About Retail Merchandising Services
25 Years of Success
Since 1985, Retail Merchandising Services, Inc. (RMS) has provided in-store merchandising
solutions exclusively in all Target stores and has become a national leader in the merchandising
services industry by providing exceptional value to our clients.
Mission & Vision
To provide fast, effective, & efficient solutions to Target and vendors through superior
execution of merchandising services in all Target stores.
Core Values
- Offer superior in-store execution on every service
- Operate with the utmost integrity
- Treat employees, vendors, and guests with complete respect and dignity
Ownership
Retail Merchandising Services is a family owned, family run and privately held company, where employees and customers
alike are treated like family.
Customers We Serve
Our business is focused on serving three major customer segments:
-
Target Corporation – As a preferred merchandising firm, Retail Merchandising
Services has completed projects in every department in Target – and routinely performs services
in all areas of Softlines and Hardlines including Accessories (sunglasses, etc.), Electronics,
Health and Beauty, and Apparel.
-
Vendors that sell their products in Target – Our
extensive client list includes a vast array of national and international manufacturers.
-
Manufacturer’s Rep Firms and Sales Agencies – We frequently work with
sales organizations that sell manufacturers’ products to Target Corporation.
Leadership Team:
Phil Lamers - President
Mr. Lamers joined Retail Merchandising Services as President and CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
in 2000. Mr. Lamers has extensive employment experience in the service industries. Mr. Lamers came
to Retail Merchandising Services from Interactive Retirement Systems, where he was a partner and
had primary responsibilities for administration, governmental compliance, and plan design for 6 years.
Prior to that, he worked for Wausau Insurance Companies for 12 years where he managed the Pension
Administration Department. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, a minor in economics,
and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.
Kati Piorkowski - Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Piorkowski joined Retail Merchandising Services in 1998 and currently holds the office of Vice
President. She brings 18+ years of Target Corporation knowledge and experience to our team. During
her tenure at Target, she held leadership roles as a Store Team Leader (Store Manager) of multiple
stores, was honored to be a District Trainer, a member of the District Shortage Committee, mentored
numerous executives, and received an award for her store having the largest sales increase (over last
year’s sales) in her region. Ms. Piorkowski has a B.A. degree in Business Administration with a minor
in Human Resources from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and is a graduate of the Minnesota
Executive Program from the Carlson School of Business.
Chris Nowak - Director of Operations
Mr. Nowak joined Retail Merchandising Services as Director of Operations in January 2012. He brings 13+ years of Target Corporation experience, including roles in Stores, Store Operations, Food Operations and Finance. Mr. Nowak’s areas of expertise include operations, strategic planning and analysis, project management, change management and process planning. Mr. Nowak provides direction and leadership for all aspects of one time client services and IT management. Mr. Nowak has a B.A. from St. John’s University, MN.
John Wakeman - Manager, Client Services
Mr. Wakeman joined Retail Merchandising Services as an Operations Manager in March 2011 with more than 23 years of Retail Management experience. He brings 8 years of Target Store Executive experience, including roles as Store Team Leader, Store Operations, and Food Operations. Mr. Wakeman’s areas of expertise include strategic planning, leadership, operations, project design and implementation, and vendor/client relationship. Mr. Wakeman and his team are responsible for overseeing all aspects of one time service client services, including project coordination, compliance, and administrative project tasks.
Mr. Wakeman has a B.A. from St John’s University, MN.
Karen Johnson - National Field Manager
Ms. Johnson joined Retail Merchandising Services as National Field Manager in October 2000. She
has over 18 years of retail experience including 7 years in leadership roles at Target Corporation.
While at Target as a Store Team Leader (Store Manager) Ms. Johnson was also a member of the Leadership
Development Team, was recognized as a Field Trainer and served on district Risk, Safety and Store
Assessment Teams. At Retail Merchandising Services, she has responsibility for a national network
of 35 District Coordinators. She ensures our field rep training program is up to date with Target’s
policies and procedures. Ms. Johnson frequently tours Target Stores throughout the United States,
works with our reps and Target store teams to ensure we are providing optimum service results. She
frequently researches and resolves store specific product issues using the RF unit and Target’s S&I system. Ms. Johnson has
a B.A. from Southern IL University, Carbondale, IL.
Michele Reusse - Director of Human Resources
Ms. Reusse joined Retail Merchandising Services in February of 2010. As the Human Resources Manager,
Ms. Reusse provides direction and leadership for all HR programs, including staffing for field and
home office positions, performance management, training, compensation, benefits and safety. Ms.
Reusse came to Retail Merchandising Services with more than 10 years of Human Resources and management
experience, a Bachelors degree in Human Resources Management, a Masters degree in Organizational
Management and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).