Product Development

Portfolio

Turning an idea into reality

Design, Manufacturing & Marketing

Bringing A Product To Market

Costly, Risky & Wondrously Exciting

There is a sense of pride in being 1st to market with a brand new idea.

Venture Horizon was a leading product developer, importer and wholesaler of unique ready-to-assemble furniture. Here is part of what I did.

Product Development- From concept through design and prototyping. Many of my products were original, proprietary ideas, either designed by me or in concert with a local graphic artist.
Research- My first question was always; Is my concept truly unique? I would scour the internet to make sure. I would then ask myself: Would it sell? At what price? Would the consumer want one? I sought "validation" from friends, family and even peers in my industry.
Corporate Branding & Creative Design– I developed all marketing, sales and promotional materials including packaging, product brochures, advertising copy, instruction manuals, newsletters and info graphics. I was also responsible for all product photography. The Venture Horizon brand was incorporated into every product name and faithfully used by all my dealers. This afforded me a tremendous edge in terms of enhancing my organic search rankings.
Product Launch- At last it was time to engage in my favorite activities: marketing, sales, advertising, and promotions. I made sure my dealers had everything they needed to ensure a successful new product introduction. This included high resolution images, accurate and compelling product copy and the ability to ship orders the same day they were received.

Click on the button below to review some of my Original Products and business ideas.

Supply Chain Expertise

Manufacturing, warehousing, distribution

The logistics involved in the entire process from production through delivering a customer's product are complex and critically important. Planning is everything.

Sourcing a Manufacturer- I visited hundreds of manufacturers over the years, traveling extensively throughout Taiwan, China and Mexico. I negotiated pricing, contracts, letters of credit and coordinated with local export agents. Ultimately, I decided to manufacture my furniture in the USA.
Manufacturing- The on time production of high quality, well packaged merchandise is always a challenge. Especially, when importing. Lead times even when generous manage to push up against export deadlines.
Trading Agents- In country Trading Companies are crucial to Supply Chain success. They are involved with nearly every part of the process including quality control, transport documentation and shipping.
Product Purchasing- Importing, Customs Clearance, Warehousing and the resultant financial considerations are all of course my responsibility.
Inventory Management- Adequate inventory levels for every product and all it's variants must be maintained.
Order Processing- Same day shipping is now the norm. So, needless to say having a modern, integrated inventory and order processing system is a must.
Warehousing & Distribution- We directly supplied some of our customers, including Walmart, via container. We also maintained significant inventory for drop shipments directly to the consumer.
Customer service- A customers ability to get timely, accurate and honest information should be every companies main priority. I pride myself with always having put the customers needs first.