Paul Bessinger

About Paul Bessinger

Innovating and uniquely differentiating B2B, retail and eCommerce brands within highly commoditized markets has been the hallmark of my career. This, coupled with deep expertise in go-to-market, product positioning, online and retail merchandising, licensing, promotional strategy, and data-driven decision-making, has been key to my success, as well as the ability to lead direct and cross-functional teams to quickly operationalize and scale complex, profitable programs. As an operations, Merchandising & Innovation Executive with proven ability to outperform market averages – I am passionate and highly effective in developing relevant products and go-to-market programs that emotionally connect with the consumer. As a leader at Quill.com, a division of Staples, I’ve headed up and operationalized innovative and complex programs for many years now that have successfully uniquely differentiated our offer in the marketplace. My role has constantly evolved due to my ability to unearth new opportunities for growth and my nimbleness as a leader to adapt to the needs of the business. Signature Strengths:√ Leading highly successful commodity innovation steeped in research and consumer insights √ Leveraging licensing as a means to emotionally connect with the consumer√ Leading teams to QUICKLY operationalize and scale highly profitable programs√ Leveraging existing resources to capitalize on ripe growth opportunities in the market √ Organizing lean and nimble teams for action √ Gaining mindshare for new ideas and product concepts√ Generating millions of dollars in new revenue based on all the above listed capabilities Specialties: Innovation, assortment development, pricing, promotions, marketing, advertising, media planning, brand management, online/retail merchandising, sales, channel strategy, product sourcing, new product development, supply chain, logistics, inventory deployment, partnerships, team leadership, and vendor negotiations

Experience

1. Chief Operating Officer

   Specseats International

   Jul 2025 — Present · Buffalo Grove, IL, US

   Spearhead operational efficiencies across Spec Seats, enhancing productivity and streamlining processes.• Develop innovative digital engagement and go-to-market strategies, elevating marketing effectiveness and channel engagement. • Drive domestic and international market expansions, positioning the company for growth in competitive landscapes. • Build/grow key partnerships and licensing programs with major organizations, including the NBA, MLB and NCAA.

Education

• DePaul University

  Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Communications

Skills

• Brand Developement
• Cross Channel Marketing
• Account Sales Strategies
• Multi-Channel Marketing
• Product Management
• Email Marketing
• Product Development
• Marketing Strategy
• Bidding Process
• B2b Marketing
• Strategic Sourcing
• Competitive Analysis
• Contract Negotiation
• Brand Positioning Strategies
• Organizational Development
• Consumer Products
• Strategic Planning
• Licensing
• Pricing Strategy
• Business Analysis
• Team Leadership
• Customer Acquisition
• Sales Process
• Product Assortment Planning
• Private Label
• Managing Distribution Channels
• Supplier Negotiation
• Business Development
• Brand Development
• Logistics Strategy
• Marketing Research
• Strategic Partnerships
• Pricing
• Merchandising
• Brand Awareness
• Web Marketing Strategy
• Sales
• Catalog Marketing
• Retail
• Advertising