Karen Friedman '89, president of Coach Watches, says she always knew retail was the career for her. Her first job after graduation-as a sales associate in a Macy's watch department-turned out to be her point of entry to the kind of career she envisioned.

After working her way up, she left Macy's in 1993 for Movado Group, where she helped to launch and became a manager for a new brand called ESQ watches.

Five years later, she left ESQ to become senior vice president of sales for the Coach Watches division of Movado, and was quickly promoted to president-"president of the brand," she noted. The job suits her perfectly.

"I like selling products I believe in, and the excitement of bringing products to market, trying out new concepts," she said. "I get to travel. A good merchant has to have a finger on the pulse of the business. I spend most of December in stores. You can learn a lot by eavesdropping on customers!"

Describing herself as a "homegrown executive," Friedman is a big proponent of giving back. Six years ago, she helped to start a breast cancer awareness and fundraising program for Coach Watches.

"I got a solid education," Friedman said. "I have a great job that lets me see and celebrate successes. I live near the beach and I get to spend a lot of time outdoors. I enjoy watching my own story unfold and I love to watch other people grow. I know that I am a lucky person."