MANDELBAUM RETURNS TO INDUSTRY AS CINDA B PRESIDENT
December 5, 2011 (Fort Wayne, IN)– cinda b USA, LLC (www.cindab.com) announced today that Art Mandelbaum has been named President of the fast-growing designer, manufacturer and distributor of women’s handbags, travel items and accessories.
Mandelbaum was previously President of Baekgaard Ltd., another Fort Wayne-based handbag company and industry leader. He was co-owner of Baekgaard with Vera Bradley founder, Barbara Baekgaard until 2010 when he sold his interest to return to the practice of law. Mandelbaum expressed his excitement about returning to the gift and fashion industry. “I made many friends during the 7 years I was involved in Baekgaard. I am looking forward to reacquainting myself with those friends and getting back to an industry of which I am very fond,” Mandelbaum said.
On taking over the helm at cinda b, Mandelbaum added, “cinda b is among the fastest growing handbag and accessory companies in the country, with great opportunity and appeal for retailers and consumers alike. I love that the product is made 100% in the U.S.A and has a unique look that has become extremely popular.” Since 2009, cinda b has added a 100+ representative sales force and more than 700 retail store customers that carry cinda b products in 50 states and several foreign countries. cinda b products have been featured in several national media, from Lucky, Redbook, Fitness, Southern Living to Elle Décor, NBC’s Today Show and ABC’s Bachelorette.
cinda b Founder and Partner, Atlanta-based designer Cinda Boomershine expressed her excitement, “This Company is my pride and joy, and I couldn’t be happier to have Art as President. As a community, Fort Wayne is no stranger to running successful handbag companies, and Art is no exception. His record at Baekgaard speaks for itself, and we’re looking forward to exciting times as cinda b continues this truly unbelievable journey!”
”We knew we had a great designer in Cinda and a fast-growing brand in cinda b,” explained George Huber, President of Equity Investment Group, the private equity firm that partnered with Boomershine in 2009 to launch cinda b USA. ”With a growing customer base and strong demand for product, we sought a proven leader from the industry. With his accomplished track record, Art helps put the company in a great position for continued, exceptional growth.”
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About cinda b: cinda b® was first popularized by its unique travel bags and accessories from award-winning, Atlanta-based designer, Cinda Boomershine. In 2009 Cinda partnered with Equity Investment Group, a Midwest equity capital firm, and Hentz Manufacturing, LLC, one of the most experienced sewing facilities in the country and 14-year maker of Vera Bradley products, to form cinda b USA. Today, cinda b has become one of the country’s fastest-growing handbag and accessory lines, with each piece designed personally with care and love by Cinda herself. cinda b offers hundreds of on-trend styles and patterns for gals on the go—from professionals, world travelers and busy moms to beachcombers, techies and campus cuties! All cinda b® products are proudly made 100% in the USA (Fort Wayne, Indiana), with the latest durable, poly/nylon fabrics, making them water and stain-resistant, lightweight and machine washable. Cinda b USA has offices in Atlanta and Fort Wayne, IN.
About Equity Investment Group: Equity Investment Group, Inc. (www.equityinvestmentgroup.com), is a diversified, Midwest-based investment company. Current holdings include approximately 40 retail shopping centers nationwide and office, industrial and other regional commercial properties. EIG affiliates include institutional fund management operations and investment in over $3.5 billion in commercial/office, industrial, multi-family and student housing real estate assets across the United States. EIG affiliates also own and manage multiple national manufacturing and distribution companies. EIG’s headquarters are located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with affiliate offices in Atlanta and Chicago.
