Don Winter Email & Phone Number

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Aperture Advisors helps B2B organizations develop and implement effective growth strategies. We take an "Outside In" perspective to focus on customers and markets, versus internal products, services and features. Solutions are based on solving customers problems. Aperture Advisors help organizations increase sales and profits with strategic planning, developing new product solutions, improving communication with customers and using the best sales channels. Understanding the customer, their problems and opportunities, the decision makers and influencers and their decision criteria, provides the framework to create differentiated sustainable competitive solutions.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Cabinetworks Group manufactures high quality cabinet solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, offices and family rooms. Our cabinet solutions are sold under numerous brand names, including Medallion, Yorktowne, DesignCraft, MasterCraft, Schuler and Modico. You can find our cabinets at kitchen/bath design showrooms, home centers and new construction builders.

As Vice President Marketing, Director Marketing, I led efforts to development and implement new product development solutions and processes, focusing on customer needs for each different market segment. Managed and influenced software development, vertical marketing, product marketing, customer education, marketing communications and event planning teams.ACCOMPLISHMENTS• Created/implemented long-range strategic and short term tactical global product plans for all segments, positioning the company for double digit revenue and profit growth• Led marketing teams transforming company from being product to market driven organization• Developed/launched 10 new product platforms, resulting in over $200 million in global sales• Managed numerous software development solutions - proposal/product selection/order, phone app, IoT, SaaS helping improve productivity, reduce errors and drive new business• Directed brand change affecting entire company and all products creating foundation for future company growth• Conducted voice of customer market research – understanding trends which resulted in improved market driven solutions• Implemented multiple digital marketing programs driving incremental customer growth, focused on websites, advertising, social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube), SEO, SEM, analytics and email campaigns resulting in increased sales leads and brand impressions• Created comprehensive communications programs including: technical articles, PR, webcasts, brochures, white papers, advertising, videos and sales and service training programs increasing brand awareness and market thought leadership perception• Developed sales playbooks detailing vertical market decision makers, buying criteria and competitive comparisons improving sales engineer selling skills• Managed 50+ annual customer events and trade shows, some of which included 1000+ attendees, creating direct connections with customers

Start-up company, part of Taylor Corp., developing processes to manufacture electronic products using a printing press to add conductive materials onto flexible substrates (plastic/paper)Led global sales efforts of new start-up business to identify new markets and establish customers

Manufacturer of secure ID and card personalization solutionsGlobal P&L responsibility for business segment. Managed product marketing team and marketing communication strategies.ACCOMPLISHMENTS• Global P&L responsibility for $65 million business segment• Developed 3 new hardware products and 4 new software products for commercial market segments – generating $23 million in revenue and a gross margin increase of 12% points• Creating multiple new types of distribution channels adding new customers and new markets• Developed short/long term strategies which grew the business in a highly competitive international marketplace• Developed growth strategies/tactics for each Asia Pacific market resulting in 30% sales growth with new markets and sales channels• Implemented plans increasing aftermarket supplies business

Manufacturer of fluid handling, paint spray and sealant and adhesive dispensing equipmentAs General Manager Marketing, Director Marketing, I had global P&L responsibility for 2 industrial business segments. Led product marketing and application sales support teams. ACCOMPLISHMENTS• Global responsibility for 2 industrial business segments worth $71 million• Managed distribution channels (distributors, OEM’s, direct to end-users) achieving business growth/objectives• Developed 5 new products for expanding existing market penetration, generating $17 million in revenue• Created innovative sales support materials; presentations, sales and service training, brochures, advertisements and competitive comparisons for new products achieving strong product launches

Variety of marketing and sales leadership roles focusing on development and growth of several new business and market segments. Functions included business unit leadership, strategic planning, M&A, sales management, new business development and product management.

Ba, Finance & Economics

Mba, Marketing