Dillon Kwan
Oakville,ON
Summary
Results driven team leader with a distinguished background in sales, product development, category/ brand and relationship management, achieving highest awards and distinctions for sales leadership and performance. Extensive experience in global sourcing and development of manufactured products and consumer packaged goods (CPG) for the world's largest retailers.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
First Mile Technologies Inc
Toronto, Canada
12.2019 - Current
- Co-founded technology startup delivering secure data transfer and connectivity solutions for film production.
- Sourced talent for key roles, enhancing operational capabilities.
General Manager
Grand Lighting, North America
Toronto/Zhongshan, Ontario/Guangdong
04.2013 - 09.2023
- Company Overview: End-to-end product development for private label decorative lighting programs into major Big Box retailers (Home Depot, Lowes, Canadian Tire, Costco)
- Annual sales ranging from $6 to $8 million per retailer.
- Sourced and secured lighting manufacturers for direct import program from throughout China
Business Consultant
Nienmade Window Coverings
Toronto/LA, Canada/US
06.2012 - 03.2013
- Company Overview: Contracted to develop North American roll-out for Home Depot private label in-store (made-to-measure) and custom order window covering programs
- Managed monthly shipment of 60-80 containers to 1600 Home Depot storefronts in Canada/USA
- Analyzed market trends to develop strategic recommendations for window covering solutions.
Director, Business Development
Graphene Lighting, PLC
Toronto/Manchester, Canada/UK
11.2011 - 07.2012
- Company Overview: VC Start-Up created to commercialize the use of Graphene as a heat dissipation mechanism for industrial and residential LED lighting products
National Sales Manager (Canada / Mid-West USA)
Zep / Acuity Brands
04.1998 - 09.2011
- Company Overview: Accountable for growing sales, managing a cross border sales team, national product launches, brand extensions, merchandising programs into major Big Box retailers (Home Depot, Lowes, Canadian Tire, Menard's)
- Appointed "Category Captain" responsible for $22MM retail sales in 4 key categories (seasonal, paints, tool rentals, plumbing) supported by multinational brands (e.g P&G, SC Johnson, Rubbermaid, Clorox)
- Launch of over 300 new items; including brand extensions and licensing deals of consumable products (paper products and cleaning tools)
- Earned several awards and distinctions for outstanding sales leadership and performance; including 'Vendor of the Year' award from Home Depot
- Accountable for growing sales, managing a cross border sales team, national product launches, brand extensions, merchandising programs into major North American Big Box retailers (ie Home Depot, Lowes, Canadian Tire, Menard's)
Education
BA - Law and Legal Studies
Carleton University
09.2011
Skills
- Product development lifecycle
- Supply chain management
- Global sourcing strategies
- Pricing optimization
- Brand and category management
- Revenue enhancement
- Market analysis
- Merchandising and sales
Hobbies and Interests
- Founder and Executive Member Sigma Pi Fraternity International
- Oakville Rangers Hockey Club - Coach and Trainer (2017 to present)
- Global traveler
- Fisherman
- Golfer
- Automotive enthusiast
Timeline
Managing Director
First Mile Technologies Inc
12.2019 - Current
General Manager
Grand Lighting, North America
04.2013 - 09.2023
Business Consultant
Nienmade Window Coverings
06.2012 - 03.2013
Director, Business Development
Graphene Lighting, PLC
11.2011 - 07.2012
National Sales Manager (Canada / Mid-West USA)
Zep / Acuity Brands
04.1998 - 09.2011
BA - Law and Legal Studies
Carleton University