THOMAS B.

ISAACSON
1225 Dayton Road, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
Home: (847) 478-0984 o Cell: (847) 530-5947 o Email:
tidaa298@westpost.net
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CAREER PROFILE
Senior-level executive with thirty (30) years of experience in the
retail furniture industry. Extensive background in merchandising,
operations, advertising and personnel management. Excel in
manufacturer cost negotiation and inventory turn. Strong focus on
volume, margin analysis, GMROI and profit. Regularly attend industry
markets in High Point, North Carolina, Las Vegas, Nevada and Tupelo,
Mississippi.
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Chief Operating Officer, September 2000 to May 2010

GREAT AMERICAN GROUP/GREAT AMERICAN FURNITURE SERVICES, LLC,
Deerfield, Illinois
Supervised the liquidation of many of the largest furniture retailers
in the industry, including Heilig Meyers, Homelife, Kirschmans, Levitz
and Rhodes
Responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the
company, as well as for the clients that retained our services.
Negotiated leases and rental amounts for all offices and warehouses
utilized. and medical insurance policies. Opened bank accounts and
monitored the daily movement of funds. All senior personnel reported
directly to me.
Upon execution of the agreement between the company and the client,
met with the executives or owners and reviewed the process to conduct
the liquidation. Hired all personnel (sales manager, office staff,
sales people and laborers). Conducted a weekly conference call with
each team, in order to successfully monitor multiple transactions
simultaneously.
Charged with purchasing all augment, or additional, inventory for each
transaction due to vast product knowledge, including: cloth
upholstery, leather upholstery, recliners, bedrooms, dining rooms,
dinettes, occasional and bedding. Chose and priced the merchandise,
negotiated with each vendor, and arranged for the freight haulers. An
adept at analyzing the type of additional furniture needed to make for
a more profitable transaction. Through personal visits, was able to
research the competition in the local trade area, thereby able to
procure product that was unique to the client and transaction, thus
providing higher margin and profit.
Developed advertising campaigns with national agencies on behalf of
clients. Worked directly with local television stations, radio
stations and newspapers. Created and monitored advertising budgets on
a weekly basis.
Directly responsible for financial control of each transaction.
Monitored sales on a daily basis. Created a phasing plan. Regularly
compared original sales, augment sales margin and volume against the
pro forma to ensure success and profitability.
Achievements:
* Co-creator of furniture division.
* Developed customer service procedures, selling procedures and all
processes/protocols for furniture liquidation sales.
* Created a systems and procedures manual for all furniture division
personnel and spearheaded a three (3) day symposium in Las Vegas,
Nevada for thirty (30) management level employees detailing the
aforesaid.
* Invited by the industry leader publication, Furniture Today, to
speak at their annual leadership conference in Chicago, Illinois
regarding warehouse loss prevention procedures.
Thomas B. Isaacson Resume - Page Two

(847) 478-0984
General Manager, December 1999 to September 2000
CONTINENTAL FURNITURE, Chicago, Illinois
Oversaw and managed furniture retailer serving the Hispanic community
since 1951
Ran the sales portion of the company and was held directly accountable
for the inventory turn and margin. Made the product selections for all
categories, decided the retail pricing and trained the sales staff on
the features and benefits. Direct involvement with the president and
advertising agency in creating advertising plans. Coordinated all
deliveries and transfers.
Extensive work using the STORIS computer program. Created
stock-keeping units (SKU's) for all products purchased. Duties also
included building maintenance, personnel matters and hands-on
involvement in the credit and collection departments.
Achievements:

* Reduced the amount of damaged and obsolete inventory by more than

forty percent (40%).
* Instrumental in the opening of a brand new distribution center as
a member of the Board of Directors.
* Directly involved in the remodeling of the flagship location and
the opening of a second location.
Vice President, January 1988 to November 1999
ARONSON FURNITURE COMPANY, Chicago, Illinois
Merchandise Manager for nine (9) store furniture retailer serving the
Chicagoland area for sixty-five (65) years
Charged with making final decision on all merchandise selections as
well as pricing. Directly supervised two (2) buyers and two (2)
support staff. Reported directly to the president, thereby having a
direct impact on areas that had a bottom-line affect on the company.
Made significant changes to the company's computer system that allowed
for a faster and more advanced inventory monitoring system. Attended
the High Point Market, the Tupelo Furniture Market, and the
International Consumer Electronics Show.
Achievements:
* 1994 Illinois Manufacturers Agents Club Buyer of the Year.
* Served on Merchandising Committee for the Metro Area Radio &
Television Association (MARTA).
* Opened three (3) profitable clearance centers.
* Directly contributed to the success of the in-house finance
department, inventory control and procedures and sales.
Vice President, June 1980 to December 1987
PENN FURNITURE COMPANY, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Went from salesperson to Vice-Present of this six (6) store furniture

retailer within seven (7) years
Began furniture career as a floor salesperson learning all facets of
the industry. Quickly promoted to Floor Manger and then Store Manager.
Became familiar with warehousing and accounts payable and receivable.
As Buyer and then Merchandise Manager, responsible for purchasing all
furniture, appliances and electronics for entire chain. Merchandised
each location separately so as to maximize sales and profitability.
Priced all merchandise and inputted the creation of new products into
the GERS computer system. After being promoted to Vice-President, and
simultaneously serving on the Board of Directors, directly supervised
data processing, advertising, sales, customer service and buying
departments. Converted inventory management system from a