Donald J. Loftus, President of Parlux Ltd. and Executive Vice President of Perfumania, Inc., is having a ball! Perfumania, Inc is the largest US specialty retailer of fragrances and other beauty related products and Parlux, is a major distributor known for its quality and innovation in its products, packaging and marketing. It creates some of America’s most loved fragrances including Vince Camuto, Sean John, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Bahama, Jay Z, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton and Rihanna.Prior to testing the waters in the very entrepreneurial environment at Parlux, Loftus had developed a very accomplished career in the corporate fashion and beauty world. His earlier days included The May Department stores and Field Sales Manager for Estee Lauder. He then moved on to becoming President and CEO for various companies including P&G Prestige North America, Wella’s Cosmopolitan Cosmetics US, Escada Beaute The Americas, Yves Saint Laurent Beaute U.S. and Sanofi Beaute, North America— overseeing such brands as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent, and Oscar de la Renta to name a few.Raised in Ohio, Loftus didn’t always know he wanted to work in the fast paced fashion industry, but what he did know was that he wanted to be in New York. Early-on in his life, like so many young people, he had a fascination with the Big Apple and had a love for the theatre. Neither passion has faded. Donald is currently the Chairman of the Board of The Fashion Group International, and also serves on the boards of The Dramatist Guild Fund and The Women’s Project Theatre.RAINE: Describe in your own words what Parlux is and its importance to your industry?LOFTUS: Parlux is a 20+ year old company and was originally based in Florida. It was bought 3 years ago, and although there is still a small base in Florida, New York is its Headquarters now.While Parlux has seen success over the years, it has really become a major player in the industry over the past three years under its new ownership. One of the nicest compliments we’ve received, “I’ve never seen a company turn around so fast and so well.” I give this credit to our owner.What makes us different from the competition, is that we are really focused on the core of the country, Middle America. We have strong designer brands such as Kenneth Cole, Vince Camuto, and Tommy Bahama, all of which represent high quality designer names but they may not be perceived as hip or chic as some of the French or Italian names. However, our price point makes a difference and the quality of our product is the best. For example, even fragrances like Estee Lauder’s Beautiful are at a $90 price tag and our fragrances are at $75.We are not as big as some of the major corporations, and therefore don’t have as loud an advertising voice, but when our customer discovers our brands, feels the packaging and then smells the fragrance — we win. We also make sure our gift sets and gift-with-purchases are head and shoulders above the rest.Steven Nussdorf is our principal owner and Chairman; he is not pushing us to have humungous sales increases. He wants to build a strong and steady business, giving a quality product that is accessible to Middle America, - a big niche in the market now. The other half of our portfolio is celebrity. Some of our celebrity fragrances include Paris Hilton, Rihanna, Jay Z, Sean Jean, Pitbull and Donald Trump.RAINE: Years before your current position with Parlux, you were a Field Sales Manager. What was your vision at that point in life? Did you see yourself at the helm of a hugely successful beauty company? OR How did you make that transition to the top?LOFTUS: I had no idea that I’d be running companies. I was at a retailer first in Ohio and then went to Boston for Estee Lauder, where Clinique, Estee Lauder’s sister brand, had exploded and was outpacing the “mother” brand. I was brought in as the Field Sales Manager of Estee Lauder to close the gap. A colleague eventually left Estee Lauder and moved to Yves Saint Laurent Beaute in New York and then eventually hired me to be the VP of Sales for Yves Saint Laurent.What I am doing today is a much faster pace than the corporate roles I have held in the past. I retired from P&G and I said to a head hunter that if I go to a small company, how would that be viewed. He told me that today that is actually respected because you are going to do something fun and more entrepreneurial. It is good to have a mix on your resume...it shows you are willing to take risks.Our support staff is very young and bright and hungry for knowledge.I enjoy sharing stories and experiences with them to help them grow. My experience at P & G was very a great learning period but also very corporate and we at Parlux are not very corporate. We get ideas from our entire staff, we take risks and we get to do some really fun things.RAINE: What advice that you would like to share with other budding entrepreneurs?LOFTUS: What’s most important in your career is that you absolutely love what you are doing. I try to tell 22 year olds how quickly time marches on. One day you wake up and you are suddenly the oldest one in the Board Room. If you are unhappy in your job, find something else that will better meet your business, personal or growth needs. You should try various size companies and it can sporadic. Have as many experiences as you can and don’t get pigeon holed. Know what else is going on around you. People are so much more productive when they are happy. If something is bringing you down, then get out. A lot of bosses wouldn’t say that. If I have an employee that is not happy, I will try to work to make them happy...but if it’s not for them, I would encourage them to find something that will make them happy. If you think you can correct your situation by voicing it then speak up—if it’s a job worth saving. Take charge of your own career and don’t leave it in someone else’s hands. I grew up in a really poor family and I’ve learned... if you work hard and have a goal, there is nothing you can’t do. But you have to drive it yourself.RAINE: As the Chairman of Fashion Group International what are the current challenges facing the fashion industry?LOFTUS: In terms of fashion, I think the biggest challenge is the consolidation of retail. We lost about 83 store names. Each market used to have 3 stores: Good, Better and Best—now Macy’s is 50% of the business after the consolidation of retailing. Dillard’s has also bought up a lot of independent stores. It makes it tough; it’s hard to have a point of difference. If you don’t sell Macy’s—you don’t bring it to America. Neiman’s has done an incredible job in remaining true to themselves and who they are. Others have not been able to keep up with the level of luxury that once existed. There are less choices when it comes to distributing your brand and it’s very hard to stay niche.RAINE: As someone that has held so many prestigious positions in the beauty industry, what would you like for your legacy to be?LOFTUS: I would like to know that I have inspired someone and made a difference in their life.