John Karas Email & Phone Number

Green Bay, Wi, Us

Garland, Texas, Us

Spearheading new international expansion of Fortress' premium residential/commercial deck framing, sustainable/superior environmentally-resistant composite deck boards, architectural steel and aluminum railing, as well as high quality steel fencing that positions Fortress as a leading total-solution provider in the industry.

Waterbury, Ct, Us

Performed lead international role in developing vision and dual-brand strategies to pioneer Rheem and Eemax global sales of electric tankless water heaters throughout Latin America, Asia, and Middle East. Developed and led regional inner-company cross-functional teams to drive new market penetration, develop new product introductions, and achieve revenue targets. Performed pivotal role in establishing new Rheem category on a global scale. • Grew international sales to over $5,000,000, more than doubling sales.• Opened up new Rheem markets in all target global regions (Latin America, Middle East-Africa, and Southeast Asia).• Developed a market-entry strategy to pursue a new vertical in the international commercial space.

Kohler, Wisconsin, Us

Operated as product marketing lead for all global operations within Kohler international arena. Drove global marketing strategies and new product development as leader of cross-functional and international teams, resulting in key initiatives to increase sales and margin and grow brand awareness. Conducted extensive regional market research and new global NPD stage-gate process implementation to identify key market opportunities and ensure timely development of global product launches. • Coordinated all global region new product scheduling to ensure viable projects that supported corporate strategic goals and met ROI parameters.• Served as key player in driving first true Kohler global range introduced in multiple international markets. Oversaw development of all launch assets, logistics, and promotions to meet target commercialization dates. • Designated as “champion” in developing new best-in-class performance engine and new product category strategies to establish company as global force in segment.

Kohler, Wisconsin, Us

Served as category leader of commercial fixture product range. Managed new product development from concept to launch; created marketing strategies and programs to maintain or gain share in light of company’s largest distributor’s strategic shift toward competitive brands. Created and led a new commercial cross-functional product team to develop a new best-in-class technology platform. • Conducted over 40 meetings and training seminars with wholesalers, engineering, architectural firms, and contractors to educate and gain market feedback, resulting in continued revenue growth of a $100 million category.• Created Commercial Sales Advisory Team (CSAT) to establish consultative voice from field, serving essential role in developing core strategic initiatives.• Developed new commercial pricing programs and structural changes to make company easier to do business with and improve brand profit potential within channel. • Established cross-functional commercial business team to fast-track new product development of critical needs and set path to reestablish company as category leader.

Schofield, Wisconsin, Us

Led new direction in China by turning around stagnant business through market research, development of new strategic plan, restructuring entire sales and marketing team, recruiting and grooming new national sales manager, expansion of direct sales staff, revamping and expanding distribution network, implementing business structure and policy, product analysis, and development of NPD strategic initiatives. Managed Latin American marketing supervisor to drive second brand strategy in Mexico and market entry plan.• Increased China sales by 40% YOY and established critical path to exponential growth.• Set up an international lead generation platform to track over 50 active projects in China.• Coordinated over ten corporate training events for the Latin America independent representative agencies.

Au

Oversaw all product management functions for North American operations via multiple Asian OEM sources. Spearheaded new product development through cross-functional team management and development of long-term strategic product management and marketing plans. Drove all aspects of new product literature, including coordination of photo shoots and creative layout. Managed all issues related to national and regional codes and standards compliance. Coordinated all import logistics, inventory control, and rationalization for four warehouses. Managed all marketing functions, including press releases, advertising, trade-show coordination, and display development.• Introduced new product range to bolster brand image in marketplace, resulting in new showroom business and project specifications representing new sales of over $1,000,000.• Reduced North American stock-on-hand located in overseas and domestic warehouses by $4,000,000 in one year through product rationalization and marketing-related efforts. • Established and managed corporate warehouse; coordinated transfer of 13 truckloads of over 200 SKUs to new location, and set up warehouse infrastructure.• Created accredited American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education (CEU) course taken by over 1,200 architects and designers. • Generated improved literature look and layout to revitalize brand, resulting in increased demand for new range of products.

Au

Led new market development efforts in central and eastern USA and Caribbean regions as new market entry. Hired, trained, and supervised 11 manufacturer representative agencies with over 35 outside sales representatives. Established U.S. warehousing, import logistics, and order processing for over 200 SKUs. • Exceeded sales quota by 50% for two consecutive years; increased business by 300%. • Pioneered new distribution development throughout central and eastern United States, resulting in over 70 new accounts and $1,000,000 in new showroom and wholesale business. • Established and managed five-year corporate contract with San Antonio Water Systems representing $2,000,000 in annual sales.

Neenah, Wisconsin, Us

Worked closely with China-based OEM manufacturers to secure import channels, and best pricing and quality for medical and dental supplies. Rationalized product line, set up product management infrastructure and created P&L budget for $8M product category.

Kohler, Wisconsin, Us

Performed comprehensive market research, interviewed, analyzed and recommended potential regional JV partners, and created strategic market development plan. Conducted multiple market research trips throughout South America to meet directly with new and existing dealers to determine marketing needs to drive growth. Served as key member of international sourcing team in South America with core focus of analyzing factories throughout continent to establish regional manufacturing source for both domestic distribution and export back to U.S.

Kohler, Wisconsin, Us

Established and oversaw operations of product management dept. based in Shanghai, China, including training and management of five product managers. Handled all facets of new product development and launches, pricing, forecasting and promotions, with responsibility for ensuring driving attainment of performance goals across all product lines. Built cross-functional, cross cultural teams to launch products into Chinese market.Spearheaded market reseach activities, defined product strategies and coordinated new product development through entire lifecycle. Developed two new product categories, regional export channels and import product line. Coordinated Kohler's European and Australian operations to establish inter-company import/export channels.

Masters In International Management, International Marketing

Bachelors Of Letter & Science, Spanish, Business Administration