletarte007@gmail.com • 917.544.0230
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 2 of 2
SEATTLE PACIFIC INDUSTRIES
NEW YORK,NY
A privately held multi-brand apparel sportswear company, founded in Seattle, WA, in 1981
VICEPRESIDENT,SALES 1999 –2001
 Reported to thePresident and helped re-launch brand from the‘70s,generated newbusiness and grew sales
 Re-launched and re-introduced theSergio Valentebrand formen and women in specialtyand department stores with all new
marketing and brand distribution
 Sold 1.5 million unitsthefirst yearafterthelaunch
 Identified theright buyerexperience to drivepurchasesin theU.S. market for men’sand women’scategories
 Formed strategic partnership with specialtyand department storeretailers
 Prospected and pitched newaccounts
MOSSIMO
NEW YORK,NY
EASTERNSALESMANAGER 1994 –1998
 Reported to theSeniorVicePresident of Sales, representing men’sand women’scategoriesin specialtyand department
storesfor theEastern Region
 Built salesin theterritoryfrom $500 thousand to $7 millionin threeyears
 On board forcompany’sIPO transition in 1996;continued togrowprofitablesales
QUIKSILVER
NEW ENGLAND AND NEW YORK,NY
Sales Rep 1987 –1994
 Started out asa independent road rep with a $400 thousandterritoryand helped growit to $12 millionin sales
 Moved to NYC to open a newshowroom forthebrand
 Oneofthefirst women in theQuiksilverfamily to bean independent rep
 Part ofthecompany’s IPO;helped growthecompanyfrom $40 million to morethan $120millionduring tenure
EDUCATION
PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY
PART OF UNIVERSITY SYSTEM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, MARKETING
OTHER EXPERIENCE
SPORTSAND COACHING
Commitment, Discipline, Focus and a Drive to Win
 Competitiveskier–
 Ski coach on weekendsas a level 1 alpineinstructor
 Accomplished Equestrian
 Golfer, hiker and all around outsideenthusiast