Crafted and guided product strategy for Klein Tools while integrating newly acquired Ergodyne and Blackfire brands into the Klein product portfolio. Recruited, led, and mentored a team of 4 direct reports across multiple product lines. Created and executed an intake training program for new grads in their first professional role. • Pioneered and commercialized multiple new categories including Illumination, Knives, and Rechargeable Products such as Li-Ion Speakers and Fans outperforming sales goals while delivering GM hurdles through the introduction of end-user resonant innovation in an otherwise commoditized set of product lines. New categories grew to $30M in 6 years.• Co-authored Klein Tools' first-ever Klein Leadership Program, an accelerated intake initiative to recruit, hire, coach, and mentor new college graduates and guide their early career development to build a successful bench in the Product Management, Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams. • Successfully mentored 3 program participants from college graduates to productive Associate Product Managers within the growing NPD group.• Planned and moderated monthly Voice of Customer interactions with end-users and contractors; authored surveys to garner larger-reach, end-user insights. Assigned to observe other product managers' VoC sessions to offer guidance on performance and improvement opportunities. • Identified and initiated stage-gate process documentation improvements to improve up-front specifications allowing faster time-to-market development with fewer scope creep cost increases. • Developed game-changing packaging and merchandising initiatives across multiple products; collaborated with Packaging Engineering and Marketing through execution.• Represented Klein Tools as a presenter at multiple Home Depot annual Product Symposiums and customer-facing gatherings with expert merchants and executive leaders, discussing market trends and insights.

Recruited to drive the development, commercialization, and sell-in for West Bend, Pop Crazy, Hershey’s, and Jelly Belly brands. Leader of strategic planning, product prioritization, channel management, and consumables for all portfolios. • Delivered consistent sales growth while driving GM increase of 5.3%.• Increased Target’s sales of West Bend Popcorn by 31% in 2013 to 2015 by introducing consumables.• Orchestrated the placement of $1.5 million in incremental popcorn SKUs in Walmart.• Awarded three incremental pallet programs, totaling $3.5 million, for Sam’s Club.• Developed Hershey’s Summer & Fall programs at Target, Walmart, and Meijer; products and foods.• Eliminated 27% SKUs reducing complexity for Distribution/Sourcing freeing cash and increasing turns.• Led brand image update in 2014. Worked concurrently with various departments to identify primary target audience, developed new design, brand language, and logo; executed onto products, packaging, and collateral. • Innovative products and branding secured 2 product/food programs sold into Williams-Sonoma.• Recognized for 2 products being highlighted for the Innovation Expo at IHA Show 2015, Chicago IL.• Collaborated with SVP of Sales and team to plan strategies and lead execution of line reviews to key retailers from mass to gourmet, hardware to clubs, retail to online.• Identified, explored, and executed new business opportunities with licensed products for Hershey’s and Jelly Belly brands for electrics and accessories. Developed new consumables for Pop Crazy brand to garner entire endcaps.

North American responsibility for all segments of the portfolio from business plans, buying group programs, sales forecasts, to P&L. Approached by the CEO requesting to head the product and program development for the Retail Electrics Division, the largest division of Focus Products Group.• Delivered sales growth of 13.9% from 2011 through 2013 while driving GM% increase of 14.0%.• Directed NPD and innovation pipeline from business plans, ideation, development, and launch.• New products encompassed 28% of sales with an average SGM of 47.5%.• Coordinated the execution of Focus Foodservice’s 2013 NAFEM booth which launched three new product lines, elevating the brand.• Products developed under my leadership was highlighted at NAFEM’s Innovation Expo.• Initiated, composed, and presented quarterly business reviews and annual Focus Objectives to Executives.• Promoted from Senior Product Manager to Director of Product Marketing within one year of hire after proving my ability to continue to drive profitable business following the departure of the division’s President.

Oversaw Chicago Cutlery branded products for North America. • Delivered sales growth of 37% and EBITDA increase of 38%.• Developed a series of new products that totaled $28.7 million in sales with an average SGM% of 42%.• Two products chosen as Design Finalists by the International Housewares Association in New York City.• Championed SKU rationalization team and internal SEVA process that reduced lines by 61%, yielding increased turns and reduced out-of-stocks while growing sales to plan.• Developed consumer promotions to engage consumers at shelf, entice trade-up, and drive incremental purchase. • Weber grill promotion landed World Kitchen’s first ever Kohl’s tower merchandising placement.• Omaha Steak promotions drove the #1 advertised and #1 POS cutlery SKU the market.• Cooking Light promotion delivered Chicago Cutlery’s first consumer print advertising since 1995.• Led a brand image update; identified primary target audience, brand bridge, new logo, and design language. Implemented Chicago Cutlery's first-ever Graphics Standards Guide for all current and future communications/merchandising. • Developed the business plan to extend Chicago Cutlery into the cutting board category with retail merchandising strategy.

Responsible for the product and project management of the Cutlery, Cookware, and Teakettle categories under the Chicago Cutlery, Revere, Magnalite, and EKCO brands. • Introduced 6 new sub-brands representing 58% of annual commercial revenue.• Launched two new Chicago Cutlery stainless steel cutlery lines delivering $1.2 million in new product revenue.

Responsible for new product development through production. Created Engineering documentation for new designs and product improvements.• Managed one direct report engineer. • Designed a new line of stamped cutlery judged “Best at Show 1998” by the American Culinary Institute.• Designed a new line of forged cutlery expanding into the international market.• Participated in sales presentations to prospective bankers and buyers during the proposed brand divestiture.

• Leader of design of new products for Graniteware Ceramic-on-Steel bakeware, Magnalite cookware, and Chicago Cutlery. • Designed industrial tools to customer specifications for commercial poultry plant use at Tyson Foods.• Performed capability studies on manufacturing equipment to justify capital expenditures. • Oversaw product testing and created engineering prints.