Eric Fortman Email & Phone Number

St Michael, Minnesota, United States

Maple Grove, Minnesota, United States

Successfully led a 26-member sales and customer service team, driving profitable sales growth by developing and implementing broad-based marketing initiatives focused on differentiation and customer satisfaction. Through restructuring sales regions, refining processes, adjusting compensation, and fostering a collaborative team environment, I increased customer service levels and achieved a 5.2% profit margin increase within six months. Under my leadership, the team achieved its first $2MM sales month in the company's six-year history. Additionally, I created an online e-purchase model that enhanced product offerings and reduced inventory carrying costs by 17% through strategic vendor partnerships. I also led communication efforts with the board of directors, providing insights on operations, industry trends, and business plan recommendations.

Miamisburg, Ohio, United States

Led a 6-member sales and category development team responsible for driving $110MM in annual sales, accounting for one-third of the company’s volume across mass, specialty, and online retail channels, including Target, Kmart, Amazon, and Sears. Spearheaded the development of selling strategies, field execution plans, and co-marketing initiatives for key baby product categories such as Exersaucer, Evenflo Car Seats, and Snugli. As a key contributor to sales planning, I played an integral role in new product launches, annual business plans, and trade funding programs. Additionally, I was a senior leadership committee member during the acquisition of Ameda breastfeeding products, where I developed and executed a mass-market launch and go-to-market strategy. One of my key achievements was the successful launch of the first "store within a store" on Amazon.com, which grew the business by 135% over two years and added $8MM in overall revenue.

Miamisburg, Ohio, United States

Led a four-member sales team in driving branding initiatives through a channel selling strategy and deep consumer and category insights across Target, Target.com, Kmart, Kmart.com, and Amazon.com. Developed and executed strategic customer plans aimed at expanding distribution, achieving merchandising goals, and increasing market share. Responsibilities included recruiting and developing team members, meeting budget targets, and managing P&L for continuous improvement. Was recognized for the highest percentage sales increase at Target, achieving 205% of the budget with a $11MM increase, and drove $10MM top-line revenue growth at Kmart within 12 months. This success earned us the company’s first-ever category captaincy in the Infant and Toddler feeding category within Mass.

Miamisburg, Ohio, United States

Successfully developed and executed sales and marketing objectives for Target and Kmart stores, along with strategic online product placement initiatives, resulting in increased customer revenue by $12M at Target and $8M at Kmart within one year. My efforts led to being awarded the company's first-ever Target end-cap program, recognized for its high ROI, creativity, and cost-effective markdown strategy. Additionally, I earned co-category captaincy in Feeding and contributed to the development and implementation of Target's new Mom and Baby planogram format for 2004.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Successfully managed sales and marketing objectives, coordinating new product launches and promotional programs for leading brands like Advil, Axid, Centrum, Chapstick, and Robitussin at Target, contributing to $70MM in sales. Led a cross-functional team, collaborating with Category Development, Marketing, and Logistics to provide buyer insights on market trends, consumer research, and Joint Business Planning (JBP). As the Category Captain for Target's Analgesics and Nutrition category reviews, I drove a 184% increase in account sales over three years through strategic category and segment distribution gains. Additionally, I partnered with Target to launch the first-ever exclusive national TV, print, and in-store media campaign for the Chapstick brand, "Color My World Green."

Madison, New Jersey, United States

Successfully managed sales and marketing objectives, leading new product launches and promotional programs for top brands like Advil, Axid, Centrum, Chapstick, and Robitussin at Target stores, contributing to $70M in sales. I led a cross-functional team across Category Development, Marketing, and Logistics, providing buyer input on market trends, consumer research, and Joint Business Planning (JBP). As the Category Captain for Target's Analgesics and Nutrition categories, I helped drive a 184% increase in account sales over three years through category and segment distribution growth. I also partnered with Target to launch the company's first exclusive national TV, print, and in-store media campaign for the Chapstick brand, "Color My World Green."

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Business Administration And Management, General

International Business

12- Week course studying international business practices at leading corporations in Europe.