MEET THE TEAM
MARILYN KLEIN
CEO
Our fearless leader has been in the wholesale and retail apparel business for more than 40 years. First as an owner and buyer in her chain of specialty retail kids stores throughout Texas and now on the wholesale rep side. After closing her stores in 1974 an industry vet, Irwin Chaiken, put the bug in her ear to open her own showroom. As she says “All I knew was I wanted my customers to feel like they were a guest in my home when they entered my showroom” She knew specialty stores were the backbone of the retail industry and then Irwin taught her the ropes in the department store arena. With that southern hospitality in tow, she launched into The Klein Group and now years later is proud of the business she has created.
DENNY KLEIN
CFO
Married to our fearless leader, Marilyn for over 50 years, this money guy has stood the test of time, both in supporting Marilyn in all her ventures, which there are many of, and in supporting the staff and keeping them on task and budget. The longevity of both their love and business collaboration has and is continuing to stand the test of time. Denny, now "retired" handles all finance and works with Christine on back end reporting for The Klein Group.
ROBIN RAMIREZ
Showroom and Accessories Manager
This mom of 2 has been in fashion since she was a child. She is our Accessory Queen and this is where we love her. She has been in the kids’ wholesale business since 2001. Robin’s flair to always get involved has proved a strong quality when dealing with customers and manufacturers alike. She is passionate about everything she touches and prides herself in helping everyone in her path. You will find Robin in our Dallas showroom and anywhere else she is needed when an accessory brand calls.
ELIZABETH SHAW
Department Store Manager
Elizabeth, a mom of three and a former Neiman Marcus Kids buyer, was looking for a part time job when we scooped her right up. Now years later as a permanent part of The Klein Group, Elizabeth’s specialty is our department stores. She travels all over the country working closely with Marilyn, our brands and department stores and managing the day to day needs of both. During markets you will also see her pitching in and helping out wherever necessary..
BRENDA GABLE
Showroom Support
Brenda spent over 30 years as a department store buyer, the last 16 years as the Senior Buyer for all Baby products at JCPenney. After she retired, she thought she was just helping a friend work for The Klein Group for one market. She quickly jumped back into the world of kids product and is now in our showroom every week. You may find her selling, filing orders, or staffing our markets, but Brenda is quick to welcome all to The Klein Group. Brenda is the mother of 3 daughters and grandmother of 2 very sweet girls and spends most weekends on the soccer fields watching them .
CARLY CHAVEZ
Tween Brand Manager
Born and raised in Edmond, OK Carly got her start in the fashion industry working in a children's boutique for 6 years. After graduating with her Bachelors degree in Fashion Marketing from the Univeristy of Central Oklahoma, GO Broncos!, Carly moved to Dallas. For the past 3 1/2 years she has worked for companies such as Nordstrom and Trunk Club. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reality TV and all things Pop Culture.
PAMELA KRAMER
Business Development
Pam is an industry veteran in ladies’ apparel and accessories. She brings 25+ years of apparel industry experience, including the retail and wholesale sides of the business.
Pam met Marilyn and Denny while serving as the leasing director for the Dallas Market Center.
After several years in management at the Dallas Market Center, Pam opened her own showroom at the Market Center representing high-end ladies’ apparel and accessory collections.
She closed the showroom in July 2020. While exploring new opportunities to use her industry knowledge, she reconnected with Marilyn. The timing turned out to be perfect.
She is excited about the opportunity to learn the children’s industry from the best in the business.
Pam spends her free time taking care of her Maltipoo, Cupcake, gardening, and cooking with her partner Greg.