But he was working on similar systems several years before that: His first gig was in 2003 to develop an inventory control system for KCD Public Relations that would help track designer samples sent to magazines, stylists, models and celebrities.

FORBES: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Gets Technical

And, tapping his auto parts experience, he introduced the just-in-time inventory-control system and lean manufacturing, which emphasizes reducing wasteful processes in order to make better products and respond quickly to customers.

FORBES: The Great Train Catch-Up