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Ward & Fifth's founder, Shawn Ward is an entrepreneur, business consultant, incubator adviser, investor and branding professional with over 15+ years in the consumer goods, tech and digital marketing, with an expertise in bringing business ideas to market.
As Lead Consultant at Ward & Fifth, Shawn helps companies define & execute their business plans with an emphasis on brand definition, target consumer definition, new market entry, and social media coupled with a dual focus on operational efficiencies to drive bottom line results for his clients. He has deep expertise in the areas of pay-per-click advertising, product branding, brand extensions, social media channels, lean start-up strategies, business plan implementation and management. His clients have included among others: KangaROOS, QuickSwipe, Lugz, adidas, Fila, Tommy Owens, Wheel-Nation, State & Liberty and RolPal.
As Co-Founder of Shane+Shawn shoes along with this twin brother (Shane), Shawn led the development of this brand from concept to establishing wholesale accounts with Nordstrom, Macys, Urban Outfitters, Finish Line, and Zappos. Shawn was responsible for all marketing, social media, and PR initiatives along with overall responsibility for operations including wholesale management, EDI/QRS and logistics.
Finally with a passion for teaching and mentorship, Shawn has joined startup incubators as a mentor at New York Univerity, University of Michigan and Founders Institute. He has also formed an online entrepreneurship academy at Udemy and LearnSocial for budding students and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the apparel & accessories industry.
Having launched or relaunching over 10 businesses in the past 15 years , Shawn has become a sought after consultant specializing in business start-ups as well as mid-to-large size corporations with a recent emphasis on lifestyle, culture, trends, and millennials.
Classically has a bachelors and masters degree in Mechanical Engineer from the University of Michigan and Oakland University.
