John Witkowski Email & Phone Number

Greater Seattle Area

Present production capabilities to prospective clients for a maker of retail store fixtures, trade show booths and structural steel and then manage design, engineering and installation projects to fill customer orders. Gather requirements, clarify design intent, estimate costs and submit bids. Conduct value engineering analysis. Communicate to resolve roadblocks and deliver on production and installation timelines. Facilitate marketing initiatives. Recruit, mentor and manage the engineering… Show more Present production capabilities to prospective clients for a maker of retail store fixtures, trade show booths and structural steel and then manage design, engineering and installation projects to fill customer orders. Gather requirements, clarify design intent, estimate costs and submit bids. Conduct value engineering analysis. Communicate to resolve roadblocks and deliver on production and installation timelines. Facilitate marketing initiatives. Recruit, mentor and manage the engineering team and manufacturing supervisors. Use Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams, manage construction projects with Procore and review manufacturing designs in SolidWorks.🔸 Landed $1.2 million across two purchase orders (PO), the largest REI POs in Stageplan history, to produce movable fixtures for REI’s sleeping bag departments in smaller stores🔸 Finished projects include on-time fixture rollouts for REI’s 190 existing stores and 30 new locations🔸 Led the fabrication of fixtures that contributed to Portland client Snow Peak’s selection for multiple design awards, including first place in Retail Design Institute’s 50th International Design Competition and an IIDA Oregon Design Excellence Award🔸 Joined a behind-schedule project to refurbish the Beast Bus, a double-decker bus bought by a Seahawks fan and repurposed to raise funds for charities; implemented timelines with cutoff dates, finalized the design intent and purchased materials to complete the well-loved bus in time for the kickoff party🔸 Leveraged network to secure a deal to remodel five blood collection buses for Bloodworks Northwest, laying the groundwork for additional work with the customer at the Puyallup Fairgrounds🔸 Built a strong reputation among customers and colleagues for honesty and direct communications Show less

Greater Seattle Area

Implemented and managed ground-up operations for two do-it-yourself jewelry and bead stores. Remodeled store locations; purchased and directed installation of retail fixtures. Sourced and purchased semi-precious stones and jewelry making components. Developed and taught jewelry making classes. Coordinated the stores’ website development and updates. Recruited and trained customer service and sales teams. Managed payroll and taxes with QuickBooks.🔸 Transformed store operations and… Show more Implemented and managed ground-up operations for two do-it-yourself jewelry and bead stores. Remodeled store locations; purchased and directed installation of retail fixtures. Sourced and purchased semi-precious stones and jewelry making components. Developed and taught jewelry making classes. Coordinated the stores’ website development and updates. Recruited and trained customer service and sales teams. Managed payroll and taxes with QuickBooks.🔸 Transformed store operations and marketing, including a new website and online classes, to garner profitability within two years amid the 2008 recession Show less

Greater Seattle Area

Provided retail store fixture manufacturing expertise to a startup that specialized in connecting retail store owners with store fixture needs to manufacturing companies. Led sales, business development and project management efforts. Gathered client requirements, negotiated contracts and then managed retail store fixture installation projects from lead generation through installation. Oversaw the administrative and accounting team.

Iso 9001, Total Quality Management And Leadership And Management Training

Woodworking Apprentice - Two Years

Hospitality/Woodworking Apprentice - Two Years