Thomas Ditlefsen Email & Phone Number

Eagan, Minnesota, United States

United States

Managed $120M+ global retail abrasives portfolio where I led brand strategy, marketing planning, product/portfolio strategy, and led cross-functional teams in business, new product introductions (through a phase gate process), and product line extensions for 3M Pro Grade Precision, 3M SandBlaster(TM) Pro, and 3M SandBlaster(TM) Advanced Abrasives and 3M brand abrasives for hand, power, drywall, and floor sanding.Directed global cross-functional teams, marketing and technical laboratory staff for market research, analysis and verification of data, including conducting consumer, partner, and competitive surveys.Partnered with marketing communications, category development team, shopper marketers, and key account teams to develop marketing communication plans, go-to-market strategies, support account line reviews/meeting, create sales launch kits, and collaborative marketing programs with channel partners including The Home Depot, Lowes, Sherwin-Williams, Walmart, Target, and Menards.Key Accomplishments / Projects: • Launched a “Next Generation” sandpaper sheet in 2020 which was awarded 3M’s Golden Step Award in 2021 and 2022 for attaining sales greater than $20M within three years of launch. • Revitalized and rejuvenated a stagnant portfolio in a highly competitive category via a major packaging / brand refresh that enhanced the shopping experiences for both PROs & DIYers and a 35% reduction in SKU count without compromising sales performance, while simultaneously enhancing profitability. • Partnered with manufacturing, lab and supply chain on COGS improvement projects, with the 4 largest projects generating $3.5M in annual COGS savings.

St. Paul, Mn

Designed and guided the execution of selling and promotional initiatives targeting national hardware and key COOP retailers including Ace, True Value, Do-It Best, and Orgill for 3M brands such as Filtrete®, Command™, Scotch-Blue™ Painter’s Tapes, Scotch® Tapes, 3M Personal Safety Products, and 3M Abrasives.Collaborated with internal business teams and channel partners to develop and implement strategic marketing and sales plans to drive sales growth and supporting both business and account objectives.Created financial templates tailored for headquarter account managers, fields sales reps, and external sales agency that streamlined workflows and significantly enhanced the efficiency in executing selling and promotional initiatives. Provided business analysis, category management, product, and brand expertise for account line reviews and training.Key Accomplishments / Projects:• Cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) in total sales of 6.7% from 2010 to 2015 (prior to 2010, sales growth had been flat to negative for 3 years).• Yielded an annual conversion of an average of 1,500 planograms annually.• 5-year CAGR of 18.5% in promotional program sales growth.

St. Paul, Mn

Directed all aspects of sales and account management functions for Target departments, including developing and executing business and promotional plans to meet and exceed both Target’s joint business plan and 3M’s sales objectives. I consistently exceeded double-digit sales forecasts, achieving sales growth of 31% in 2005, 30% in 2006, and 11% in 2007, while successfully attaining sales forecast in four out of five years.Collaborated closely with marketing teams, I played a leadership role in identifying, creating, and implementing new product opportunities, as well as innovative promotional and advertising programs. As a part of my commitment to fostering growth and development, I actively supported and contributed to the professional growth of the team by mentoring and training 3M sales representatives and business analysts.Key Accomplishments / Projects:• 3 Sales Master Awards (3 or more consecutive years of forecast attainment)• 3M Golden Step Award – Command™ Metal Hooks

St. Paul, Mn; Bentonville, Ar & Phoenix, Az

Key Account Manager, Kmart (Sears Holding Corporation)Sales & Marketing Specialist, Tapes, Adhesives & Masking SystemsKey Account Business Analyst, Mass AccountsKey Account Representative, WalmartSales Representative / Home Center & Distribution Channel SpecialistKey Accomplishments / Projects:• 3M Sales & Marketing Professionalism Award (nomination) for leading team in creating the program to expand 3M share in furnace filter category at Walmart. Efforts also led to 3M being named category captain.• 3M Golden Step Award – Filtrete® Filters at Walmart• 2 Sales Master Awards