Robert Garrison

Partner with C-suite and VP-level stakeholders across Supply Chain, IT, Finance, and Merchandising to identify coordination tax and quantify the P&L impact of disconnected import networks. • Lead complex enterprise sales cycles for a platform that digitizes and automates the full import process — helping customers improve time-to-market, visibility, and margin performance. • Orchestrate cross-functional pods (Strategic SDRs and Supply Chain SMEs) to deliver technical validation, executive workshops, and successful implementations.

Founder Supply Chain C · Full-time Aug 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos · Dallas, Texas, United States • Provide independent strategic advisory to retailers and brands on global import network design, technology selection, and operational transformation. • Help executive teams reduce coordination tax, compress time-to-market, and turn supply chain visibility into measurable improvements in sales velocity and working capital.

Founder and CEO of Mercado Labs. Built a global supply chain technology platform, and raised venture capital to expand the business globally.

Mercado was started with the belief that there was a simple solution to help businesses connect the missing link in their supply chain and to revolutionize the importing industry through innovative technology. Alongside an established leadership team, I'm now leveraging decades of experience in logistics, tech, and the supply chain to build the world's leading online import order management system and supply-side network infrastructure. With Mercado, businesses can enjoy significant P&L improvements by leveraging a purpose-built platform to digitize, connect, and automate the import supply chain. This will result in improved end-to-end visibility, insight-led analytics, complete transparency, in-built automation, and compliance with standards. Our platform digitizes orders, providing real-time insight into products and SKUs, and connects the end-to-end global supply chain to deliver superior customer service. We also automate processes and workflows to reduce risk and ensure goods are produced on spec and delivered on time. With Mercado, businesses can trust that their internal teams, suppliers, and partners will have the tools to improve purchasing, deliver sales forecasts, meet their financial compliance standards, and protect their brand. According to our 2022 importer survey companies spend $30 million on products, and $5 million on shipping, to generate $90 million in sales for every 1000 containers shipped. This represents one of the largest incompletely managed risks for most companies.

NFI is one of the world's leading supply chain companies, specializing in solving complex supply chain challenges to save customers time and money across a diverse number of industries. Our diverse client base ranges from small family businesses to the world's most well-known brands. We work to understand each client's objectives and challenges and build supply chain solutions that create a competitive advantage. As President, I have successfully built the Global division from the ground up, created an international supply chain network with a focus on 16 countries, and deployed innovative technology solutions to improve customer supply chains. • Achieved business growth of 206% during the first year and 368% during the second year • Designed and executed supply chain transformations for major retailers, including Five Below and AutoZone • Implemented a leading Customer Experience Program through integrated technology and automated processes

Directed the creation and implementation of supply chain strategy and global execution with full P&L management. Oversaw multi-functional teams comprised of distribution, air, ocean, order management, program management, pricing, and quality. • Created two successive three-year global strategy initiatives, resulting in 41% CAGR (FY10-13) with the second three-year growth plan achieving the target of $1 billion in annual sales • Innovation activities include solutions developments such as a control tower for RIM Corporation and rapid response programs such as Trade Direct, as well as new product development including direct distribution, and order management • Increased sales revenue from $100 million to $1 billion for FedEx Trade Networks

Created and deployed supply chain strategies for major clients in order to improve customer operations, lower landed costs, reduce transit times, and improve delivery. • Spearheaded the development, launch, and direction of managed operations for a new product from inception to broad market adoption, delivering a 117% revenue increase in the first year • Conceived and implemented logistics support center to improve operations, reduce cost, and improve quality by 67% • Drove profit increase from less than $2 million per annum to more than $40 million per annum through aggressive P&L management, technology innovation, cost reduction strategies, and business development initiatives

Accountable for a $1 billion global P&L with full responsibility for domestic and international transportation, distribution, compliance, procurement, and order management. • Implemented a new performance-based procurement strategy which reduced expenses by $100 million, while improving inventory position by 25% • Created and executed DC bypass strategy which reduced inventory carrying costs by 18% by removing 12 days of lead time, as well as creating DC capacity relief of 12% during the critical Christmas season • Implemented a global visibility strategy that created a global view of inventory in transit at 18 flow points • Implemented best-in-class operating standards including process mapping, operating procedures, and world-class metrics, resulting in a predictable and performance-driven logistics chain including removing 73% of manual process steps

Managed all operational activities related to the international supply chain, including sourcing, origin logistics, transportation, and compliance. P&L responsibility of $200 million and oversaw the movement of 7,000 containers annually. • Designed and implemented a global sourcing platform and import awareness training, leading to a twofold increase in import penetration and $35 million in savings on the cost of goods • Improved efficiency by 23% and reduced cost by 25% by reengineering all international operations processes • Implemented a formal procurement process, which improved operating efficiency and reduced overall costs by 23% • Created an International seasonal flow strategy, reducing inventory by 15% • Devised landed cost model to provide actual vs. forecast cost, enabling greater margin forecasting and resulting in improved buying decisions