David Autry has over 15 years of experience in apparel buying, merchandise development, and vendor relationship management. He has a proven track record of exceeding sales goals through strategic planning, inventory optimization, trend analysis, and negotiating favorable terms with global vendors. Autry utilizes data-driven decision making, creative problem solving, and strong communication skills to lead cross-functional teams to success.

1. David J Autry
12612 Appaloosa Chase Dr 512-739-2063
Austin, TX 78732 david.autry@sbcglobal.net
Apparel Buyer & Business Analysis
Entrepreneurial Skills / Buying Plan Management / Strategic Vendor Relationship
An enthusiastic and innovative professional with substantiated successes in apparel
buying, merchandise development, budget ownership, and vendor relationships. A
leader with extensive experience in demanding work environments. A proven ability to
prioritize business needs, implement creative solutions, and consistently demonstrates a
passion to exceed organizational goals, by optimizing negotiations, global retail
partnerships, and understanding trend movements.
Areas of Expertise
Passionate subject matter Coordinate business reviews Proficient in visual
expert and models marketing
Excellent computer skills MS Cross functional team budgeting Promotional setup skills
Office, purchasing programs expertise
Electronic supply chain Entrepreneurial spirit Proven time and task
development management skills
Ability to spot new trends and Accomplish listening and Analytical problem
adjust inventory communication skills solving skills
Proven inventory model Proven team builder Experience purchasing
proficiency negotiation between
vendors and company
• Advanced business planning: Defined need for expansion in key division. Worked closely
with senior management to provide vendor support to buying staff. This increased sales and
address new customer generated inadequacy. Result: Through defining key metrics this
increased sales, exceeded client expectations, and drove sales up 13% that year.
• Financial inventory control skills: Lead cross-functional team to analyze supply chain
performance, developed assortment for KPI goals, reduced excess inventory. Maintained
proactive advocacy with vendors for proper inventory levels to meet KPI. Understanding
customer needs redefined budget matrix, and product mix. Results: Increased sales for 8
budging cycles 5% each year increasing ROI.
.
• Team leadership expertise: Set appropriate agendas for team meetings, review past
performance goals, facilitated seasonal planning, assign actions of team members for best
results, regular updates given to executive management, and ensure that all classification
performed within purchase plans. Results: Sales rose each year by over 8% to $6.5 million.

2. • Ability to define problems: Evaluated customer needs and launched new home décor and
gift dept to increase sales to exceed expectations. Analyzed, and decipher performance data
set established facts, and built floor plane from recommendations made with buying staff.
With creative thinking changed floor layout with dollars per transaction and unites per
transaction increasing. Development new planograms customer satisfaction increased to
above 97%.
• Ability to interact with executive management: Established new division. With
relationship building from executive with VF Corporation, Justin Brands, Levi Corporation.
Developed a comprehensive business and inventory plan, negotiated to achieve shipping
cost reductions, payment incentives, and financial guidance components. Oversaw the use of
vendor electronic inventory model programs, and innovated new product pipelines. Results:
Increased sales by 20% first year and decreased shipping and inventory costs. Successful
generation of new vendor pipeline.
• Manage vendor and customer support: Maintain a through understanding of all
purchasing and merchandising process to handled all planning proposals. Gave input through
a bottom up line planning process for product needs for executive management, Global
vendors, designed working model for maximum profit. Built strong partnerships with vendors
support staff, and coached team members to improved profitability. Results: Increased
vendor financing, improved cash flow, and GROI.
• Forecasting and budgets: Developed aggressive promotion programs to increase sales and
increase customer base. Collaborated with vendors to create innovated print advertising, TV
spots, and developing new outdoor advertising; built new store image. Result: Increased
sales of $200,000; changed customer base and increased store visibility.
• Contract and negotiation skills: Attended major trade shows, and handled government
grants proposals. Meetings with global vendors and state grant committees built strong
partnerships. Increased vendor and government support. Results: Increased vendor
financing, received historic marker, and improved cash flow.
Employment History
SHEPLER’S WESTERN WEAR, Austin, TX, Department Supervisor
COCHRAN BLAIR & POTTS, Belton, TX, Senior Buyer
SPECIAL TRAINING
Sheplers Management training course.
EDUCATION
BS Abilene Christian University
BS Biology Abilene Christian University
AWARDS & HONORS
Delta Tau Alpha Honor Society (ACU)