Phil Rutman

Phil Rutman is the owner of The Alternative Board (TAB) North Central New Jersey servicing Hunterdon, Somerset, and Warren counties.

Phil brings over 30 years of experience to TAB specializing in retail management. His experience includes working for start-up, mid-sized and large retail companies leading buying teams consistently responsible for driving revenue and profit growth.

For the past 7 years, Phil worked for Perry Ellis International where he was President of US Retail Stores and E-Commerce. Responsibilities included general management, business development, P&L, marketing, planning, operations, and talent management.

Prior to Perry Ellis, Phil spent 25 years with Federated Department Stores and then Macy’s with the last 10 years as VP and Group VP Divisional Merchandise Manager of Mens Collections Sportswear.

Phil received a BS in Business Administration from Boston University.

As a TAB member, through the regular coaching sessions and monthly Board meetings, I gain invaluable mentor and peer support. The TAB ethos and coaching approach has helped me to plan personal and business goals and set direction. This is supported by the wealth of knowledge, skills, experience and support that is shared by the board who provide Impartial, informed and considered guidance and advice on all types of business issues, that enable me to gain fresh perspectives, identify blind spots and fill my skill gaps. Over the last twelve months TAB has effectively become my company’s non-executive board and its members my trusted colleagues.

Saul Goldfarb

Goldfarb & Associates

There is no silver bullet to becoming successful, you just have to stay focused on your goals. TAB has helped my business grow significantly by encouraging me to take a step back and identify the basics I need.

Jo McCabe

Mr. Handyman

TAB helped me to focus on the things that have made my business scalable. I was tempted to divert my attention to another endeavor, but TAB helped me determine that was not prudent. The economy, and specifically new building starts, have helped, but the degree of capitalization would not have been possible were it not for TAB. I compare my situation with another franchise owner who was in my shoes several years ago and I am way ahead, in fact we just bought him out. My revenues have doubled, and my capacity has increased four times from what it was three years ago. I have time to be with my girls, work on my hobbies and enjoy life.

Bill Armstrong

President – ProHome Colorado

I find that the sharing of ideas and problem solving in others businesses helps me think creatively about my own business. Stepping outside of my day to day work helps me look at the bigger picture and focus on short and long term goals.

Bob Makofsky

Conformer Products, Inc MEMBER SINCE 2011

We have an excellent group of professional business owners. I learn something from them each month. Hearing and seeing what they are doing in their business is motivational for me. And they are not "yes" people. They tell me when I should be doing something differently.

Lynn Gastineau

Gastineau Log Homes, Inc.

Avoid These 5 Strategic Planning Mistakes

Strategic planning is a critically important part of business growth. If a CEO and senior executive staff don’t look ahead to what the future might ...

Everything You Need to Know About Quiet Quitting

Quiet quitting. It’s the latest business buzz, and a sizzling hot topic on social media and throughout employment and HR sectors. Depending on who ...

Wake up and Look at Your IT Security Before it’s Too Late!

We’ve all read with shock and horror about large cyber-attacks such as the breaches at Target, Netflix, and financial institutions including JP ...

3 Basic Cybersecurity Musts for Your Small Business

Here’s a startling statistic that just might shock you. In the last 12 months, 42% of small businesses found themselves victims of a cyberattack. ...

LinkedIn Profile Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Every business owner and professional on the planet is at least familiar with the social media behemoth LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the largest ...

How to Improve Website Traffic Conversion

Advertising prices are steadily rising and the measurability of advertising tools is eroding. Brands are currently operating in a state of blindness, ...

Keep Them Loyal - Changing Your Employment Mindset

If you’re like me and you’ve had your business for 20-something years, then you know that gone are the days of the gold watch for staying loyal to a ...