KEVIN HOLMES

Kevin Holmes Co-Founder & CVO, MerchantConnect | Architect of Global Wholesale Solutions (GWS) Transparent Commerce Innovator I’m on a mission to transform global trade through technology that bridges gaps, eliminates waste, and empowers businesses of all sizes. As Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of MerchantConnect, I lead a team building tools to democratize access to transparent, efficient commerce. My Work Global Wholesale Solutions (GWS): A suite of platforms tackling inefficiencies in cross-border trade, including GWS Closeouts (connecting buyers/sellers of liquidated goods) and GWS Branded & Private Label (launching global manufacturers in North America). MerchantConnect: The backbone of GWS, providing AI-driven tools for compliance, logistics, and payments. My Journey 20+ years in multi-unit retailing and a decade in retail sourcing exposed me to systemic flaws in global trade—overstock waste, opaque pricing, and barriers for small businesses. Founded MerchantConnect in 2024 to fix these broken systems, leveraging technology to create fair, transparent pathways for manufacturers and buyers. Beyond Business Advocate for equitable access to global markets, prioritizing sustainability and transparent practices. Mentor for founders building tools that "should exist but don’t." Motto “Build bridges, not barriers—commerce should empower, not exploit.”