She Got Laid Off, Then Helped Fashion Brands Break into Nordstrom & Anthropologie – Justine Kaufman

After years of working with independent reps, I pulled together the essential strategies for finding principals, negotiating commissions, and managing your lines. Download the free eGuide here: https://bit.ly/guide-for-independent-sales-rep —------------------------------------------------------ In this episode of the RepHunter’s RepIntel Podcast, host Jeffrey Simon talks about the evolving landscape of independent sales with Justine Kaufman, Independent Business Owner at The Fully Fashioned. They explore how retail expertise can shape successful sales strategies and how the modern rep’s role extends far beyond just selling into education, mediation, and strategic brand building. Justine Kaufman is an independent sales rep and a key member of RepHunter. With a background that includes major retail players like Century 21 and Saks Fifth Avenue, she brings a rare combination of buying-side experience and wholesale strategy. Her career trajectory from loss prevention and buying to owning a sales agency makes her a unique voice in the world of independent repping. Expect to Learn - The value of retail experience in shaping successful sales strategies. - How independent reps serve as both brand builders and consultants. - The process of launching new brands into major retailers. - Why being a good listener often trumps being a fast talker in sales. - The evolving role of technology and AI in the independent sales world. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Teaser [00:00:52] - Introduction [00:01:52] - From Retail to Wholesale [00:07:10] - Entering the Sales World Unexpectedly [00:10:53] - Discovering RepHunter [00:14:13] - A Success Story in Activewear [00:18:08] - Redefining Sales — Listening Over Selling [00:26:43] - Expanding Services: Fractional Sales Management [00:30:50] - Embracing Innovation and AI [00:33:39] - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude 📱 Follow the Guest Justine Kaufman: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-kaufman-81b80323 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefullyfashioned/?hl=en 👉Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fully-fashioned 👉Company Website: https://thefullyfashioned.com/ 👉Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefullyfashioned/ 📱 Follow the Host Jeffrey Simon: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyasimon/ 📱 Follow RepHunter: 👉 Website: https://www.rephunter.net/ 🔗 Listening Links: 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qsBiIxQno7umiZELZtR45 👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/repintel-insights-from-top-sales-reps/id1850733289