John Surdakowski

Avex E-commerce

Leading eCommerce agency providing creative, development, email marketing & strategy for brands such as: Mondelez, Hugo Boss, KITH, O’Neil, HAUS, Undefeated, Marchesa, Balance Athletica, TomBoyX, Wolf & Shepherd, Badgley Mischka & Iconix Brand Group.

Founder & CEO

Agency-X Podcast

Agency X — Hosted by John Surdakowski, is a Podcast that takes a dive deep into the world of ecommerce, digital strategy, and the evolving landscape of marketing technology. From the challenges of building a brand to mastering the latest tools shaping the future of commerce, Agency X offers insights drawn from real experiences at Avex. Each week, we break down what works, what doesn’t, and the bold moves that drive growth for leading brands.

Host

Shogun

Shogun empowers brands and agencies to create unique ecommerce experiences by making it easy to build and optimize online stores. Shogun is seamlessly integrated with leading ecommerce platforms, and is trusted by over 12,000 eCommerce brands, including Leesa mattresses, MVMT watches, Gaiam yoga apparel, K-Swiss, and Chubbies shorts

Investor

GRIN

Grin is the #1 all-in-one influencer marketing platform designed to help brands own their influencer relationships. With our tools in your corner, you’ll build a pool of credible ambassadors and reap the financial and brand rewards that come with it. GRIN puts every aspect of your influencer marketing program at your fingertips, empowering you to own it every step of the way.

Inveterate, Inc

Govalo

Kinn

Consulting

Freelance creative direction, web design and development for various brands and agencies, including Google, Samsung, Havas, JWT, Campfire, USANetwork, Cinemax and Sony

Creative Contractor

Havas

Designed digital experiences such as: websites, mobile ads, video story boards and rich media campaigns.

Sr. Art Director Consultant

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Designed and developed digital campaigns for Estee Lauder’s online creative department.

Art Director Consultant

Founder & CEO at Avex, a New York City based creative, technology and e-commerce agency for fashion & lifestyle brands. 

With 20 years of experience creating for the web, I’ve seen the digital landscape evolve. From Web 1.0 and Flash animation, to the explosion of mobile and e-commerce. I utilize my vast experience in creative, technology and business to help DTC brands achieve rapid growth. 

Throughout the years I've consulted for JWT, Havas, Estee Lauder, BBDO, NBC, MRM Worldwide, Nickelodeon, MTV Networks and many other New York based companies.

In 2015 I started growing my freelance business into a boutique digital agency, with focus on fashion, lifestyle and premium products. 

Avex has partnered with major brands such as: Hugo Boss, KITH, O’Neill, Undefeated, Simmons Serta Bedding, Marchesa, Eugenia Kim, Badgley Mishka, Ports V, Reem Acra, Iconix Brand Group, Google, PONY, Starter, Rocawear, Shutterstock, 88Rising, USANetwork, HBO, UBISoft, Sony Music and many more. 

Today, I continue to act as CEO and Founder (among other titles) of Avex. I’ve applied my experience and ability to adapt to creating a business that I am immensely passionate about. I love working with other creatives, building my team and taking on new challenges.

In 2019 Avex was invited to become a Shopify Plus Partner. Our agency focuses on helping brands navigate eCommerce.

Searchspring

- Build and sustain long-term, strategic partnerships with agencies, consultants, and other key channel stakeholders.
- Support partners throughout the sales process, including prospecting, proposals, and deal closure, while managing and tracking the sales pipeline.
- Monitor and analyze partner performance, to improve sales activity, revenue growth, and market penetration.

Partner Manager

Signifyd

Agency Partner Manager, North America

Associate Partner Manager, Solution Integrators

Corra

- Proactively created and managed net-new business opportunities, driving a robust sales pipeline and expanding market reach.
- Generated high-quality Sales Qualified Leads (SQLs) through strategic prospecting on LinkedIn, participation in marketing events, and leveraging industry partnerships.
- Partnered with Sales and Strategic Alliances teams to optimize lead generation efforts, ensuring seamless collaboration and maximizing partner-driven opportunities.
- Executed targeted Account-Based Marketing (ABM) campaigns aimed at Enterprise-level merchant accounts, enhancing engagement and conversion.
- Conducted in-depth research on key accounts and meticulously documented discovery calls for management, enabling informed decision-making and strategic follow-ups.

Strategic Business Development Representative

J BRAND

- Oversaw over 20 retail locations across the East Coast region, including major accounts such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s, ensuring brand consistency and performance.
- Delivered in-store selling support and product training to retail staff, equipping teams with knowledge to maximize customer engagement and sales.
- Represented the brand during trunk shows and seasonal events, driving awareness and sales through personalized client experiences.
- Boosted year-over-year store sales by fostering strong relationships with personal shoppers at key locations, contributing to revenue growth and brand loyalty.

Retail Coordinator & Brand Manager

JVB International Inc.

- Accurately documented product inventory, customer profiles, and order details into internal systems, ensuring up-to-date records for smooth operations.
- Coordinated and sourced product samples between vendors across North American buying offices, facilitating timely product evaluations and selections.
- Curated and merchandised the showroom for market presentations and in-office meetings, optimizing visual appeal to enhance buyer engagement.
- Managed and updated social media platforms and Shopify website, uploading marketing ads and promotions to drive brand visibility and customer engagement.

Account Coordinator

7 For All Mankind

- Managed all aspects of store operations, including overseeing daily sales procedures, ensuring optimal staffing, and maintaining operational efficiency.
- Held full responsibility for opening and closing the store, ensuring security protocols and smooth transitions between shifts.
- Prepared and presented executive summaries highlighting daily store performance, key metrics, and actionable insights for senior management.
- Led staff training sessions to educate teams on the latest product assortments and core basics, enhancing product knowledge and boosting in-store sales performance.

Sales Supervisor (Keyholder)

- Maintained sales floor presentation with seasonal items
- Built client book with local customers in NYC Metro Area

Retail Sales Associate

BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP

- Collaborated with Women's Ready-to-Wear (RTW) Buyer during job shadowing to gain insights into buying strategies and market trends.
- Conducted competitor product analysis and compiled bestseller reports to inform data-driven purchasing decisions.
- Participated in in-house buyer meetings for MaxAzria brands, contributing to discussions on seasonal assortments and inventory planning.
- Edited and refined product line sheets and product knowledge documents to ensure accuracy and alignment with brand standards.

Buying Intern

Ted Baker

- Merchandised floor presentation by season with store VM
- Reached monthly sales quota 
- Performed sales functions at POS
- Styled clients in-store and kept book of business to increase retention

Esprit

- Gatekeeper; greeting and directing customers
- Maintaining store presence 
- Organizing and merchandising to management standards

Sales Associate

FACTORY PR

- Merchandising showroom
- Prepping for market appointments and shows
- Sample logging using Cision

Merchandising Intern

Detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in client-facing roles across the fashion, apparel, and tech industries. Fluent in Spanish and skilled in Google Workspace, I have a proven track record in agency operations, channel partnerships, and project management. I specialize in Account and Relationship Management, backed by strong organizational skills and a commitment to efficiency.

taplio

The Battle

John Surdakowski

Elizabeth Stohl

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