Thought Leadership

Jim Conroy, CEO of the billion-dollar retail success Boot Barn, has shifted between consultancies and global brands throughout his professional life.  From Deloitte to Blockbuster, Kurt Salmon to Claire’s, he has led buying, marketing, operations, supply chain and more, culminating today in his best role yet.

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel spoke with Jim about his diverse experiences, the internal and external forces that shaped his career, and the quiet but exceptional growth of Boot Barn.

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Paula Schneider is the President and CEO of Susan G. Komen, a nonprofit organization that saves lives from breast cancer by investing in breakthrough research, public policy advocacy, and through a suite of patient support efforts helping people facing breast cancer in communities across the country.  However, before taking on this top role in philanthropy, she served as President and CEO of several fashion businesses including American Apparel, BCBG Max Azria, Laundry by Shelli Segal (a division of Liz Claiborne), and Warnaco’s Designer Swimwear (including Speedo and licensees Calvin Klein, Nautica, Michael Kors, and more). 

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel asked Paula to share her multifaceted career, an impressive journey spanning education, fashion buying/sales, and fashion/retail general management, culminating in her position today leading one of the most influential and prominent nonprofits in the world.

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Allison O’Connor is the CEO of the revered and mission-driven Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams home business. Previously, she has held executive design, merchandising, marketing, and general management roles at global brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Urban Outfitters, Williams-Sonoma, and Sheridan Australia.

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel reflected with Allison on her career spanning compelling distribution channels, many industry sectors, and multiple product categories, as well as launching new business concepts. She shared with us insight on her winning approach to growing brands, teams, and individuals.

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Amy von Walter began her career in government agencies before shifting into retail, healthcare and now consumer products. As Chief Administrative Officer at The Nature’s Bounty Co., she is leveraging her collective experiences leading corporate communications and other select functional areas in a wide variety of workplaces including the US Department of Homeland Security, Target, a healthcare system, Best Buy and Toys R Us.

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel spoke with Amy about her notable interest in taking on challenges, and her track record of succeeding in new companies and roles.

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J. Michael Prince, President & CEO of USPA Global Licensing, began his career as a finance professional before finding himself immersed in the world of fashion/retail. As a continuous learner and team player, he has consistently expanded the scope and scale of his responsibilities by embracing his mentors, collaborating cross-functionally, and saying “yes” to new opportunities.

The Brownestone Group’s Tim Boerkoel spoke with Michael who shared insights into how he has successfully pivoted throughout his career, leading him to CFO and COO roles at Converse, Nike affiliate brands, Guess? and Cole Haan, and to his current position as President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing overseeing the global multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand.

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