Kim’s Bio
Dean A. Holly’s career reflects a series of well-timed pivots driven by opportunity and experience. He developed an early interest in apparel while working for Seattle-based Squire Shops during high school and college. He earned a BA in Business from the University of Washington, where he also obtained his private pilot license and began a 28-year association with Nordstrom.
Alongside his retail work, Dean pursued aviation, earning FAA Airframe & Powerplant certification and working as a multi-engine instrument instructor and charter pilot. Following industry deregulation in his late 20s, he transitioned fully to Nordstrom, where he built a 22-year executive career in merchandising and product development. As General Manager of the Nordstrom Product Group, he oversaw global sourcing operations across 24 countries and 420 factories, accounting for 27% of the company’s merchandise.
After retiring in 2002, Dean launched a third career as an entrepreneur, co-founding menswear brands including TailorByrd, Thomas Dean & Co., and Russell Wilson’s Good Man Brand. He has also been an active member and Board Member of the Bellevue Rotary for over 19 years.
Presentation Title
Tariffs, Duties, Taxes, User Fees, and Their Impact on Sourcing Decisions in the Apparel and Footwear Industry
