2008 MEMBER OF THE YEAR

BRIAN D. THALER began his career in the retail industry with Lerner’s Dress Shops in New York, which was the beginning to a successful progression within merchandise administration. Brian was General Merchandise Administrator for the entire Franklin Simon Dept. Stores Co. and for the Weiner Corp., as well as, Merchandise Controller for Fashion Conspiracy.

During this period in his career, Brian identified a profound lack of employee expertise in the retail industry. In light of this realization, he joined an executive consulting/search firm as Vice President. This gave him the opportunity to use his acquired knowledge and contacts of prior years to assist specialty retailers with their staffing needs. Brian was also able to facilitate the implementation of policies and procedures within company’s traffic and physical distribution operations.

Shortly thereafter, Brian started Scott-Thaler Associates Retained Search. His professional, ethical, and confidential approach to the field of Executive Search has been the success of Scott-Thaler Associates. Since STA’s founding, Brian and his team have established networks with top professionals in the specialty divisions of apparel, retail, textiles, freight forwarding, supply chain management, and management consulting.

One of the most important philosophies Brian has created through his years of being in the fashion and the executive search industry is the “Triple Win” philosophy. The “Triple Win” occurs when client, candidate, and recruiter work together and through their synergy, place the right person in the right position under the right circumstances. The client, candidate, and recruiter all win.

Brian is the President of the Textile Association of Los Angeles and has been on the Board of Directors for over six years. His philosophy for TALA is T=taking, A=a, L=logical, A=approach.  He is currently a member of the California Fashion Association and Fashion Business, Inc. Brian is also a past President of the California Association of Personnel Consultants and has been involved in the CAPC and CSP (California Staffing Professionals) for many years.

Brian lives with his daughter Tara and her dog, Katie.  Tara is an intuitive guidance counselor and an exotic bird collector.  Brian is a ballroom dancer for the past five years and has a wonderful dance partner, Eiko.