Profile
Jack E. Surrette, Jr.
SURRETTE ASSOCIATES LLC, 2006 – present
Business consulting company specializing in marketing and utilizing 35 years of experience. Services focus on effective collaboration with positive, tangible results.
Executive Director
Develop business plans, introduce marketing and sales strategies, provide expert witness consultation, initiate research, facilitate product development, retail channel expansion, etc. on a project or retainer basis in the following categories:
- OTC Skincare
- Suncare
- Cosmetics
- Petcare
- Natural Specialty Market
PRODUCT QUEST MANUFACTURING, LLC, 2015 – 2017
Established contract packaging and technology development company with facilities in Daytona Beach, Florida and Kannapolis, North Carolina. Product Quest was acquired and a new management team focused on core manufacturing functions resulting in the dismantling of the Brand Division.
Vice President – Brand Divison
Responsible for development of a new Brand Division independent of Contract Packaging, Private Label and Technology Services. On track to attain $7M-10M in 2017 sales.
- Introduced two licensed OTC skincare lines with a total of 20 SKUs in CVS nationally and Natural Specialty classes of trade.
- Developed and introduced an ecommerce beauty line (7 SKUs) called NuPeptin®.
- Managed an extensive line (over 40 SKUs) of portfolio brands such as Chiggerex® and ERO®.
- Started ecommerce sales through three Amazon accounts and several websites.
- Administered a team of seven professionals including the Graphic Arts department.
SKINHEALTH TECHNOLOGY LLC, 2009 – 2012
Startup company addressing difficult skin conditions with high performance topical applications. Formulas were formulated, clinically researched and marketed primarily to the dermatological profession. Three patents pending. Company was sold in late 2012.
Executive Director
Founder, largest shareholder and active participant in all facets of the business.
- Designed 11 advanced formulas for difficult skin conditions as diverse as bruising, eczema, acne and skin protection
- Developed a sensor patch, when exposed to sunlight, gauges vitamin D optimization in the human body
- Marketed a portfolio of eight products primarily through medical channels
- Management of organization, business strategies and research programs
- Full financial and investment responsibilities
Executive Vice President – Marketing & Sales, 2000 – 2007
Corporate revenue responsibility for global Hawaiian Tropic® and private label sales, as well as direct management of marketing, sales, research & development, quality control, and Alpha To Omega – private label division. Reported to founder/owner Ron Rice.
- Increased corporate revenues 54.6% to $162.4 million (gross) over last 5-year period.
- Chaired Executive Committee which administrated all international divisions
- Streamlined 2007 marketing and sales initiatives for projected savings of over $1.2 million.
- Successfully directed Hawaiian Tropic® product and program development with award winning innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Led 4 VPs (direct reports) and over 120 associates with emphasis on goal setting, teamwork, and open dialog.
- Re-organized senior management responsibilities to accommodate growth and facilitate control.
- Increased private label sales to over $20 million annually through key retailers including Walgreen's, CVS, Kroger, and Publix.
Implemented GMP upgrades and managed R&D, Quality Control, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs departments in an FDA-regulated category.
Vice President – Marketing & Product Development, 1990 – 2000
Provided leadership to marketing, sales, and technical divisions. Played integral role on VP committee responsible for manufacturing and supply chain functions. Direct accountability for all Western Hemisphere and Pacific markets.
- Facilitated acquisitions of eight distributor networks and moved the company to direct-to-retailer relationships in the U.S. and Canada.
- Penetrated private label category increasing sales to over $10 million annually.
- Recognized as an industry authority, quoted in most major media and participated in trade-related speaking engagements.
Director of Marketing, 1983 – 1990
Managed domestic marketing for the Hawaiian Tropic® brand including new product development, display merchandising, pricing strategy, and presentation programs.
- Directed and carried the primary presentation responsibilities for national sales meetings.
- Selected and directed advertising agencies to develop campaigns for television, radio, and print media.
ECHO Advisory Committee – Board Member, 2019–2021, 2021–2023
Volusia Growth Management Commission – Board Member, 2019 – 2021
University of Florida (Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation) Big Idea competition – Semi-Finals Judge, 2020, 2021
University of Florida (Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation) Big Idea competition - Finals Judge, 2014, 2015
Startup Quest (Career Source) - Finals Judge, 2014
Startup Quest (Center for Business Excellence) Winner-Team Mentor, 2013
Robinson-Humphrey Management Presentation Award, 2007
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with High Honors, 1976, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
