Ken Krankkala: Director, Product Development in Ramona, CA

Designers & Developers of innovative juvenile, outdoor, and automotive accessories - Develop and manage a Product Development/Sourcing calendar to keep all Teams and stakeholders posted of progress for all Brands and create engaging brand/category presentations for account/customer line reviews - Strong leadership presence to manage, develop & mentor Teams to achieve the best results possible while exceeding expectations with a focus on quality, partnerships, values, and efficiencies - Collaborator with strategic partnerships and Merchants to develop and build impressive product lines and company - Product/Category expert creating clear objectives of amazing Teamwork, exciting products, and exceptional service - Bring new products to market by observing consumer usage, satisfying gaps in the markets, and protecting ROI - Strategic leader (long-term growth goals) while still tactical to keep day-to-day product management running smoothly and efficiently to increase sales, dominate market share and provide superior products and services

Designers & Developers of automotive accessories worldwide - Researched, introduced strategies, and developed new innovative accessories for automotive/truck aftermarket - Strong negotiation skills to get the highest quality products with the lowest costs possible to grow retail business - Managed our omni-channel/website strategy to keep current, accurate and compelling to grow sales - Managed all aspects of early product development and I was the go-to/expert on all details with my product lines - Performed internal and external assessments (SWOT, comp shops, customer-facing surveys, etc.) - Managed entire commercialization of new product launches with marketing materials, training, and product support - Worked directly with Sales to deliver a consistent powerful message of our Products, Vision, Mission and Values - Embraced and encouraged a corporate culture of safety and teamwork to keep everyone engaged and motivated - Professional and affable “representative” of the Company during all company and personal functions

Designers & Developers of automotive and toy accessories worldwide - Developed innovative products to fill funnel of innovation and managed through stage gates to commercialization - Weekly product innovation meetings to keep Cross-Functional Teams posted of progress and collaborate with other categories to help enhance/improve my current product line to keep up with trends, technologies, and partners - Worked closely with Marketing and Brand Teams to deeply understand the consumers and key trigger-points or buzzwords that could create excitement around my product lines - Researched, introduced, and developed new licensing or collaboration partnerships to help extend our market reach into many different categories and channels - Strong analytical skills which improved cost structures, timelines, product quality and overall operational excellence - Researched and created new Sales partnerships to expand growth into new channels and categories

Leader in fashionable car accessories for every lifestyle - I was an Executive Member to foster an environment of early innovation, excitement, efficiencies, and successes - Managed the entire Roadmap process with CFTs, such as Research & Development, design, sourcing, pricing, scheduling, testing agencies and Operations to ensure timely and accurate PO placement and shipment schedules - Performed thorough competitive research to analyze product portfolios, patents, pricing, and features/benefits to create a successful positioning for our proposal to Buyers in all categories and channels - Exceptional negotiator to create new licensing, inventor and business partnerships that help hit KPI’s and fit within our P&L requirements to protect our EBITDA - Product presentations with Business partners and factory/production/jobsites tours to show our Team at work