Brian Smolinski

Energizer
DISC Type : I

VP, IT Applications at Arhaus

Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area, United States

Overview

Brian Smolinski is a retail technology executive with over 18 years of experience leading IT application teams. He specializes in driving business growth through multi-year transformational projects, leveraging modern cloud solutions for companies like Arhaus, EXPRESS, and Victorias Secret. He holds a degree from Central Michigan University.

As a leader, he focuses on mentoring with purpose, believing that strong working relationships are key to creating great teams and producing exceptional results. He aligns technical capabilities with strategic business goals across HR, finance, marketing, and data analytics.

He has built a significant portion of his career leading IT divisions for major Ohio-based retail corporations.

Personality Overview

Big Picture Person

Believer

Full Of Energy

Unlike C or D types, they are vocal with their opinions but not so much with their questions.  They excel at seeing the bigger picture, and the long-term impact of their decisions. They are naturally enthusiastic, so take their promise with a pinch of salt.

Topics They Care About

Retail IT Transformation
He has substantial experience leading multi-year transformational projects for major retail brands like Arhaus, EXPRESS, and Victoria's Secret.
Cloud Solutions
His background includes leveraging modern cloud solutions to drive organizational growth and success in enterprise retail environments.
Leadership & Mentoring
He is a dedicated leader who mentors with purpose and believes that strong working relationships create great teams and produce exceptional results.

Media Appearances

Brian has no verified media appearances

Work History

6-2025
VP, IT Applications at Arhaus
6-2023 - 6-2025
Vice President Information Technology at EXPRESS
4-2023 - 6-2023
AVP Information Technology at Victoria's Secret
1-2021 - 4-2023
Director HR Technology at Victoria's Secret
6-2020 - 1-2021
Managing Partner, Midwest at Pandera Systems

Education

1997 - 2001
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 6 Location : Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area, United States Job Level : Senior Designation : VP, IT Applications at Arhaus
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Insights For Selling To Brian

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Speak enthusiastically with energy, maintain a clear and confident tone
  • Invite them for a lunch or a drink/coffee
  • Use adjectives like ‘amazing’, ‘coolest’, ‘unbelievable’ etc.

DONT's

  • Avoid overloading them with too much detail
  • Don’t assume a yes just because they have not said no
  • Don’t be too formal, focus on building comfort and trust

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Brian is

  • Relationship and trust can be vital with them, sometimes more than anything else.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Brian

  • They are unlikely to say no directly, you have to make that decision yourself.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Brian move?

  • They are not the fastest decision makers, their friendly approach can give false positive signals.
  • Can Brian take some risk or not?

  • They can accept limited risks, ones that they think will not impact them personally.

You And Brian

Personality Compatibility


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