Samuel Grecco 20 connecties

Developed the strategic plan for this new biotechnology start-up with intellectual property in both the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Provide day-to-day leadership for operations. Currently working with several of the world’s largest consumer products companies in developing the cosmetic line and investigating financing sources to take the psoriasis and wound-healing drugs through FDA clinical trials.
• Established a contract manufacturing relationship with a world-class pharmaceutical contract manufacturer, saving millions in CAPEX to build production facilities and significantly reducing supply costs.
• Tracked down a rare and high-yielding bacteria strain for in-house production of compounds.
• Solicited the top 20 pharmaceutical companies for partnership opportunities; successfully landed several companies to test the new compound.

Assisted startup companies in developing sound structural and operating strategies as well as financial and operating controls to help them monitor growth and preserve cash in the critical start-up phase. Leveraged personal business network and expertise in capital markets to identify and evaluate funding options. Advised principals in all aspects of operation, including facilities, equipment, software, quality control, legal considerations, and taxes.

Remington Arms Company, Inc. Madison, North Carolina

VP, Accessories and Licensed Products 2003 to 2004
Pioneered a growth strategy for the underperforming accessories division while continuing to carry out duties for the licensing and e-commerce divisions. Negotiated an exclusive sourcing arrangement for hearing protection products, yielding a new lower-cost supplier, a new brand market, and the elimination of an existing competitor. Established a new product line for food products and positioned it with Wal-Mart under a 500-store test program. Built a strategic plan to bring Remington’s licensed apparel business in-house to provide an additional $5.2 million in EBITDA.
• Renewed a relationship with a former key client that ultimately catapulted this client’s sales revenues from $300,000 to more than $3 million annually.
• Continued to enhance e-commerce and e-business strategies; was recognized in 2004 with a Gold Addy award and an ROI Award by Baseline Magazine for achieving 1,052 percent ROI for customer service initiatives.
• Redesigned sourcing program and supplier relationships to cut costs, boost profitability, and secure global competitor status.
• Grew licensing income to record levels in 2004, representing a 30 percent gain since 2001. Remington is one of the top 50 licensed brands as measured by License magazine.

VP, E-Commerce/E-Business and Brand Licensing 2000 to 2003

Initiated the industry’s leading website (www.remington.com) and employed ongoing technology innovations to enhance its marketing value and cost-saving abilities. Developed a catalogue of consumer contact points; built a relational database designed to enhance personalized marketing opportunities. Implemented a Web-based front-end for business-to-business transactions between customers and Remington’s SAP system, and published the industry’s first and largest online magazine to further brand image, foster customer loyalty, and gather consumer information.
• Enhanced the brand licensing program and boosted revenues through better controls and more aggressive licensing activities; increased contact and communication with licensees.
• Developed and implemented the company’s e-commerce and e-business strategy; built a significant competitive advantage around the marketing and cost-saving capabilities of the Internet platform.
• Consistently exceeded ROI targets and received numerous marketing achievement awards, including two Axiem awards, two ADDY awards, and one Technology ROI award from Baseline magazine.

VP, Business Development 1996 to 2000

Directed acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic planning; oversaw operations for the legal affairs and powder metal products divisions and provided leadership for the Remington shooting school. Successfully litigated the Federal Government to open bidding for the U.S. Army’s Lake City ammunition plant. Positioned the Remington Shooting School as a substantial marketing asset, utilizing television spots with TNN and the NASCAR community. Participated in the development and licensing of new products, including electronic ammunition for handguns, night vision optics for police and military applications, and third-party ammunition manufacturing.
• Grew a division’s sales from $1.1 million to $3.5 million and EBITDA from 9.1 to 25.7 percent of revenues, as illustrated below; this performance generated the highest returns on invested capital in the company.
• Key participant in a major restructure of the organization that ultimately lowered costs by $12 million and increased EBITDA by 30 percent.
• Collaborated with the company president and the investment bankers to position the company for sale, and participated in the road show to potential bidders. .

VP, Controller, and Treasurer 1993 to 1996

One of the few senior management employees who transitioned with the company when Dupont sold Remington Arms. Established the financial organization for the new company, and set up all start-up accounting, including SEC-compliant external financial reports. Negotiated with Dupont for the transfer of a fully-funded pension plan and established comprehensive benefits programs. Assembled the financing data and represented the company to the bank syndicate for all bank financing related to the acquisition.
• Relocated the finance department to the new North Carolina headquarters, including the hiring and training of more than two thirds of the financial staff.
• Key player in the $100 million bond issue, including presentations before Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s for the rating of the issue, and participated in the road show to sell the bonds. The bond issue was sold three times above the target and resulted in favorable interest rates.
• Set up the firearms industry’s first political action committee (PAC); served as chairman from 1998 to 2004.