Tiger’s Gail Glave Recognized for Excellence by Secured Finance Network

For over 27 years, Gail Glave has served as a key leader in Tiger’s retail disposition practice. As Managing Director, Field Financial Operations, Gail is charged with tracking and analyzing daily sales data, reporting, financial modeling, AR/AP, and the on-site management of Tiger’s field supervisors. A true merchant, she brings great knowledge of retail operations, including merchandising and discount modeling, to every Tiger project. She has managed liquidation projects ranging in size from $10,000,000 to $900,000,000 million dollars in retail value and has worked with many of the world’s most prestigious retail brands. Glave began her career with the Tiger family of companies as an assistant financial analyst at The Nassi Group, Tiger’s predecessor company, in 1997. She was promoted to lead financial analyst in 2003. Prior to Tiger, she was jewelry operations director of Best Products, Inc. from 1986 to 1996. Here she managed communications to 230 jewelry managers, designed operational plans and created special promotional events. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Frostburg State University.

Studies have shown women are more reluctant to tout their accomplishments in the workplace. What advice would you give to help women be more comfortable with speaking up?

This is a good question and something that I’ve had to overcome myself. Years ago, I was quite reserved in meetings, and I remember doing a difficult project for my boss, and he wanted me to present to the VP of our department. After the presentation, the VP said to my boss that he, “my boss” had done a nice job. I remember feeling stupefied that I did all the talking, but received no credit. I promised myself from that time forward I would stand up for myself. If it looks boastful, so be it. I think as women, we sometimes get caught up in what everyone thinks of us. Throw that thinking out the window and be your own advocate. Be clear and know the facts about what you’re speaking about. It’s okay not to know everything; no one can. Just make sure you follow up immediately and get back with the answer. In my experience, quick follow up is appreciated and noticed.

What skills or experiences have been most critical in helping you succeed?

Foresight is a skill developed from hindsight. Be a past, present and future thinker. Sounds counterintuitive, right? Think of decisions made and the outcome of each. At Tiger, our group looks at a lot of retailers looking for funding. Over the years, we have looked at companies that sold products from coffee makers to 50K Diamond Riviera Necklaces. A wide variety for sure, but one thing is always true in retailing which is, “a customer is only willing to pay what they think an item is worth”. How do you know what that is? Studying current trends and past data can reveal the answer. Don’t be afraid to look at the deals which are less successful; there are many truths to be learned. The data gives information about a point of time but maybe things have changed. Was it affected by Covid, changing fashion taste or something else? Study decisions from many angles.

What do you think work will look like in the next few years?

As AI becomes more and more the norm, we will be able to rely more on its algorithms. The data AI tabulates today will be multiplied many times over in a few years. Our industry will use it to make better decisions and to see future trends of different businesses. Once a loan closes, monitoring becomes very important. Data collection from the borrowers can become more intuitive and intelligent analysis is the result. Data is key, but good data is priceless.

How have you handled a particularly challenging problem at work?

In our business, issues seem to be the norm. Challenges which need tough decisions need analysis of data as well. There might be many answers to the issue so listen to all points of view. Again, analyze the results of decisions made. In many cases one “size” does not fit all. Out of the box thinking can be very valuable and never be afraid to ask the “smartest person in the room” their thoughts. When faced with challenges, find a solution which can be executed. Think about the person or people who need the challenge solved. Do they have the skill set to do it or do they need help? If help is needed, be the catalyst for them or find it. Problem solving as a skill if well-honed will blaze your trail.

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