S. Ben Johnson

Experience

• 

  Gander Mountain

  Jun 2002 - Sept 2009

  · Provided guidance on pricing strategy and drove execution across nine categories.· Maintained vendor and item data integrity across multiple categories.· Led cross-department item implementation initiative during Oracle retail system conversion to improve vendor and item intake process.· Developed own brand products to meet consumer demand and company requirements.· Partnered with Marketing and cross-category Merchant Teams for advertisements and direct marketing. · Managed Compliance, Loss Prevention, and Human Resources for a store team of 60 associates.· Supervised performance of Customer Service, POS / Merchandise Support teams, and Operations Specialist. · Maintained positive sales growth with focus on bottom line profitability, motivating store team and driving a sales growth environment. · Analyzed daily sales, budget and payroll performance for Midwest Region to monitor and report on performance trends, consisted of 53 stores within 4 Districts.· Organized and planned training events for store team members to optimize consistency of operations.· Worked with Marketing team on planning and execution of Store Grand Openings and other special events. · Emphasized associate and team development; restructured Merchandise Support and in-store replenishment.· Led store through remodel process; sales floor expansion, assortment adjustment and merchandise planning. · Department Manager: Blaine, MN – Fridley, MN – Woodbury , MN – West Mifflin, PA· Led and developed sales associates across multiple departments while increasing sales volume in all locations.

  • Product Manager Assistant

    Jun 2008 - Sept 2009

  • Assistant Store Manager-Operations

    Oct 2007 - Jun 2008

  • Regional Operations Coordinator

    Jun 2007 - Oct 2007

  • Operations Manager

    Jan 2007 - Jun 2007

  • Department Manager

    Jun 2002 - Jan 2007
• 

  RiverQuest (Formerly Pittsburgh Voyager)

  Mar 2003 - Jul 2003

  Environmental Educator
• 

  US Green Building Council

  Jun 2003 - Nov 2003

  Local Coordinator / Conference Session Monitor
• 

  BIRCHWOOD CASEY, LLC

  Sept 2009 - Apr 2019

  · Member of Leadership and Ownership Teams; attendee and presenter for all board and annual budget meetings.· Led the new product development process, innovation plan, product launch and assortment rationalization of all existing and future offerings. · Through product and category introductions maintained 10% of annual revenue from new item sales. · Strengthened existing manufacturing partnerships, and initiated new sourcing opportunities, with daily communication and travel to key regional and overseas partners. · Administrated company’s Intellectual Property interests for patents and trademarks.· Restructured product hierarchy for company’s conversion from Legacy AS/400 to new NetSuite ERP system.· Partnered with internal departments, and consultants, to manage company’s product compliance with Safety Data Sheets and Prop 65 package requirements.· Identified, fostered, and added acquisition candidates to the Birchwood Casey line.· Managed outside parties to identify and navigate tariff implications on all sourced products. Show less

  • Product Development Manager

    Jan 2013 - Apr 2019

  • Product Development Specialist

    Sept 2009 - Jan 2013
• 

  Versare Portable Products

  Dec 2019 - Jul 2020

  Product Manager

  · Responsible for guiding assortment, new product development efforts, and product rationalization.· Created a new $1M+ Health Protection category in response to the global pandemic. · Implemented a new streamlined process for product setup and item maintenance. · Conceptualized and designed new product offerings for existing and future categories. · Managed retails for 8,000 SKUs to maintain competitive advantage and create family-based, pricing structure.

• 

  Stock+Field

  Jul 2020 - Jan 2021

  Category Manager

  · Business unit leader for the Automotive, and Firearm & Ammunition categories.· Developed and fostered vendor relationships to enhance partnerships and program offerings.· Responsible for assortment planning, product lifecycle, pricing, merchandise strategies, and financial metrics.· Increased margin performance on high demand product while focusing on competitive retail price points.

• 

  Apg

  Jun 2021 - now

  Senior Product Manager

  We are a global leader of best-in-class cash management solutions and POS peripherals.