Instructor: Jim Chi
 
Course Description: Participants will learn how to set up a foundation for a scalable fashion business, including a business plan, creating budgets, cost analysis, sustainability strategies and financial planning. They will explore topics such as identifying startup costs, assessing profitability, operating processes and creating a business plan that incorporates sustainability and ethical practices. The workshop will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to establish a business that aligns with its values, ensuring long-term success and scalability.
 
Instructor Bio:
Jim is an accomplished business leader who has held a wide range of strategic and operational roles with notable brands and retailers like Nike, The Home Depot, and Mohawk Industries. He has led teams across Product Management, Sourcing, Development, Marketing, and Sales bringing a multi-industry perspective to the Oregon Sports Angels. He is currently the Principal of Cascade Management supporting the apparel, footwear, and equipment industries. Along with the product industries, he has also co-founded a coffee company.
 
Jim also consults for private equity firms restructuring and scaling up brands in their portfolio. Jim is passionate about promoting design, product management, and sustainability education. He serves on the Board of Directors for the American Apparel Producers Network and on the Advisory Board of several university programs in the region. The key to his success across multiple industries has been using analytic-driven decisions as the foundation for creative business solutions. He is a firm believer in balancing the art of product creation and the science of product management. Jim holds a B.A. degree in Economics and Political Science from Duke University.