Lee Sammartino is a rarity in the business world; a dedicated and active member of the action sports industry, he has successfully applied the same drive and creative sense of adventure to his entrepreneurial efforts. Often acknowledged for his innovative solutions to common and uncommon problems, Lee brings a unique perspective to the business that incorporates his extensive experience in retail design, construction, information technology, action sports, social marketing, and brand development.
Founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Vertical Retail Solutions, L.L.C., a retail service consolidation provider, and the International Communications Chair of the Retail Design Institute (formerly Institute of Store Planners), Lee has been awarded numerous design, manufacturing, general contracting, and installation assignments with the world’s leading retailers. Lee’s diverse retail background includes new store openings and remodels, fixture and store design consultation, service consolidation programs, tenant Improvements for stores under 20,000 square feet, structural consulting for loading of fixtures used in applications outside of the intended use, information technology consultation and logistical management for large volume rollouts.
As a technology consultant in the fields of web design and development, ecommerce, and social networking management – Lee leads a team of technology experts to create unique, innovative, brand driven, online presences for clients in the retail, entertainment and action sports industries. By remaining an active part of the industry, Lee is able to stay abreast of the newest trends in the most influential consumer markets. Lee’s experience in information technology has allowed him to design, implement, and manage web /graphic design and development projects, utilizing technologies and applications such as: html, PHP/MySQL, ASP, JSP, Java, XML, Perl, JavaScript, Flash, Illustrator, Photoshop, Fireworks, AutoCAD, Visio, Pro Tools, and Final Cut Pro. He also oversees and implements the management of server technologies, including Linux Red Hat, Unix, Windows 2003 Server, Microsoft Exchange Server, and Microsoft SQL Server.
The Retail Design Institute, an internationally recognized authority in the retail design industry, recognized Lee’s achievements by honoring him with the International Communications Chair. This responsibility included the task of re-branding the Retail Design Institute’s online web presence and developing the Retail Design Institute website as the authoritative resource to the retail store design and development industry. This multiphase site development project will encompass the latest technological trends including Content Management Systems to eliminate the need for programming knowledge, video distribution, web based continuing education credits, e-commerce applications, and social networking. His design, advertising, and branding background has also landed him the tasks of designing the Retail Design Institute Job Board and Interactive Communications Advertising Media Kits, as well as unique tradeshow giveaways aimed at garnering membership.
As an avid B.A.S.E. Jumper and skydiver, Lee’s extracurricular passion for aerial adrenaline sports has brought him around the world jumping and shooting aerial videography and photography of some of this planet’s most majestic locations, including Norway, Italy, Switzerland, and Malaysia. His ability and overall aptitude for these sports has put him at the forefront of the international invitational list for B.A.S.E. Jumping events. Showcasing his skills as an expert wing suit pilot, Lee is now pursuing special locations only obtainable jumping with a wing suit and out-flying ledges, taluses and trees with minimal or no margin for error.
As a former touring drummer and percussionist, Lee has seen many days in the recording studio – So many that he decided to build his own recording / video editing studio utilizing the latest technologies including Pro Tools and Final Cut Pro. Building this studio has allowed him to be involved in pre- and post-production projects with action sports and entertainment conglomerate “Tenacity Entertainment.”
Lee’s affinity for action sports was spawned at an early age when he started racing bicycles, earning himself a spot on the US National team after only four years of racing. His titles included #1 Connecticut for both 20” and Cruiser, #7 National for Cruiser and #15 National for 20”, and #19 in the world at the Weetabix World Championships when he was 11 years old.
Lee’s philosophy and understanding of today’s retail and new media markets has placed him at the forefront of the industry. His progressive methodologies are being recognized and utilized by clients and industry leaders nationwide.
