Mark Brashear, RMI Alum '83, President of Façonnable, a subsidiary of Nordstrom
(based in Nice, France).

Editor’s note: I contacted Mark Brashear ’83 and asked him to share his insights into the retail industry. Brashear is the first RMI graduate to sit on the RMI Advisory Board, which consists of senior executives who run retailing and retailing-related companies.- Denise Bertuccelli, '06

1. What made you choose this profession?

I chose the retail industry more by chance than by design. I knew that I wanted a career in a field that I enjoyed. After considering banking, investment management, and retail, I ultimately selected retail because the dynamic nature of the business and the challenge of running a business appealed to me more than a larger salary or company car.

2. Was there a certain aspect of this field that particularly sparked your interest, or was there a mentor or family member who led you into the retail industry, or was it something entirely different?

My roommate at SCU during my sophomore year first opened the door to the field of retail as a career possibility. His father was a VP of sales promotion at Meier and Frank in Oregon at the time. One Easter break we drove to Oregon and I got to see where his father worked, along with a couple of their stores. That was probably my first impression where I thought this field might be a good choice for me.

3. How did you get started in retail, and where has it taken you along your career path?

I entered the RMI at SCU in its second year of existence. After taking the required courses, I began my summer internship at Macy’s. This was a good experience for me. Upon graduating from SCU, I began working the next day as a department manager of Men’s Sportswear in the Valley Fair store. I ultimately spent about three years with Macy’s before leaving to go to work for Nordstrom. For the past 19 years I have been an employee of Nordstrom, where I have held a variety of roles, including: salesperson, department manager, buyer, store manager, merchandise manager, VP of strategy and finance, general manager and now I serve as the president of a division of Nordstrom running the Façonnable brand.

4. How would you define your role in this company?

Describing my current role is not easy. Essentially, I am accountable for the development of the Façonnable brand, both within and outside Nordstrom. I consider myself the chief “steward” of Façonnable, where our priority is enhancing the brand through building quality products that offer excellent value for the quality.

5. What is your educational background and how has it played into your position in this company?

I graduated from SCU with a degree in finance and the RMI certificate. Both my major and the retail certificate have assisted me along the career path. It has been valuable having the financial understanding of business, while also having some additional perspective on the retail industry in general.

6. What does a normal day entail for you?

There is no normal day for me, which is a large part of the appeal of my career. This element keeps me charged for each new day.

7. What would you say are the highlights of your day?

Typical highlights include reviewing good business results, teaching people how to be better leaders, and orchestrating a team of folks to work toward common goals.

8. What made you choose to work for this company versus the many other retailers out there?

While at SCU, I had read a bit about Nordstrom. This company was new to the northern California market when I graduated from college. After enjoying the shopping experience as well as talking with employees, I felt that this company was a good cultural match for my personality and character.

9. Which qualities or characteristics are important in order to hold your position?

Honesty, trust, servant leadership, confidence, conviction, and loyalty.

10. What are the qualities of retail you enjoy the most?

The dynamic nature of the industry, the youthful energy that is essential to survive, the competitive sense of the business, and the gratification from achieving good results.

11. What would you say to someone who was interested in a similar profession or field?

Trust your instincts. Go where you feel good. When you like something, you tend to work harder to succeed at it.

12. What would you say has been the highlight of working in retail, and why?

There have been several highlights for me, but I would say that the personal growth I’ve experienced along with the development of several folks whom I have had the opportunity to mentor along the way.