Employment History
Kreg Tool Company l Ankeny, IA ————— 2016-2024
Product Manager —————— 2020 - 2014
Led strategic planning and road-mapping for two product lines totaling $35M in annual revenue within the organization. Utilized data and insights to identify problems, define market-ready solutions, and maintain and improve category health
• Managed cutting and shaping solution categories, overseeing product lifecycles, new product development, and category health
• Strategized product lines based on consumer data, driving and delivering concepts
• Executed consumer studies to guide strategy, address pain points, and beta test products • Analyzed market share size using Stackline software for product and category estimations • Developed and controlled product roadmaps for new development
• Implemented changes for continuous improvement in products for 3% annual savings • Led cross-functional teams, ensuring decisions align with timelines, costs, and volumes • Assisted in vendor communications to ensure and attain targeted product costs
• Achieved double-digit company growth through new product development
• Built go-to-market strategies to ensure product success and appeal to end users
Associate Product Manager ————— 2016 - 2020
Drove projects from concept to launch and contributed to strategic initiatives defining product lines and features.
• Launched the company's first power tool solution and a 17-SKU matrix driving $7M in annual sales
• Oversaw and drove the launch of three top-selling products adding $15M in annual sales • Defined clear product requirements and collaborated with product engineers on concepts and designs of products
• Led cross-functional teams in timely decision-making
• Researched competition, providing insights for new product placement • Governed product development through phase gates to meet goals
• Created product charters and business cases based on data and insights
Manley Toy - Toybox LTD. l Des Moines, IA ————— 2006-2016
Product Development Manager ————— 2011 - 2016
Oversaw new product development for successful fall/winter and spring/summer launches. Analyzed trends, collaborated on designs, and contributed to strategies for enhancing toy lines and sustaining growth through effective development and marketing.
• Led product development, overseeing aesthetics, design, and original graphics
• Collaborated on presentations, creating marketing materials for brand enhancement
• Examined brand usage, provided consultation, and analyzed new trends for development • Directed project teams, strategizing creative design and initiating concepts
• Led production from conception to delivery, reviewing and approving designs
• Formulated research proposals, building client relationships and partnerships
• Set design direction for project teams, overseeing creative solutions for multiple product lines
• Played a key role in rebranding and revitalizing, resulting in increased sales
• Launched an organized design and communication strategy for effective project execution
Sr. Designer & Associate Director of Development ————— 2008 - 2011
Led the design team in driving designs and development of packaging for new product lines, and contributed and collaborated with the product development team to formulate strategic approaches for product line success
• Collaborated on product concepts and lines with the Director of Product Development • Supervised, coached, and mentored graphic design interns
• Designed packaging for new product lines, overseeing production reviews
• Conducted market research for packaging and product development
• Developed concepts for licenses with clients
• Successfully revitalized an under-performing product line for market reintroduction
Graphic Designer & Marketing Assistant ————— 2006 - 2008
Revitalized and enhanced more than 250 products by updating packaging and marketing materials, resulting in increased sales and successful placement in retail stores
• Collaborated with the Vice President of Sales to revamp the company’s rack toy program overseeing the creative production and project coordination
• Developed logos, packaging, templates, labels, product design, catalogs, presentations, sales sheets, and signage from scratch
• Guided plan-o-gram and mockup development, showroom setup, and product photography coordination
• Advised sales associates on new packaging for specific product lines and collaborated with design teams for innovative designs
• Crafted compelling callouts and product names for effective marketing
Volunteer Experience
Kreg Tool Company l Ankeny, IA ————— 2021-2024
Vice President of Kreg ESOP Committee ————— 2021-2024
Served voluntarily to enhance and bring awareness to employees of the employee stock ownership program
• Collaborated with the committee President and other committee members to create educational awareness by offering structured sessions on understanding ESOP
• Led sub-committees during ESOP month to theme, celebrate, and drive enthusiasm annually to employees and deliver share price reveal
• Created logos, posters, and handouts to drive participation within the company
• Recruited new members to drive further participation of the committee
Software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Suite
Stackline
Trello
Miro
Education
University Of Iowa ——- Iowa City, IA
Bachelors In Fine Arts Degree
• BFA emphasis in Graphic Design
Iowa Central Community College ——- Ft. Dodge, IA
Associate In Arts Degree
Honors/Activities
• Des Moines Camera Club Member - Sept. 2010 - Present
• Des Moines Camera Club Board Member - Sept. 2011 - May 2013
• Iowa State Fair Photography Salon & Fine Arts Salon participant with photography & prints 2009 - Present
• Published Photography in DSM Magazine - Feb. 2010
• UISD(University of Iowa Students in Design) - Aug. 2004 - July 2005
• UISD Art Show - Spring 2005
• Dean’s List-Dec. 2001 Iowa Central Community College