It’s a Mode, LLC Retail (“IAM”), founded by Phinesia Johnson, due to the lack of diverse suppliers of the large organizations that she worked for and there were not any initiatives on the horizon to reach a more diverse pool of suppliers, which she believes is an untapped source of partnerships. Determined to change the optics of organizations and taking both her educational and professional experience, which spans more than two decades, she founded a certified minority- and woman-owned consulting practice that focuses on major retail preparedness consulting, brokerage and distribution.

IAM partners with diverse business owners to analyze their current business operations for major retail preparedness, provide gap analyses, identify opportunities, and devise business development plans based on the results to commence the work for major retail preparedness. We pride ourselves on ensuring that our client’s business operations are not just prepared to do business with large organizations, but we also mitigate risks by advising, coaching and training before we introduce our clients to buyers. We serve as a Broker or Distributor to brands and assist diverse suppliers who are eligible, with Federal, State and Private sector certification applications and renewals.

Phinesia obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Governors State University, her ABA-approved paralegal certificate from Roosevelt University, and her Master of Jurisprudence degree from Loyola University Chicago.