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.
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
Carol Miller Schaefer
Carol is a collegiate retail industry titan with 30 years of hands-on experience directing store growth, while contributing to the evolution of essential national associations. Carol brings an intense passion for the collegiate retail industry including assessment, standards projects and specifically inventory management as well as management/supervision of major university stores. Outside of the collegiate industry, Carol’s expertise has also impacted major retailers like Best Buy and B Dalton Bookseller, including opening two stores from construction to opening, managing vendors, inventory, and staff.
David Wechsler
Based in Denver CO, David is an accomplished “hands-on” business consultant, leading Compass Retail Group for the past 14 years. David works with some of the leading legacy and multi-generational retailers in the Rocky Mountain Region and around the US, in virtually every retail vertical. For over 35 years, David has been committed to making every one his client’s businesses a “performing asset”, focusing on financial measurement and analysis, effective strategy and management process. David is also a certified mergers and acquisitions professional and exit strategist, helping clients prepare and execute a successful sale of their business.
Email: david@compassgroupltd.com
KC Wolfe
KC brings over 15 years of experience in the retail industry, with a focus on women’s and men’s apparel and accessories. With an area of expertise specifically in inventory management and merchandise planning, she knows how difficult it can be to navigate trends and manage inventory to ensure a profitable and healthy business. KC particularly enjoys the balance of the creativity and financial analysis. With an eye for fashion, and a sharp analytical skill set, she can offer creative solutions to problems that are unique to your business.
Email: kc@theindxx.com
