Frank Monte

Frank Monte serves as the Head Buyer of Brands Gone Wild.

In his position, Frank is responsible for managing inventory procurement. He has a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of marketing trends and what customers want, ensuring seamless alignment between merchandise and market demands. Under his guidance, Brands Gone Wild has consistently stayed up to date with current trends.

Lying at the core of the company’s success is a concept of “opportunity buying”, a process that Frank and his team uphold. This approach involves sourcing and securing good deals on products that align with the current trends in the market and what customers want.

As the Head Buyer, Frank Monte plays a pivotal role in executing the company’s procurement strategy. He navigates the ever-changing fashion landscape, identifying emerging trends to keep Brands Gone Wild ahead of the curve, and making sure the popular items on the market are available for customers at a discount.

Throughout his career, Frank Monte’s leadership has been instrumental in driving Brands Gone Wild’s achievements.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

I start my day by reviewing emails and messages to address any urgent matters that may have come up overnight. I also review the news when I have time to see if there are any trends I need to keep up with. Then, depending on the day, I meet with the buying team to discuss ongoing projects, analyze sales data, review inventory levels, and plan the rest of the day’s tasks. Sometimes I have to meet with several vendors, suppliers, and brand representatives to negotiate contracts, discuss pricing, and explore new products.

How do you bring ideas to life?

It sounds silly, but sometimes the only way to do something is just get started. Even if you aren’t entirely sure what to do, just begin the process – whether that’s literally just researching the next steps or jotting the idea down on paper. The key is to just get the ball rolling instead of just ruminating about it.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Seeing as Brands Gone Wild focuses heavily on fashion, I’d say the current 90s minimalist look is pretty exciting. We have a lot of great pieces.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

I have a habit of writing things down either on a pad of paper or in the notes app on my phone. Keeping a basic track of your daily tasks is very important for me. Also, keeping comprehensive sales data and having the ability to compare is very helpful in increasing productivity.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I don’t linger on how things would have been if I had done things differently, I don’t see a point in it. Sure, we all have regrets, but how else are you supposed to learn? You need to have those blunders and negative experiences to build character and learn how to act accordingly in stressful situations. I don’t see a point in looking at the past with sad eyes and asking myself “what if”? Just move forward.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I think what I just said above almost no one would agree with. I think if anyone else had the chance to change something in their life they would, whereas I don’t feel the need.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Keep comprehensive data about everything relevant in your life. Whether it’s your monthly budget, expenses, your net worth, and how it’s changed over the years – you can plan the trajectory of your life and your success by keeping track of how things are going using numbers and then adjusting it to suit your current situation.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

Take a deep breath and prioritize your tasks. Don’t look at all of the things that have to be done and let it drive you into the ground – pick the things you can do and handle right in the moment, take a deep breath, and get it done, slowly but surely, at least until half of your tasks are done. Then, take another deep breath, and reevaluate your current priorities.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

It’s not so much a specific strategy as much as it is just being willing to continue expanding your skills to fit your current role. You never work a job that only fits into a convenient job description, even if you think you have one. You have to always be willing to take on more and learn more to make yourself a greater asset to whatever business you’re working for.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

I can’t say that there is a specific failure that I feel is worth addressing. All I can say is that when you fall, you get back up, dust yourself off, learn from it, and keep it moving.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

AI-driven technology. This idea aims to enhance customer satisfaction and boost sales by tailoring the shopping journey to individual preferences. AI could easily have a sophisticated profiling system that collects and analyzes data from various sources, from purchasing history, online behavior, and demographic information. Of course, not everyone loves the idea of AI, but I see big things coming for it in the future.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

We use Fishbowl as an inventory management system, that’s pretty helpful when it comes to keeping track of inventory.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracey. An excellent book for anyone who works in a competitive, sales-based industry.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I can’t say I have much time for series or movies these days, but I do enjoy Sunday sports.

Key learnings

• When you fall, get back up, dust yourself off, learn from it, and keep it moving.
• If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and take time to prioritize the most important tasks that need to be done