Cheryl Merz

- Responsible for the design and product development for assigned brands and customers. Takes the lead on developing new, interesting, and relevant designs, constructions, etc for each market and customer presentations as they arise. Works closely with brand partners to develop brand appropriate designs, colors, visual layouts, patterns/prints, and overall design aesthetic. Collaborates with marketing, sales and merchandising as a team, to create compelling complete product offerings and presentations at market and for individual customer presentations.
- Responsible for merchandising all product for the Hospitality Division. Develops and presents new product, targeting each Hotel Group. Manages all costing/quotes for each item. Works with VP of Hospitality on new programs and assist in all trade shows.

▪ Collaborate with well-known licenses to design dynamic and best-selling basic bedding products, for both mass and specialty customers.
▪ Product design role includes creating and maintaining bi-yearly line plans, product development, sourcing and working with overseas vendors, and materials management.

September 2018 - PRESENT
▪ Work with design and product development teams to create seasonal presentations of trending pop culture products, utilizing Adobe Bridge, Adobe Indesign, and Photoshop.
▪ Grow sales by ensuring that customers see the most appropriate art for their consumers.
▪ Consistently visit retail locations to identify merchandising and product trends.
▪ Organized 2019 company-wide pet food and supply drive, benefiting the Save the Animal Foundation and Interfaith Hospitality Network.

▪ Created custom therapy apparel by doing the measuring, designing, drafting and construction of each garment.
▪ Oversaw regular communications with the therapy team to problem-solve and determine the best rehabilitation treatment in the form of customized pressure therapy garments.
▪ Maintained efficiency and accuracy by updating garment records and patterns for each patient.

▪ Managed product development by gathering market information and researching competitor products, fabric types, and manufacturers.
▪ Designed and created prototypes of a canine or feline garment to be worn post-spay or neuter, alternative to the 'cone of shame'.