Discover how to hire a COO in 8 steps to drive your business forward. Learn key hiring strategies and red flags to avoid to ensure a perfect fit.
Justin Merolla
Builder (logistics, delivery, BD, GTM) | ex-Uber | USMC | Columbia MBA
I have built 7 unique, high growth, & scalable logistics/delivery businesses across 4 different industries (retail CPG, food & alcohol delivery, healthcare, licensed cannabis) resulting in more than $3.1B in new revenue generation.
I have supported 3 companies that have had successful exits (2 acq, 1 IPO).
I won the Student Service & Leadership Award for my class at Columbia Business School
I ranked in the top 1% of all Logistics Officers in the USMC over my 5 ye…
Work
Atria Health's Urgent & Home Services Engine
http://www.atria.orgBuilt the home services dept and logistics engine for the best preventive primary care facility in the US. Directed and executed large-scale, cross-departmental initiatives, including the development of Home Services Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), seamless integration of transportation and courier systems, and implementation of lot and expiration date tracking with CRM and EMR systems.
Gotham | NYC Recreational Licensed Cannabis Dispensary (DELIVERY Business)
https://www.gotham.nyc/Spearheaded the establishment of a high-growth and scalable delivery business operation for a premium licensed cannabis concept store.
- Took ownership of the Profit and Loss (P&L) responsibilities while driving decision-making processes and supervising the recruitment and management of an efficient delivery organization comprising 8+ employees.
- Achieved results within initial 6 weeks of operation, generating $50k in sales, acquiring 145 repeat customers, and attaining a 40% higher Average Order Value (AOV) compared to in-store sales.
- Delivered financial performance by tracking above Week-over-Week (WoW) growth targets, surpassing breakeven projections, and ensuring business's financial health.
- Directed hiring process for a team of 6 associates and supervisors, promoting a collaborative and skilled workforce ensuring delivery operation success.
Experience
Magnolia Consulting Services
Founder
Jan 2013 - Present
Operations & Logistics / BD, Partnerships & Sales Consultant – New York City Metropolitan Area, NY Secure successful contracts with CEOs of small and medium-sized businesses in diverse industries, including healthcare, delivery operations/logistics, retail, CPG, social media, and licensed cannabis to provide guidance, strategic planning, and operational support.
- Founded firm specializing in advising CEOs on strategy/operations and overseeing development of scalable business units.
- Accomplished success in driving growth and profitability for clients ranging from Pre-Seed to Series B stages.
- Developed and implemented tailored strategies for clients in delivery/logistics, retail, CPG, healthcare, social media, and cannabis industries, addressing unique challenges and positioning clients for success.
- Fostered collaborative relationships with CEOs, earning a reputation for providing high-quality consulting services that align with clients' objectives.
IBM
Mastership in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning
Sep 2023 - Sep 2023
IBM
- Attained a Mastership in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning
Gotham
Chief Delivery & Logistics Officer
Aug 2023 - Dec 2023
Spearheaded the establishment of a high-growth and scalable delivery business operation for a premium licensed cannabis concept store. Took ownership of the Profit and Loss (P&L) responsibilities while driving decision-making processes and supervising the recruitment and management of an efficient delivery organization comprising 8+ employees.
- Achieved results within initial 6 weeks of operation, generating $50k in sales, acquiring 145 repeat customers, and attaining a 40% higher Average Order Value (AOV) compared to in-store sales.
- Delivered financial performance by tracking above Week-over-Week (WoW) growth targets, surpassing breakeven projections, and ensuring business's financial health.
- Directed hiring process for a team of 6 associates and supervisors, promoting a collaborative and skilled workforce ensuring delivery operation success.
Atria Health
VP, Logistics & Home Services
May 2022 - Jul 2023
Directed and executed large-scale, cross-departmental initiatives, including the development of Home Services Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), seamless integration of transportation and courier systems, and implementation of lot and expiration date tracking with CRM and EMR systems.
- Conceptualized and owned profit and loss (P&L) framework for a logistics engine supporting 30+ clinicians.
- Designed, constructed, and optimized the Home Services Supply Chain & Operations Center, managing an inventory of 450+ SKUs of medical equipment and supplies.
- Innovated and oversaw creation of customized home service products, developing Personal Medical Kits with 20k+ diverse overthe- counter supplies and diagnostic items.
- Devised Point of Care resources with 1k+ tailored test kits for clinicians and members.
- Pioneered inventory management, integrated GPO, orchestrated pharmacy assembly line construction, and spearheaded cost optimizations, achieving annual savings surpassing $130k.
- Ensured 100% clinical readiness and orchestrated 1150+ home visits in the NY Metro area and Hamptons during launch year.
- Engineered cutting-edge systems to facilitate production of 500+ unique mobile doctors' office assets and kits, along with creation of 200+ distinct Personal Medical Kits containing an array of 20k+ OTC supplies and diagnostic equipment items.
Gopuff
Director, General Manager NYC/Suburbs
Nov 2021 - Apr 2022
Administered profit and loss (P&L) ownership and market strategy for instant needs delivery in Gopuff's second-largest global market, achieving a $65M Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and contributing to the company's valuation surpassing $15B+. Facilitated sales, operations, and collaboration across multiple departments, including customer experience, merchandising, real estate, growth, market penetration, delivery operations, warehouse, fulfillment, supply chain, marketing, legal, and finance.
- Managed a workforce of 125+ employees across multiple functions, ensuring coordination and execution of market strategies for instant needs delivery.
- Launched three new fulfillment centers, enhancing population coverage by 12%, and expanded five product categories, resulting in a 29% increase in Average Order Value.
- Spearheaded a nationwide sales and account management team of 8+ employees while overseeing 400+ local and mid-market Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brand partnerships, accounting for approximately 20% of company's total SKU count.
- Selected as Global Co-chair for Salutes, a global company ERG supporting veterans and servicemember families.
Uber
Head of National Enterprise Partnerships
Feb 2020 - Nov 2021
Built and curated a high-value portfolio exceeding $1 billion for Uber Eats, signing and managing the largest national enterprise accounts and playing a pivotal role in bolstering the company's revenue streams.
- Elevated enterprise partners' portfolio from $200M+ to $1B+ in 18 months as pioneering Head of Enterprise Partners.
- Credited with providing a substantial company impact by contributing 1.8% to Uber's total global revenue in Q1 2021, encompassing both rides and delivery services.
- Headed a team of 7+ sales and customer success managers to secure, develop, and troubleshoot accounts, resulting in operations and business growth.
- Championed diversity and inclusion as the Global Community & Culture Chair for Veterans at Uber ERG, fostering a sense of community and advocating for a more inclusive workplace.
- Attained significant milestones, including securing over 30 new Master Franchise Agreements (MFAs) and expanding Uber Eats to encompass over 25,000 additional restaurant locations nationwide.
Boxed
Manager, Business Development / Commercial B2B
Jun 2017 - Nov 2018
Initiated and led commercial business unit, B2B sales and partnerships, and special projects for six distinct 501(c)(3) partners, underscoring a commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement.
- Transformed a nascent commercial business unit, elevating revenue from $2M+ to $10M+ by forging national and global commercial partnerships and implementing scalable growth initiatives.
- Increased profitability by +21% within first 6 months through partner negotiations and internal cost optimization.
- Tripled sales efficiency by creating innovative tools which promoted collaboration and streamlined processes, reducing nonrevenue- generating tasks and boosting sales team and cross departmental productivity.
United States Marine Corps
Squadron Logistics Officer
Sep 2015 - Dec 2020
Led comprehensive logistical readiness for an 800-Marine squadron, coordinating the deployability of $500M+ assets through intricate combat training and humanitarian aid relief missions.
- Executed 1000+ mile, 50+ vehicle convoys, ensuring precise troop and supply movements.
- Commanded a team of 60+ enlisted Marines, ensuring unparalleled accountability, discipline, administration, development, and combat readiness for the Logistics, Motor Transportation, and Airfield Security Operations Sections.
- Ranked in top 1% for logistical operations, leadership, fitness, and marksmanship throughout military career.
Apple
Geo Expansion
May 2014 - Aug 2014
Conducted interviews with 50+ unique internal teams worldwide, contributing to the identification and targeting of 90+ prospective new wireless partners.
- Uncovered $1B+ in potential partner marketing spend through the Global Expansion project.
- Presented findings of the Global Expansion project, outlining sales opportunities, risks, and mitigation strategies to the C-suite.
Plated
Operations & Logistics, Investor
Dec 2013 - Mar 2014
Collaborated with the C-suite to develop and execute strategies for nationwide fulfillment and distribution scaling for better operational efficiency and growth.
- Enhanced outbound shipping logistics and elevated customer experience under guidance of the Director of Operations.
- Achieved a significant 20% reduction in fulfillment costs by streamlining fulfillment center operations and optimizing meal-kit picking/packing processes.
Columbia Business School
MBA
Aug 2013 - May 2015
MBA
- Graduating Class Student Service Award Recipient for outstanding contributions to the CBS community.
WIN
Operations Manager, 1st Employee
Jan 2011 - Jan 2013
Oversaw the nationwide launch of a niche sports detergent CPG product while executing foundational operations. Managed end-to-end business operations, including sales, accounting, banking, HR, payroll, supply chain, and manufacturing.
- Scaled highly efficient delivery methods, resulting in delivery of over 20K+ units.
PWC
Associate
Jun 2006 - Jun 2008
Consulting firm
- Retail, e-commerce, CPG, Financial Services clients
Union College
BA
Aug 2002 - Jun 2006
BA
- Dean’s List
- Bryan Bakker Outstanding Leadership Award Recipient
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