|
Corporate Officers,
L&W Investigations
Neal Lyons
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board,
L&W Investigations
Neal Lyons started L & W in August 2002. Developing the first business opportunity for investigation companies. L & W will be launching over 100 locations in the U.S. with plans to expand overseas in 2007.
Neal spent nine years at Vans, Inc., during his tenure, the retail division grew to more than four times its original size. Vans has several hundred full price and outlet stores, including twelve skateparks. While at Vans, Mr. Lyons added a number of new aspects to the retail division. He successfully launched the Vans apparel line in the company owned stores, opened the company's first international retail stores, and added a new division of concept stores based on the company's series of Core Sports events. Retail Watch, a monthly publication specializing in strategic planning, recognized the new stores as "an intriguing idea well executed." Additionally, Mr. Lyons was instrumental in Wall Street presentations and Investment House presentations. Mr. Lyons' achievements were recognized with the 1998 Vans President's Award.
Mr. Lyons' proudest accomplishment at Vans has been the successful development and launch of the company's new skatepark division, bringing entertainment to the forefront of Vans' retail expansion plans. Each park ranges in size from 30,000 square feet to more than 61,000 square feet, making them among the premiere retail entertainment destinations. Vans Skateparks have been recognized by the Mills Corporation as one of the Top Ten Hot Retailers for the 21st Century.
In his 25 years in the retailing industry, Mr. Lyons has worked with Reebok International, Intershoe Corporation, and Kinney Shoe Corporation. While at Reebok, Mr. Lyons rolled out the largest expansion plan in company history, and developed the Health Club and Planet Reebok Concepts. During Mr. Lyons' tenure with the Intershoe Corporation, he created the retail concepts for all better branded lines (Via Spiga, Paloma, Studio Palo, Nickels and JAZZ), carrying footwear, apparel and leather goods. At Kinney Shoe Corporation, Neal worked in several divisions, including Stylco, Kinney, Kinney for Her, and Foot Locker.
Mr. Lyons is active in a number of community oriented programs, and devotes much of his spare time to children with special needs. Mr. Lyons serves on the Boards of Directors for Surfparks and for Special Olympics Southern California, and Massachusetts, and on the Executive Committee for the Top Financial Fundraisers for the Special Olympics (Pier del Sol). Additionally, Mr. Lyons worked with city officials in the communities surrounding Vans Skateparks to support local organizations, including the Orangewood Children's Home, the Bakersfield Community Skatepark, and several other community based programs. He has received recognition from several organizations, including the Santa Ana Police Department's Community Policing Award and the 2000 Los Angeles National Philanthropy Award.
|
