Kurt Backlund Email & Phone Number

Indianapolis, In, Us

Our mission is to rapidly test & iterate high-impact innovations that align with DFC's strategic objectives. We do this in order to...1) Prove market potential & viable execution path2) De-risk the opportunity for our customers and the core business

Indianapolis, In, Us

Responsible for Delta and Peerless branded product development, product management, and program management across all business categories (~$1.5 billion in revenue).

Indianapolis, In, Us

Product Management/Product Development oversight for all Delta and Peerless branded faucets, showering products, and accessories.Led the exploratory phase of “Project Torch,” a collaboration between DFC and The Home Depotfacilitated by BCG, to enhance productivity in THD’s brick and mortar stores. The associatedresearch uncovered non-trivial opportunities to retain consumers and increase ASP. Resulted inthe creation of a full-time DFC Retail Innovation team and the eventual implementation of fiveprototype store sets across ~90 THD locations.Responsible for leading an internal initiative to create a “continuous improvement” culture withinDelta Faucet Company. This 18-month project drove cultural change (particularly in the corporateenvironment), trained associates on appropriate CI tools (A3, RCCM, etc...), and embedded reliable governance. At the end of this initiative, DFC had completed ~45 corporate-driven projects, implemented 10 glasshouses in headquarters, and realized >$2 million in savings.

Indianapolis, In, Us

Cradle to grave responsibility for Delta branded products (faucets, accessories, and repair parts) sold primarily through the wholesale channel (>$300 million in annual sales). Orchestrated dramatic growth in key (profitable) segments. (Example: Grew pull-out / pull-down kitchen faucet sales from 25% to 35% of overall kitchen mix and increased average kitchen revenue per unit by 20%).• Responsible for developing, communicating, and implementing product strategy for the Delta wholesale business. This included developing/recognizing “game-changing” platforms and proliferating these across the product portfolio. Examples are Touch2O, MagnaTite, DIAMOND Seal Technology, MultiFlow, Champagne Bronze, Arctic Stainless, etc…• Responsible for 5-Year Product Road map and 18 month Product Plan for the Delta wholesale channel. These are developed using insights from structured customer/consumer research and DFC’s annual VOC process.• Direct supervision of four Product Managers specializing in the bath (2), kitchen, and parts (retail & trade) businesses.• Responsible for managing portfolio contribution margin and revenue and reporting P&L status to the Executive Staff.• Supported wholesale customer/sales training events and presentations (~15 events per year).• New product messaging development (internal and external) with Channel Marketing and Training teams.

Indianapolis, In, Us

Indianapolis, In, Us

Sales Manager over a five territory region (Chicago, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky) representing ~$80 million in sales.• Direct supervision of five independent manufacturers rep agencies with responsibility for calling on a wide variety of influencers in the wholesale plumbing channel (wholesalers, K&B dealers, builders, plumbers, mechanical contractors, architects, interior designers, engineers, etc…)• Responsible for developing annual strategic plans (by territory) to grow the Delta, Peerless, Brizo, and Liberty Hardware brands in the wholesale R&R, residential new construction, commercial, and showroom segments.• Responsible for managing territory spend budgets including local marketing initiatives, no-charge product, discounts, contractor programs, builder rebates, etc…• National Account Manager for all “20-100” builders in the Midwest region including All American Homes, Fischer Homes, Drees Homes, Westport Homes, C.P. Morgan, Epcon, Lakewood Homes, Flaherty & Collins, NewWest, etc…• Key Account Management for national/regional wholesale customers based in the Midwest (Grainger, Lee Supply, LaSalle-Bristol, Plumbers Supply, etc…)• Coordinated local support for national accounts based outside the Midwest (KB Home, NVR, Ferguson, HD Supply, Winnelson, Hajoca, etc…).

Indianapolis, In, Us

Product and project manager for Peerless products associated with the 2004 Lowe’s line review.

Indianapolis, In, Us

Managed Tub/Shower Platform and Brizo cross-functional new product development teams with responsibility for project schedule and financial targets. • Developed project requirements (product requirements, budgets, margin $/%, etc…) and associated business cases using input from key stakeholders (Executive Staff) and cross-functional teams.• Reported project progress / relevant issues to DFC NPD Directors team on a monthly basis.• Supported implementation of “Critical Chain” Project Management.• Notable product launches include: MultiChoice Universal Tub/Shower System, 1900 Series Tub/Shower Platform, Vesi Bath Collection, Michael Graves Tub/Shower Collection, Multi-Function Showerhead Engines, etc…

Indianapolis, In, Us

Set-up, trained, and managed Delta Faucet China’s Product Engineering team.• Department responsibilities included developing new products for the International market (Asia and Latin America), transferring finished model assembly from North American factories to China, and cost reducing components used in North American facilities.• Responsible for hiring, training, and supervising five Product Engineers and three Designers.• Developed all Delta China Engineering / Quality related work instructions including: APQP, PPAP, EN, IIS, DFC Specification standards, etc…• Supported new supplier development / qualification in the region.

Indianapolis, In, Us

Developed new products to be sold outside of the North American market (China, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, and Latin America) and modified existing products to meet market specific needs. Responsibilities included project management, product design, and component sourcing.

900 North was built on the principle of creating lasting and meaningful relationships within our community. Founded by Indianapolis based artist Cory Constantine, 900 North offers 10 years of industry experience and expertise to help you complete your next public, residential, or commercial installation.

Norman, Oklahoma, Us

Assisted in the development of several alternative fuel vehicle technologies, including...• Solar vehicle (Spirit of Oklahoma)• ElecTrack series "Indy" race car (150kW Smokin' Sooner Schooner)• Induction charged pick-up truck controller development (Ford)

Indianapolis, In, Us

• Designed and fabricated tooling, fixtures, and gages for new product release using various CAD software packages and basic machining equipment.• Supported development of an opening price point line of lavatory and kitchen faucets by streamlining existing processes and designing cost reduced versions of current products.

Norman, Oklahoma, Us

Converted a Chrysler mini-van to LPG in preparation for the 1996 Propane Vehicle Challenge in Windsor, Ontario.

• Structural control research (bridge life extension) with emphasis on semi-active control; funded by the National Science Foundation and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation• Built a 2 degree of freedom hydraulic simulator; funded by GM

Bs, Mechanical Engineering

Mba