Orb Partners, LLC is a privately held company with partners that have extensive experience in retail, brand management, product development, global sourcing, packaging, manufacturing, vendor management, logistics and supply chain, marketing and sales.
Orb Partners management has an unparalleled understanding of global sourcing and the complications and sophistication associated with dealing with foreign vendors and factories. Orb Partners will use its vast knowledge and quality control procedures to deliver, on-time, profitable, well made products.
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Orb Partners Management Team
Jim Hamilton, CEO
Jim Hamilton is an entrepreneur with an extensive 30-year career in executive management, international retail, global sourcing, e-commerce, marketing and advertising, public and investor relations, finance, operations, logistics, technologyinnovation and portfolio management.
Hamilton is known as one of the “Fathers of Mass Computer Retailing”, as he co-founded and managed three of the top five computer retailers in the United States and was instrumental in launching hundreds of brands like; Apple, IBM, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, Western Digital and Intel to the mass market.
Hamilton currently serves as Chief Executive Officer to Digital Shopping S.A, “GETITNOW.GR”, Chairman of the investment and consulting company Identity Ventures LLC, and as an active Board Member of PowerMat Ltd.
Prior to that, Hamilton was Corporate Executive Vice President for the $5.3 Billion, “Fortune 300” RadioShack Corporation, where he was responsible for all aspects of the company’s $3.7 Billion annual purchases and the $400 million marketing budget. Hamilton was also accountable for RadioShack.com and Ignition Inc. (RadioShack’s wholly owned industrial design firm). Hamilton was Director and Vice Chairman of Tandy Electronics Limited (China), President of Tandy Holdings and President of Tandy International Corporation. Hamilton joined RadioShack in 2003 to lead the merchandising turn-around plan. In 1997, Hamilton and Jason Barzilay (co-founder of Packard Bell Computers) founded Argoquest, a private U.S. holding company, that is actively engaged in identifying, funding, and managing a network of over 40 Israeli-based infrastructure and enabling technology companies. In January 2001, Hamilton, as Argoquest’s President, was instrumental in securing a $40 million first round of financing, which was followed by several additional rounds of financing. The principal investors in the company included Broadcom Corporation, HSBC Holdings Plc., Shamrock Holdings of California Inc, (Roy Disney) and John Roach Enterprises. While Vice President and General Manager of the award-winning computer superstore chain Computer City, a division of the Tandy Corporation, revenues increased from $300 Million to over $2.2 Billion and the store count increased from 37 to over 130 locations in five countries. During Hamilton's tenure, Computer City received many industry and trade awards and was recognized as the “Second Fastest Retailer to hit $1 Billion in Sales.”Hamilton also created ComputerCity.com which was one of the first e-commerce sites by a major retailer. In addition, Hamilton has held key senior merchandising and marketing positions with Circuit City and Montgomery Ward. Hamilton is widely recognized for his experience in helping shape the high-tech industry and has served on the executive councils of most major computer vendors including Intel, Microsoft, Apple, and IBM. Hamilton has been recognized in the "International Who's Who in Business Professionals" and serves on the Board of Industry Leaders of theConsumer Electronics Association.
Hamilton has a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Dallas, Masters Certification in Internet Marketing from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts Degree, from Northeastern Illinois University.
Kevin J. Lockwood, Executive Vice President
Kevin Lockwood has over 25 years of executive sales experience leading sales teams with global revenues in excess of $3 Billion.
Most recently, Mr. Lockwood was Vice President of Sales for Travelpro International responsible for launching their travel accessories division in the U.S.. Contracts witht the Navy, CompUSA, FedEx, RadioShack; and the The Home Shopping Network were just a few massive contracts that were secured.
Prior to Travelpro, Mr. Lockwood joined RadioShack as Director of Sales Innovative One, selling RadioShack branded and non-branded products to other retailers. Office Depot and HSN were two key partners.
In 1997, Kevin became Vice President of Sales for Fujitsu PC and launched Fujitsu in the the North American Market selling over $300m in revenue the first year alone. Mr. Lockwood was the primary participant in setting overall sales objectives and channel strategies for Fujitsu PC. Retail contracts that were signed included Best Buy, Sam's, Computer City and Good Guys's.
In 1994, Mr. Lockwood joined Acer America Computers as Vice President of Sales leading a team that went from $100m/ annually to over $1.5 B in less than 3 years. It was thru Mr. Lockwood's retail relationships that helped propel Acer to number three in the world in computer sales. Best Buy, Sam's, Computer City, CompUSA, CDW and Office Depot contracts were secured during his tenure.
From 1985 to 1994, Kevin Lockwood was with Smith Coronal Corporation. Starting as a sales representative, he quickly was promoted up the ranks to National Account Manager, District Manager, Northeast Regional Manager, Midwest Regional Manager; and finally up to Director of National Accounts. Revenues jumped from $20m to over $100m while he ascended the management ladder with Smith Corona.
Education: U. of Maryland - Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management
Grant Ogata, Executive Vice President
Grant Ogata has over 28 year experience in Global Sourcing, Product Development and Retail Strategy.His expertise includes sales and marketing, product and component sourcing from Asia, product innovation and development, knowledge of key supplier and OEM customers, retail assortment and vendor strategy, international logistics, contract negotiations, technology assessment, and product cost and retail trend analysis.
Currently, Grant is on assignment as Executive Vice President of Worldwide Operations with Arkados Inc., a fabless semiconductor company focused on providing solutions for distributing audio, video, voice, data and control signals over power line inside and outside the home based on the “HomePlug” alliance standard.For Arkados, Grant is responsible for sales, marketing, business development, and business strategies for retail, commercial, and institutional markets.
Prior to Arkados, Grant served as the Vice President of Global Sourcing and Product Development at RadioShack Corporation where he served for over 25 years.His responsibilities included overseeing all the direct sourcing and production of products from Asia and overseeing the RadioShack offices in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shenzhen and Shanghai.Grant also completed a six-year expatriate assignment in Asia, based in Tokyo.Grant was responsible for developing and manufacturing over 500 new direct sourced private label products per year and sourcing products that generated over half a billion dollars in gross profit per year.
Grant also served as a board member of the Consumer Electronic Association’s Home Networking and Information Technology Division and served as Chairman of Home Plug’s Command and Control working group.
Grant Ogata
Dennis Hamilton, Vice President Operations
Dennis Hamilton has over 32 years experience in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and supply chain, logistics and safety.
Prior to joining Orb Partners, Dennis was Plant Superintendent of Multicolor Specialties, Inc. a multi-million dollar manufacturer of paints and chemical coatings.Dennis has extensive knowledge of quality manufacturing and the quality and safety procedures associated highly flammable ingredients.
Dennis began his manufacturing career in 1975 when he joined Barrett Varnish company, as a laborer.After graduation, he quickly climbed the corporate ladder to Plant Superintendent.
In 1990 Barrett Varnish formed another company, Multicolor Specialties, Inc.Dennis was promoted to Superintendent of the new company and was instrumental in acquiring the manufacturing and warehousing facility.Dennis re-designed the factory and oversaw the construction of the manufacturing plant, warehouse and distribution facilities.
Dennis’s expertise, knowledge and implementation of OSHA, DOT, and HAZMAT regulations ensured an unparalleled safety record at Multicolor Specialties.
Multicolor Specialties customers include, Sherwin Williams, Glidden and General Motors.
Dennis also holds a black belt in martial arts, is an expert marksman, and is a certified Emergency Medical Technician, as well as a certified Illinois Professional Emergency Manager.Dennis is also Captain of the Plainfield Emergency Management Agency.
Gina McGrath, Designer
Gina Bruno realized that the market lacked stylish, practical laptop bags for women which ultimately led her to design her own. With her then fiancé, now husband, Jay McGrath, the decision was made to create a company that would allow a woman to express her individual style in a well-constructed and fashionable yet functional laptop handbag. Today, the company offers a classic and affordable collection of laptop bags for women that emphasize utility and style.
Placing customer satisfaction above all else, gina b. international pays close attention to detail, utilizes quality materials and remains true to its fundamental philosophy of an ideal blend of fashion and functionality. Using simple yet classic silhouettes and fashionable colors, the stylish laptop cases stand alone in the industry. Inspired by classics and in touch with the modern woman, gina b. successfully transitions fashion trends from the runway to a fully functional and fashionable laptop handbag that commands respect and power.
A gina b. laptop handbag is so stylish it blends in well next to the designer handbags and totes that are currently the rage among successful women and celebrities. Leather and metal accents, fashionable materials and bold colors are all hallmarks of gina b. international.
The gina b. laptop handbag collection is disarmingly attractive at first glance, but when it comes to function it is all business. Each leather laptop bag features a padded space to tuck in up to a 15.4” laptop computer plus ample storage for pens, notepads, business files, electronic organizers and other personal essentials.
gina b. international values the loyalty of its customers and believes in maintaining long lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with its business partners. As the company continues to create timeless and classic designer laptop bags, gina b. ensures that for today’s 21st century woman it is business NOT as usual.
