Joining Zedonk in 2015, Marco has seen the system go through a lot of changes in the past 10 years. Commencing his career as a specialist in fashion logistics and operations, his knowledge of the industry quickly became a valuable asset to the growth and direction of Zedonk. A decade on, Marco now plays a vital role in spearheading the company’s future as Director of Operations.
As the longest standing Zedonker, how would you describe your journey with the company so far?
My journey at Zedonk has been quite the adventure! It feels like we’ve navigated three distinct eras. There was the initial, exhilarating startup phase with the founders Marcia and Richard, full of that classic “let’s figure it out as we go” energy.
Then came the interesting chapter of expansion and the integration following the acquisition – a period of learning and adaptation. And now, it’s exciting to see the team and product really solidify and grow, all while keeping our clients front and centre in a sometimes unpredictable world.
Through all these phases, the core mission remained constant: Zedonk is here to empower small and medium brands worldwide with our scalable, intuitive platform and best-in-class service. It’s been deeply rewarding to witness and be a part of Zedonk’s evolution from its early spark to where we are today.
Can you describe your typical day as Director of Operations?
A typical day involves a bit of everything, really! I usually start by checking in on the key operational rhythms and tackling any immediate priorities. Then it’s a mix of diving into ongoing projects – whether that’s streamlining processes or collaborating with the Product and Client Success teams – and looking at the bigger picture for future operational strategy.
There are definitely meetings – connecting with different teams and stakeholders is crucial. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring our operations are running smoothly and effectively supporting our client-focused mission, with a healthy dose of problem-solving thrown in for good measure.
How has your history working in the fashion industry impacted your work here?
Having spent time in the trenches, running the logistics and operations for various fashion brands, I’ve gained a real appreciation for the unique challenges and opportunities within the industry.
This firsthand experience allows me to approach our platform and our clients with a deeper understanding of their specific needs – from the intricacies of collections to the demands of a fast-paced market. It helps me see beyond the technical aspects of Zedonk and appreciate how it can truly address the real-world pain points of fashion businesses.
It’s about speaking our client’s language and anticipating the things that really matter to them. Our whole team understands it well, and I’m proud I’ve helped put together this amazing group of people and share our core values.
Do you have a favourite memory from the past ten years at Zedonk?
Looking back, some of the most vivid and cherished memories come from those early, whirlwind days. The delightful chaos of trying to do ten things at once! The odd nights spent in our small lower ground floor office in Calvert Avenue, testing and reviewing product features, chasing deadlines to deliver for our clients.
Perhaps it’s a straightforward sentiment, but for me, the enduring memory isn’t about the achievements themselves, but the remarkable team I shared those experiences with.
How has fashion’s changing relationship with technology sculpted the work you do?
Fashion’s embrace of technology has definitely kept things interesting! The increasing need for sophisticated solutions, seamless omni-channel experiences, ever-changing operational requirements, and data-driven insights has been a major driver in how Zedonk has evolved.
We’re constantly looking at how new technologies can empower our clients and ensure our platform remains at the forefront of their needs. It’s a continuous process of learning, adapting, and making sure Zedonk is equipped to handle the digital landscape of the fashion world.
What’s your favourite Zedonk feature and why?
Oh, this is like asking a parent to pick a favourite child! Having had a hand in building most of Zedonk’s features, they’re all near and dear to me.
I have a real soft spot for our Digital Showroom Module – it’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly effective in empowering our clients to drive sales and showcase their brands with professionalism and structure. But if I’m being truly honest, the Inventory Module with multi-location functionality has to be my ultimate favourite. Being the backbone of operations and logistics, it just resonates deeply with my roots.
So much more to come later this year. I might have to review this answer over the next 6 months.
Could you describe Zedonk in three words?
Intuitive, Powerful, and Scalable.
How would you like to see the system develop in the next few years?
Looking ahead, I’d be excited to see Zedonk continue to integrate with cutting-edge technologies, perhaps exploring even more seamless connections across the entire fashion ecosystem.
We will have opportunities to develop more specialised features that cater to the unique requirements of different segments within the fashion industry, and expand our options to bring the solutions to our client needs into a single portal. The platform will remain highly scalable to support the growth of our clients, from emerging brands to enterprises.
Do you have any top-tips to share with users of Zedonk, present and future?
My top advice for Zedonk users, both new and existing, is to embrace exploration. Don’t hesitate to click around and discover the platform’s capabilities – every action is reversible, so there’s no risk in experimenting.
Zedonk is rich with features developed directly from user feedback, meaning the functionality you need is likely already there, designed to streamline and accelerate your workflows. If a process feels time-consuming, I’m confident Zedonk offers a faster, more efficient alternative.