About Max Retail
Built by retailers.
Built for retailers.
We know what it feels like to stare at a rack full of inventory that won't move.
Trusted by our industry.
Our Mission
We exist to give independent retailers the tools they’ve always deserved.
Max Retail is a retail technology platform that converts past-season inventory into cash — fast, fairly, and without the headaches. We connect independent retailers directly with shoppers who want what they have, on terms that work for everyone.
The founders
Retailers who became builders.
Co-Founder & CEO
Melodie van der Baan
A former road rep and independent retailer, Melodie spent years traveling the country selling to boutiques before opening her own store. The frustration of unsold inventory drove her to build Max Retail. Named to the Inc. Female Founders 500, she leads the company with the perspective of someone who has lived every challenge her customers face.
Co-Founder & CHRO
Morgan Bodstrom
Morgan co-owned a retail shop with Melodie and experienced the inventory problem firsthand. Before that, she spent years in executive recruiting in New York City, focused on wholesale apparel, footwear and accessories. As Chief Human Resources Officer, she leads talent and culture — building the team that powers Max Retail’s growth.
Co-Founder & R&D Lead
Damon Ciarelli
Damon is the engineer who turned Melodie and Morgan’s vision into patented technology. As R&D Lead, he oversees the platform infrastructure powering Max Retail’s multi-channel distribution, listing automation, and logistics — giving independent retailers tools previously only available to enterprise brands.
Our Story
The Problem was personal. So was the solution.
Before Max Retail existed, Melodie van der Baan was on the road. For years she traveled the country as a distributor, driving store to store in a Sprinter van, calling on boutiques across the US. She saw the same story everywhere she went — beautiful products, passionate owners, and racks full of unsold inventory.
“As a rep, I always tried to help my retailers when merchandise didn’t sell in-store. But then when I became a retailer, and suddenly had a sale rack myself, no on was helping me. That’s why we created Max Retail.”
— Melodie van der Baan, Co-Founder & CEO
Today, thousands of independent retailers and brands use Max Retail to move inventory smarter. The math finally works — for the retailer, for the brand, and for the planet.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Our values aren’t a wall poster. They’re how we work.
01
We Lift While We Climb
Our success is shared. By mentoring and collaborating, we grow together and win as one team.
02
Outcomes Over Output
We focus on what creates real value — moving fast, simplifying wherever possible, and delivering what matters.
03
Act Like an Owner
We show up with accountability, urgency, and pride in everything we do — no excuses, no silos.
04
Share Knowledge
What we know, we share. Transparency and teaching each other makes everyone sharper and faster.
05
Grow On Purpose
Personal and professional growth are intentional. We embrace curiosity, welcome feedback, and adapt to get better every day.
06
Listen, Speak, Commit
We listen to understand, speak with honesty and respect, and commit to moving forward together — even when we disagree.
READY TO GET STARTED?
