Kurt Backlund

Kurt Backlund Email and Phone Number

Innovation & Development Lab at Delta Faucet Company @ Delta Faucet Company
Kurt Backlund's Location
Fishers, Indiana, United States, United States
Kurt Backlund's Contact Details
About Kurt Backlund

“Life begins on the other side of fear.” This saying provides a powerful perspective: if you’re always sitting in your comfort zone, you’re not really living. And so in both my personal and professional worlds, I believe that you have to push your way through the unknown in order to realize your full potential.While I am currently Senior Director of Delta Faucet Company's Innovation Lab, I’ve spent over 25 years gaining company knowledge, having worked in engineering, supplier development, program management, marketing, and sales. Personally, I’m like a sponge - always asking questions and trying to understand more. I have the ability to notice patterns, analyze data and make good decisions, based on a combination of tribal knowledge and extensive experience. And as even my family members can tell you, I can get pretty focused on winning.The best way for me to relax at the end of the day is by biking (road and mountain) and coaching track. I also play the guitar, leaning mostly towards acoustic classic rock. Another interest is our family's 1978 Corvette Pace Car. I enjoy restoring/maintaining this piece of history with my son.Besides being known for my loud and distinguished laugh, I’m also known for my adaptability. I enjoy aligning the organization around key projects or goals. I can associate with all types of people, and I’m not afraid to try new things. I don’t let fear for the unknown stop me.

Kurt Backlund's Current Company Details
Delta Faucet Company

Delta Faucet Company

View
Innovation & Development Lab at Delta Faucet Company
Website:
deltafaucet.com
Kurt Backlund Work Experience Details
  • Delta Faucet Company
    Sr. Director - Innovation & Development Lab
    Delta Faucet Company Jan 2020 - Present
    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
  • Delta Faucet Company
    Sr. Director - Portfolio Management
    Delta Faucet Company Sep 2017 - Jan 2020
    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).
  • Delta Faucet Company
    Sr. Director - Product Marketing Delta / Peerless Faucets & Related Products
    Delta Faucet Company Mar 2012 - Aug 2017
    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.
  • Delta Faucet Company
    Sr. Product Marketing Manager - Wholesale Business
    Delta Faucet Company Jan 2010 - Mar 2012
    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.
  • Delta Faucet Company
    Sr. Product Marketing Manager - Wholesale Kitchen
    Delta Faucet Company Feb 2008 - Jan 2010
    Indianapolis, In, Us
  • Delta Faucet Company
    Regional Sales Manager - Midwest Wholesale
    Delta Faucet Company Apr 2004 - Feb 2008
    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…).
  • Delta Faucet Company
    Product Manager - Peerless
    Delta Faucet Company Oct 2003 - Apr 2004
    Indianapolis, In, Us
    Product and project manager for Peerless products associated with the 2004 Lowe’s line review.
  • Delta Faucet Company
    Project Manager
    Delta Faucet Company Jul 2002 - Oct 2003
    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…
  • Delta Faucet Company
    Product Engineer / Interim Product Engineering Manager (Panyu, China)
    Delta Faucet Company Feb 2001 - Jul 2002
    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.
  • Delta Faucet Company
    Product Engineer - International
    Delta Faucet Company Jan 1998 - Feb 2001
    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 Studios
    Board Member
    900 North Studios Jan 2020 - Present
    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.
  • University Of Oklahoma, Electric Vehicle Research Institute
    Undergraduate Research Assistant
    University Of Oklahoma, Electric Vehicle Research Institute Aug 1997 - Dec 1997
    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)
  • Delta Faucet Company
    Product Engineering Co-Op
    Delta Faucet Company Aug 1995 - Aug 1997
    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.
  • University Of Oklahoma, Lpg Vehicle Research
    Undergraduate Research Assistant
    University Of Oklahoma, Lpg Vehicle Research Jan 1996 - May 1996
    Norman, Oklahoma, Us
    Converted a Chrysler mini-van to LPG in preparation for the 1996 Propane Vehicle Challenge in Windsor, Ontario.
  • University Of Oklahoma, Center For Structural Control
    Undergraduate Research Assistant
    University Of Oklahoma, Center For Structural Control May 1995 - Aug 1995
    • 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

Kurt Backlund Skills

Cross Functional Team Leadership Product Development Product Marketing Pricing Manufacturing Sales Management Competitive Analysis Strategic Planning Product Launch Sales Operations Marketing Strategy Key Account Management Product Management Product Design Management Sales New Business Development Forecasting Marketing Budgets Engineering Account Management Project Management Program Management Team Building Strategy Contract Negotiation Marketing Management Consumer Products Budgeting Hugs P&l Management Training Market Planning B2b Market Research Trade Shows Market Analysis Pricing Strategy

Kurt Backlund Education Details

  • University Of Oklahoma
    University Of Oklahoma
    Mechanical Engineering
  • Eastern Michigan University
    Eastern Michigan University
    Mba

Frequently Asked Questions about Kurt Backlund

What company does Kurt Backlund work for?

Kurt Backlund works for Delta Faucet Company

What is Kurt Backlund's role at the current company?

Kurt Backlund's current role is Innovation & Development Lab at Delta Faucet Company.

What is Kurt Backlund's email address?

Kurt Backlund's email address is kw****@****cet.com

What is Kurt Backlund's direct phone number?

Kurt Backlund's direct phone number is +1 317-848*****

What schools did Kurt Backlund attend?

Kurt Backlund attended University Of Oklahoma, Eastern Michigan University.

What are some of Kurt Backlund's interests?

Kurt Backlund has interest in Kinder, Armutsbekämpfung.

What skills is Kurt Backlund known for?

Kurt Backlund has skills like Cross Functional Team Leadership, Product Development, Product Marketing, Pricing, Manufacturing, Sales Management, Competitive Analysis, Strategic Planning, Product Launch, Sales Operations, Marketing Strategy, Key Account Management.

Who are Kurt Backlund's colleagues?

Kurt Backlund's colleagues are Landis Archer, John Laconis, Eboni G., Julie Brown, Joshua Cernero, Susan Fisher, Dana Glasgow.

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