Meet The Bankson Group Team

**Ken Bankson**

*Founder of The Bankson Group*

Ken's success in the retail industry goes beyond his extensive tenure; it's marked by numerous milestones and achievements. With a background spanning ownership of his own stores, management roles in various retail outlets, and leadership positions in retail consulting firms, Ken brings a wealth of diverse experience and skills to the table. His expertise in strategic business planning, retail operations, merchandise development, marketing, and fostering strategic partnerships is instrumental in helping retailers excel. Ken's passion lies in leveraging the power of cash and inventory planning to enhance sales productivity and seize growth opportunities, ultimately driving profitability for retailers.

Email: Ken.j.bankson@gmail.com

**Doug Arvanites**
Doug has been a consultant for the retail and apparel industries since 2009. He works with independent retailers throughout the US to strengthen their businesses and generate more cash by making better use of their biggest investments: their inventory and their people. Doug applies his broad experience to compliment the strengths of his clients in order to grow sales, manage change, and solve problems in their businesses.
Email: doug@viewpointmc.com

**Phil Comen**
Phil began his retail career at the young age of 14. Since then, he has developed an extensive background in retail and wholesale businesses. For over a decade he has managed sales, marketing, and service initiatives for organizations in the outdoor and clothing industries. He has worked with both small businesses and national brands, including Patagonia and Darn Tough Socks — all resulting in positive revenue growth and increased brand awareness.
Email: philip@vermontstrategygroup.com

**Danielle Douglas**
Danielle was first introduced to inventory management as a buyer for an independent retailer so knows firsthand how crucial time and planning can be. Inherently drawn to the analytics, it was clear to her how beneficial merchandise plans and reports were in ensuring a clear roadmap for success. She always knew working with independent retailers was what she enjoyed most. She finds each type of retailer unique and likes the challenge of being able to bring a different perspective to the table.
Email: danielle@theindxx.com

**David Downard**
David is a retail pro who can achieve operational success that ensures solid financial performance and profitability. With David’s wide range of experience and “hands on” management within a very diverse retail/manufacturing industry, he continues to rely on his unique set of skills to see that his retail clients achieve the sales, merchandising, marketing, and operational success that ensures their solid financial performance and profitability.
Email: dmdownard@aol.com

**Barry Goodman**
Barry has worked with independently owned retail businesses for 35 years. He understands and values the unique contributions that retailers make to their communities. Barry sees his role as a retail consultant to teach, train and mentor independent retailer owners and their staff. He helps retailers learn to plan their businesses more accurately in order to improve their profits and cash flow. This helps ensures that businesses will thrive.
Email: barrygoodmanvt@gmail.com

**David Kent, MBA**
David’s expertise in strategic business planning, retail management and operations, merchandise planning, development marketing and strategic partnerships is being put to good use in helping retailers become even better retailers. David is passionate about leveraging the power of cash and inventory planning. He sees that as key to improving retailers’ sales productivity, allowing them to capitalize on strategic and operational opportunities that impact growth and profitability.
Email: david.kent@theindxx.com

**Gord Peters**
Gord has the experience and insight to harness your organization’s potential. Having spent 30+ years working in and with Specialty Retail, Gord recognizes the unique challenges facing this community. His extensive experience in both Retail and Apparel Manufacturing/Wholesale, provide Gord with a unique, well-rounded perspective.
Email: gord@focusretailinc.com

Holly Rosenthal

With 18 years of experience working in both corporate and independent retail, Holly has firsthand knowledge of the modern retail landscape. She has personally overseen all aspects of store development from conception to opening, and the many exciting hurdles in between (including hiring, training, growth, inventory management, and financial analysis). From entry-level to leadership, she has experienced the headwinds and learned the value of strategic planning for long-term success.

Email: holly@theindxx.com