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  Vicki Redding of the La Jolla Group. Shop-eat-surf file photo.

Today in our Core Career series, we check in with Vicki Redding, the new Senior Vice President of Design and Merchandising at the La Jolla Group.

 

Previously, Vicki spent a good chunk of her career at Quiksilver and DC Shoes with a brief stop at One Industries along the way.

 

What were you like as a child and teenager?

Vicki Redding: I moved to the U.S. from England when I was 8 years old. I went from living in a small town in the country to living in LA. It was quite overwhelming so growing up I was very quiet and shy.

 

Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up?

Yes, when I was in high school I knew I would be in the fashion industry.

 

How did you get started?

I was the Boys Buyer at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza. It was at the time when Quiksilver and Gotcha were selling like crazy. Each week I would drive my RX7 to their buildings, walk the warehouse, and load my car up with product. I was at the building so often that I knew management at each company.

 

One day I got a call from Quiksilver asking if I would like to interview for a merchandising position. That started my career on this side of the business.

 

What are some lessons you have learned during your career?

Teamwork is the key to success.

 

Respect the people working with you and for you.

 

Always be honest and up front.

 

Be passionate and expect the best.

 

What is the biggest challenge at work at the moment?

Not enough hours in the day. Also, the situation in China, which is impacting development, samples, costing, and production!

 

How are you handling it?

We are working closely with the sourcing team to ensure we are looking at all our options to stay competitive on quality, delivery, and price.

 

After a long tenure at Quiksilver, you recently spent time at One Industries and now La Jolla Group. What has it been like to change companies after working at one for so long?

I had an amazing career at Quiksilver, built lifelong friendships, and have memories that will be with me for the rest of my life.

 

That being said, there comes a time in your career that you know in your gut it is time to move on, change your environment, and grow as a person. It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made but making that change has been an amazing experience.

 

It definitely stretches you as a person because you put yourself in a position to work with a new staff, gain their respect, trust, and have a comfort level of working together.

 

I am very fortunate to be part of the La Jolla Group, working with a great team of people that are passionate for the brands.

 

See Page 2 for qualities Vicki seeks in direct reports and more

 

 

 

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What qualities do you value in your direct reports?

Passion, teamwork, honesty, follow through, and accountability.

 

You have a lot of demands on your time. Any tips on how you juggle meetings, email, projects and managing employees?

Prioritize daily! It would be impossible to attend every meeting that happens each day so you have to trust in the people you have in key positions. I believe it is extremely important to have people in place that you trust to get the job done, understand your expectations, and are dedicated.

 

What has been your biggest accomplishment at your current job?

I have only been at the La Jolla Group for four months but I would say integrating merchandisers back into the brands and hiring a fantastic merchandise and design team for The Berrics.

 

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

Stay humble and never become complacent.

 

What do you want to be doing in five years?

Hopefully still a big part of the La Jolla Group, but also one of my dreams is working in some capacity to help stop child abuse. So in five years it would be fantastic to have some time to spend working with a home or agency that focuses on this issue.

 

What do you do for fun?

Shop, hike, ski, go to art openings, and hang out with friends.