Owner Operator, CDM Retail (Civilian Design Merchants) and Freelance Fixture Designer & Account Manager for C-West Custom Fixtures

CDM Retail is a Physical-Marketing consultancy serving Retailers and Vendors who utilize Store Design, Space Planning and Visual Merchandising as Strategic Business Solutions. C.D.M. Retail Specializes in the Branding of Store Environments through an innovative and simple approach to decor and fixture design. www.cdmretail.com.  C-West is a Multi disciplined custom manufacturer of store fixtures serving Specialty Retail, Drug Store, Grocery, Hospital & Major Department Stores, with the ability to supply and manufacture single fixture roll-outs or complete store programs . www.c-west.ab.ca.  

How Michael got into retail:

After graduating from high school, I went straight into college at S.A.I.T. in Calgary. My formal training is as an Architectural Technologist (a Draftsman). In June 1979, I got my start in a jean (chain) store folding corduroys and blue jeans to support my fledgling music career and pay the bills as drafting jobs where hard to come by at the time. I then worked my way through store operations and store management (to the number one store in the chain) eventually being promoted to the head office as a specialist in Visual Merchandising and Human Resources.

From there I progressed into Store Planning and Design and eventually changed companies to head up Store Design and Visual Merchandising for a specialty franchise retailer. After that (to broaden my experience) I left to pursue other specialty retail categories with two different national retailers. During this same period, I branched out with my own consulting firm in 1997. In 2000, looking to further develop and diversify my skills, I was invited to join a store fixture manufacturer as a freelance designer and account manager where I continue to have a great strategic relationship. I am now in my 30th year as a retail professional and am looking forward to the future of retailing.

What’s the best thing about retail?

The pace of change and variety from day to day. I also love the people I have the opportunity to meet and places I go to visit.

What does Shelfspace mean to Michael?

It means connecting with a community of people and resources that make me a better retail professional. It is also a place that I can give back to an industry that has been a great career for me.

What’s one thing Michael would like you to know about him?

I’M a little bit nuts - and I use this as an advantage to look at things with a unique perspective and try things that scare me. Retail is in my blood. I am always looking for the Opportunity to Add Value and Make a Difference to a Retail Experience.

Michael’s favorite thing to do:

Next to spending quality time with my wife, it’s to be in the creative zone – whether it is experiencing nature or architecture, doing research, drawing out a design or developing a new concept for a project. I also love the process and execution of seeing an idea move from a pencil sketch to reality and coming to life for a customer. Watching that first sale happen still gives me a thrill.