Meet The Retail Minded Magazine Team

Retail Minded is thrilled to introduce you to our talented Retail Minded Magazine team! Premiering in 2012, the RM Magazine team is working hard to bring you a retail lifestyle publication unlike anything in the marketplace. Get to know whose behind the magazine by reviewing our bios below.

Founder and 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, Nicole founded Retail Minded in 2007 as an effort to support independent retail focused businesses throughout the United States. Since then, Nicole 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 Nicole, 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. She loves hearing from Retail Minded readers! Reach out to Nicole at nicole@retailminded.com.

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. Contact Julie directly at julie@retailminded.com.

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. To contact Robert, please email him at robert@retailminded.com.

PR Coordinator

Sarah Katherine Ryan is a Chicago based publicity guru who loves everything to do with retail, fashion and PR. Her eagerness to share news, ideas and more is admirable, and Retail Minded is thrilled to have her join the RM Team. Contact Sarah directly at press@retailminded.com.

In addition to our talented team, we are thrilled to have an outstanding Advisory Board and a variety of industry  experts contributing to Retail Minded Magazine. We look forward to introducing you to everyone in our premiere issue, debuting in late January 2012. Subscriptions are available at www.retailminded.com/magazine.