The RM Team

NICOLE LEINBACH REYHLE

Founder & Editorial Director

Nicole Leinbach Reyhle is an experienced retail and wholesale professional who has worked with such companies as Adidas America, Sears Corporation, Franco Sarto Footwear, Nordstrom and many independent retailers and wholesalers nationwide. After holding both regional and national management roles, Reyhle founded Retail Minded in 2007 as an effort to support independent retail focused businesses throughout the United States. Since then, Reyhle has worked with national retail organizations, privately held brands, countless retailers and wholesalers and leading experts in various retail sectors. She is a frequent contributor to a variety of retail trade publications and speaks regularly at conferences and expos worldwide. Her passion for independent businesses is the driving force behind Retail Minded, which includes support through consultation services, trade writing, and speaking. The Retail Minded Magazine is the real passion of Reyhle, combining the expertise of her own experiences and her many trusted industry sources in an effort to help small businesses thrive. In addition to Retail Minded, Reyhle teaches Retail Curriculum at Columbia College Chicago. She resides in the Chicago area with her two young children, her husband Eric and their dog Jazzy.

JULIE JOHNSON HILLERY

Managing Editor

Julie Johnson Hillery began her retailing career as soon as she was old enough to work. While her primary experience is in management and buying for independent boutique retailers, she also has wholesaling and merchandising experience with nationally-known companies such as Revlon, Inc. After many years in the industry, she received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has since published and presented numerous papers on retailing worldwide. Currently, Julie is a professor at Columbia College Chicago in Fashion Studies. She has received numerous teaching awards and is especially interested in the professional and career development of her students. Additionally, she has co-authored two college textbooks, Careers! Professional Development in Apparel Merchandising and Ethics in the Fashion Industry. She also is the owner of Heart and Stole, a small start-up company offering hand-crafted accessories. Julie is especially thrilled to join the Retail Minded Magazine because it blends two of her real passions: retailing and education. She resides in the Chicago area with her husband Robert and their two rescue dogs Newgi and Nell.

ROBERT HILLERY

Creative Director

Robert Hillery has always been passionate about art and design. As a licensed Architect, his professional career includes work at several nationally-recognized firms in Chicago. Driven by his creativity, he founded his own graphic design studio, high medium, in 2003 and has a national client base. Among his clientele are retailers, architectural firms, corporate leadership programs, hospice providers, and historic preservation organizations. His design vision extends beyond the parameters of graphic design and seeks to provide art and style that communicates.  Robert uses his talent to apply creative solutions to civic involvement and has been recognized numerous times for his volunteer services.  In addition to donating hours of his design talent, he remains active with his hometown city’s Beautification Committee and has held many other distinguished, local roles to support his community.  He is especially excited to join the team of Retail Minded Magazine because it gives him the opportunity to channel his creativity into a medium that is both visually and intellectually appealing. He resides in the Chicago area with his girls, Julie, Newgi, and Nell.

ERIC REYHLE

Business Development

Eric Reyhle’s background in business development and operational management makes Reyhle the perfect fit for Retail Minded’s behind-the-scenes needs. In addition to his professional experience at global, major financial corporations, Reyhle has a degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas. Reyhle’s commitment to Retail Minded is fueled by his perspective that small business owners find strength through each other, and he works diligently to deliver results that support small business owners’ unique needs. Additionally, Reyhle was raised in a home whose parents both were entrepreneurs and recognizes the importance of providing total lifestyle support to small business owners. Reyhle is based in the Chicago area with his wife Nicole, daughter and son.

Sarah Katherine Ryan

PR Coordinator

Sarah Katherine Ryan is a Chicago based publicity guru who loves everything to do with retail, fashion and PR. Her experience ranges from working retail to gracing the runways as a fashion model to studying PR, fashion and retail at Columbia College Chicago. Living in the heart of Chicago, Ryan is constantly in pursuit of the next hot boutique and latest retail trends. Her expertise and eagerness to support boutique businesses makes her the perfect PR supporter for Retail Minded. In addition to her PR support, Ryan provides research and real-life interaction with boutiques and small business owners to help RM thrive in our overall development. Contact Sarah directly at press@retailminded.com and follow her on Twitter at @SarahKatRyan.