Market Entry Might Look Easier Than It Is
With a population of over 370 million people, the North American market might seem like a “can’t miss” opportunity. Clearly, the opportunities are available and the potential is great. Yet, the hurdles and learning curve can be significant to enter or expand in this very demanding market.
At 4 the Win, our experience encompasses introducing, incubating and growing European brands in the North American market. This requires an integrated strategy which reflects the interaction of distribution, product, and the consumer path to purchase.
A critical component to success in the North American market is securing shelf space (virtual and brick and mortar). We have a clear track record of building brands through “big box retail” placement while maintaining specialty retailer support.
Keys to North American Market Success
Are Your Product and Your Position Truly Unique? Do You Have a Story?
Along with 370 million people come a vast number of consumer brands, products, and choices to compete against. What is the unique selling proposition of your product/brand? Let’s tell the story.
Do You Have the Tolerance to Plant Seeds and Grow Over a Period?
Or do you need a quick hit? What is your timeline and financial tolerance for achieving key targets? Clarity will help align and accelerate.
Are You Familiar with Sales and Marketing Environment and Consumer Path to Purchase?
What is our targeted consumer path to purchase? Where do they shop? What is their source of information? Once you are able to secure “shelf space” what tools can drive “sell out”, support “exit inventory” and fund allowances?
Will You Build a Local Team or Seek to Hire a Distributor/Third Party?
What are your criteria for a sales team ? What will it cost for these services? In-house team, outside reps or hybrid model?

Insights into Creativity and Innovation are Second to None
I have had the pleasure of working with Jamie in large and small educational settings over the past several years. When we were creating a first-in class, transformative academic experience for each incoming MBA class, Jamie was instrumental in helping bring our ideas to fruition, both as a consultant and as a keynote speaker. His insights into infusing creativity and innovation into the workplace are second to none, and he has been an invaluable educator and mentor to our students. I look forward to more opportunities in the future to collaborate with him!
Wayne Hutchison, Ph.D., Managing Director Full-Time MBA Program Broad College of Business Michigan State University

Strategies to Help Students Think and Act Creatively
Every semester for the past 4 years, Jamie Gallagher has been a guest speaker in my undergraduate course, Imagination and Creativity, in the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Bringing his enthusiasm and passion for living the creative life, Jamie always engages and inspires my students to think and act more creatively. Drawing on his experiences as a successful leader, Jamie gives my students strategies for living out their purpose to make a difference in this world. Jamie Gallagher is an extraordinary leader–and person!
Robert J. Bies, PhD, Professor of Management Founder, Executive Master’s in Leadership Program Georgetown University

Leads and Innovates with Integrity

Strong and Supportive Leader
It’s safe to say that I would not be where I am in my career had I not crossed paths with Jamie Gallagher. Everything I know about being a strong, approachable, open-minded, and strategic leader, I trace directly back to my years working with Jamie. He has a unique yet subtle ability of elevating those fortunate enough to have worked for him and with him. His strong and supportive leadership style translates into skills that can be applied to any industry. I’ve managed a successful career out of saying to myself at critical moments, “What would Jamie do?” That philosophy has never steered me wrong.
Vince Santore, SVP of Sales, Schylling Inc.

Captivates and Inspires Students
Jamie provides valuable insights on how businesses can leverage creativity, purpose, culture, and connection to achieve their goals. His knowledge and experience in the creative products arena captivate and inspire MBA students to be effective leaders.
Shon Hiatt, Associate Professor of Business Administration University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

Instrumental in Growing our Business
Jamie was instrumental in growing our arts/crafts business from a good performer to a great category in Learning Express. His knowledge about our industry coupled with his strong personal listening skills catapulted Faber Castell to our #1 art/craft supplier.
Richard Derr, President Kidspoint, Inc. Franchise Council President Learning Express Toys.

Understands How to Build Long-term Retail Relationships
I’ve worked with Jamie Gallagher for over 30 years. He brings a very diverse set of skills, has a very good understanding of what it takes to make it at retail and build long-term relationships at big box retailers, online and specialty retailers. Big Picture thinker he understands how to develop a product line for the long haul.
John Ptachick, President Ptachick Sales & Consulting

An Extraordinary Leader
Jamie Gallagher is an extraordinary leader & one of the most talented executives I have ever had the privilege of working with during my 40 year career. He has deep experience & expertise in the consumer goods industry and organizations bring him in to identify how to drive high margin revenue growth while delivering long term brand value. In addition to being an exceptional professional, he is well known in the industry as one of the finest people you will ever have the opportunity to meet and work with.
Kerry Phelan, Former President, Global Brand Management, Lionsgate Entertainment

Drives Results, Empowers Teams, Develops Partnerships
Jamie is a strategic business leader that has passion for not only driving results but building a thoughtful partnership with the customer. He developed a relationship and product strategy with our team that was a win-win-win for his sales team, the retailer and the consumer. Jamie’s servant leadership approach with his team empowered them to generate new ideas to grow the business. I consider him a valuable leadership resource and trusted mentor for my own personal development.
Monica Overman, National Account Manager, Naterra International Inc
How 4 The WIN Can HelpBy drawing upon real, frontline experience in leading European based brands into the North American market , 4 The Win can guide you through the entry or the next phase of expansion.
Knowledge and relationships across key retailers as well as independent specialty markets will serve as a valuable tool in avoiding missteps and generating distribution.
Ultimately it will be the consumer who determines the outcome. 4 The Win can provide guidance and a strategy to build consumer demand starting with a deeper understanding of the Consumer Path to Purchase.