Import Expert
Stephen Carder
Stephen Carder is a seasoned world importer, contract manufacturing expert, and retail merchandising innovator. He has built multimillion-dollar supply chains from the ground up, sourcing products from factories across Asia and Europe. His career spans powersports, toys, mass retail, premium consumer goods, high end cutlery, jewelry, kitchen accessories, and custom retail store fixtures.
My Story
Early Career in South St. Paul, Minnesota
Stephen began his career in South St. Paul, Minnesota, advancing from parts specialist to parts manager and eventually to store manager. He sold Honda and Yamaha product lines and managed annual volume that included 500 new motorcycles, 250 used motorcycles, and 200 snowmobiles.
This hands on retail experience gave him deep knowledge of inventory flow, customer purchase behavior, and operational precision. These skills became the foundation of his success as a world importer.
Markland Industries – Eight Years of Rapid Growth
As sales manager at Markland Industries, Stephen helped scale the company’s revenue from 3 million to 25 million dollars. During this time, he secured exclusive partnerships with Harley Davidson, Kawasaki, and Honda. These relationships evolved into a global supplier network that powers his import and manufacturing operations today.
Ten Years in Sales Representation
Stephen spent five years as a sales representative in a family business, followed by five years with Hart Enterprises, a large toy manufacturer. Throughout this period he refined skills in trend forecasting, buyer negotiations, and complete product lifecycle management.
Ten Years in Sales Representation
Stephen spent five years as a sales representative in a family business, followed by five years with Hart Enterprises, a large toy manufacturer. Throughout this period he refined skills in trend forecasting, buyer negotiations, and complete product lifecycle management.
This experience established Stephen’s expertise in Walmart supplier processes, point of purchase displays, and private label merchandising programs.
Today – Global Importer and Contract Manufacturing Partner
After exiting the Walmart vendor ecosystem, Stephen shifted into direct global importation and contract manufacturing. His focus includes cutlery from premium to entry level, fine and fashion jewelry, kitchen accessories, and custom retail fixtures and displays.
His business model is based on securing the right globally sourced manufacturing partners to ensure high quality standards, competitive pricing, full compliance, and on time global delivery.
Why Companies Choose to Work With Stephen
- Product sourcing through direct factory relationships in China, Vietnam, India, and Europe
- Design to doorstep contract manufacturing
- Retail ready merchandising solutions including clip strips, trays, and dollar program planning
- Custom store fixture development designed to increase sell through
- Scalable import volume from small runs to large shipments
A Vision for Import Excellence
Stephen does not simply import products. He builds profitable product ecosystems for brands and retailers. With more than forty years of real world experience, he removes the complexity from global sourcing and ensures that imported goods arrive on trend, on time, and on budget.
Ready to start importing with a proven partner?
Contact Stephen Carder today to explore how his expertise in contract manufacturing, global product sourcing, and retail supply chain strategy can support your business.
*Stephen Carder – South St. Paul grit.
Worldwide results.
World Importer – Contract Manufacturing Expert –
Retail Supply Chain Strategist
Companies I’ve Worked With
Phone
(214) 682-3935
Southlake, Texas
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