Account Executive
About the job
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent level of education or training demonstrating the required knowledge and experience is required.
- At least 5 years of sales experience in the apparel, accessories, and/or footwear industry is required.
- Established relationships with key retailers in the Eastern United States are required.
- Understanding of the apparel, footwear, or accessories marketplace is required.
- Ability to work comfortably by phone and in person is required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel is required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
- Strong presentation skills are required.
- Ability to travel is required.
- Represent Akola by building its wholesale network within the assigned region.
- Manage and grow existing account relationships.
- Analyze distribution and expand Northeast territory business.
- Meet and exceed quarterly, seasonal, and annual sales goals.
- Manage monthly sales projections and position the business to goals.
- Use selling and inventory reports to develop plans that proactively affect sales.
- Participate in seasonal markets and trade shows.
- Develop road work plans and travel to accounts for store appointments, events, and product knowledge seminars.
- Lead business using best practices in the respective space.
- Create proposed assortment plans and market preparation sheets for each key account before markets to ensure best performers are represented.
- Provide regular feedback on product performance.
- Participate in seasonal product projections with the Director of Sales and sales team.
- Manage and serve customers to ensure orders are on time and potential account or shipping issues are proactively resolved.
- Mitigate customer concerns, complaints, and issues, including product defects, issuing return authorizations, territory conflicts, and related matters.
- Manage sample logs and sample needs.
- Being a self-starter, solution-focused, and proactive problem solver is desired.
- A positive attitude and interest in an entrepreneurial, team-focused environment are desired.
- Ability to multitask and work effectively across divisions is desired.
About the company
Akola Project is a jewelry brand that sources its products from Uganda, employing nearly 200 women in Jinja who are largely from rural communities. Each piece is handcrafted using local, high-quality materials, and the sale of every piece is tied to improving a woman’s life and her family’s situation. The company’s product works by providing dignified employment and living wages to its artisans, who create bold, layered jewelry that reflects strength and femininity. What sets Akola apart from competitors is its explicit social mission: a female-founded, female-led organization that integrates economic empowerment with local craftsmanship, backed by a scalable impact model and recognition from the National Retail Federation as shaping the future of retail. Akola’s goal is to empower women to transform their lives and their communities by building a female-empowered workforce that contributes to Africa’s economic development.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Dallas, Texas
Founded
2004
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Akola’s 2026 website still markets active collections and direct-to-consumer shopping.
- Updated 2026 pages confirm continued manufacturing for nearly 200 Ugandan women.
- The impact-jewelry story still supports premium pricing with mission-driven buyers and retailers.
What critics are saying
- Akola shows little recent funding, hiring, or partnership momentum beyond website updates.
- Production stays concentrated in Jinja, Uganda; one factory disruption stops supply.
- The brand leans on discounting and direct online sales, pressuring margins into 2026.
What makes Akola Project unique
- Akola employs nearly 200 women in Jinja, Uganda, making handcrafted jewelry.
- DFC funded Akola with a $5 million loan for Ugandan factory expansion.
- Akola combines impact manufacturing with globally inspired, women-led branding and retail positioning.
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