Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anthony DeLuca. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Anthony, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The RealReal is the world’s largest and most trusted online source for authenticated luxury resale. Our Mission is to Extend the Life Cycle of Luxury. We have over 33 million members and counting. We provide a high touch experience to clients who wish to resell their luxury clothing, purses, shoes etc either by private appointment in their home or a management sponsored initiative within their building.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
C-Suite Level Business Development Executive for Luxury Goods – Strategic and Outside of the Box Thinker – Early Embracer of Continuous Improvement and On Trend Training
As an accomplished Business Executive, I excel at leading and directing teams enabling them to reach and surpass corporate and personal goals. I am skilled at supporting team members while demonstrating strategic and tactical promotional expertise. I am adept at exceeding customer expectations, building loyal client bases, retaining clients, and maintaining top level profit margins. By prioritizing tasks, I can ensure deadlines are met while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
The majority of my career has been in fine jewelry and timepiece management with my education at GIA. I’ve managed on the retail store side, retail operations, and retail regional levels throughout my tenure. In 2018, I was recruited to on the dealer side services of Porsche Cars North America and then to Audi North America, holding several different management roles from sales to finance – consumer facing.
I started working in the jewelry industry just right out of high school, learning how to inspect, clean, and write a repair ticket before I was allowed to do anything else! Celebrating clients most personal memories and holidays motivated me up the ladder, ALWAYS focusing on that when creating, training, and mentoring successful teams!
In June 2023, my spouse accepted a tremendous promotion with Morgan Stanley, which will relocated us to the Atlanta area with our two puppies (Otis our French Bulldog and Bella our Mini Dachshund).
In September of 2023 I was recruited by The RealReal as the Luxury Acquisition Business Partner for the Atlanta. My primary focus is to promote brand awareness of sustainability and a circular lifestyle through the consignment of fashion goods. Where we no longer have a retail store presence in Buckhead, I work through channels of luxury special events, charitable partnerships, and private residential building services.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Managing a team is super easy! People do what you SHOW them, versus what you tell them! Employees new and old feed of high energy! Noone cares if you’re “not a morning person”, or that a particular issue is not part of your job. They appreciate when you’re in the trenches working side by side with them. Remember you got to your position by excelling in what they do. You need to know their job inside out, and coach them in the same manner back when you were excited to be in that position! No One deserves or wants anyone to talking down to them! Make a friend, and let them know that the company is only successful if they succeed!
High morale starts with the way you take care of your employees. Always coach and manage with succession planning in mind. The retail environment is constantly moving and flowing. Talent needs be grown and mentored always with the thought of what position a team member will grow into. Not, “they’re just happy where they’re at!” That’s what a true manager does! Always extracting the best parts and making them glow! Let’s face it, we aren’t good at everything, but let’s develop the “some things” that we excel at! Let the the team member develop those skills! I would rather have an expert on a particular subject than a jack of all trades! Lastly, delegate delegate, delegate! Employees love when they can take ownership on a particular project or task! Never leave your team in the dark, through secret closed door meetings, favoritism, or ignoring what they have to say! Instead collaborate, with them through sharing corporate goals, asking what their strategies may be, and giving them a piece of that pie to work on with you! This is great for their morale, personal growth, and lastly commitment and buy in to what the overall company objectives are!
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Networking and partnerships have been the best resource here in Atlanta. I am a proud member of the Buckhead Business Association, where you will find unlimited resources and the most helpful and friendly folks out there! NEVER be afraid to ask for help! We are always learning from each other. Where you may need help with one thing, you will be able to help someone else with what they need! The table is there for sharing!
Image Credits
Kim Evans Photography Capture USA