Eric Webster
Independent Outside Board Member · Velo Solutions LLC
West Columbia, SC
In My Own Words
Forward-thinking, analytical product manager & developer offering 16 years of experience in the bicycle industry. Effective communicator, building long-term relationships with internal and external customers to ensure optimal performance and results. Experienced in developing strategies to grow brands based on consumer/market research, competitor analysis, business planning, and data mining. Adept in the identification of product and service values to drive customer acquisition, retention and sales average. Experienced managing global teams & projects.
Work Experience
Principal Consultant
Velo Solutions LLC2018 – Present
Product development, product management and specialty retail consultant focusing on eBikes & eMobility.
Independent Outside Board Member
Gi Fly Bikes2018 – Present
Operate as Subject Matter Expert while providing strategic insights to an eBike start-up company based in Argentina. • Strategically position the organization to become a member of the global market, facilitating their ability to sell globally. • Consistently provide much-needed insights on product development, market reach, scope and strategic partnerships.
Manager - Urban Mobility Solutions
General Motors Corporation2017 – 2018
Served as Subject Matter Expert on all areas of product management & development, operations, distribution, logistics, and after-sales service. Performed a leadership role in a small start-up group charged with expanding the organization's urban mobility initiatives in the bicycle arena. • Developed a 7-year portfolio plan, owners and service manuals. Assisted director in development of global business plan and P&L statement, all of which were approved by senior management. • Strategically defined global distribution and logistics strategies. • Led efforts for selecting global third party and e-commerce fulfillment partners during the RFP phase to award of contract. • Defined, documented, and implemented strategic processes for reverse logistics, warranty services, and recalls. • Partnered and collaborated with several other departments including engineering, regulatory, and legal teams; facilitating production specifications, feature sets, and ensuring product legal compliance. • Served as the "voice of the customer" and market expert in weekly team meetings.
North American Brand Manager - PLB
Hawley-Lambert2015 – 2017
Served as the Private Label Brand Manager for the #3 bicycle products distributor in North America. • Held responsibility for forecasting, team member and sales representative training, market research, and product presentation to dealers and national accounts. • Successfully identified underperforming SKU's and executed a plan to liquidate inventory. ? Implemented a SKU rationalization process which reduced redundant products. ? Implemented a new product development process. ? Established a third-party testing program that ensured proposition 65, CPSC, & ISO compliance for private-label products.
Senior Product Manager - Diamondback Bicycles
Accell Group North America2013 – 2015
Directed and managed the entirety of ground-up development related to the organization's parts and accessories brand. Successfully launched the product line in National Account Sports Specialty and Bicycle Retailers. Fostered partnerships with key retail partners on SMU products. • Managed the product from ideation to sourcing to full launch and implementation. • Successfully increased GM % in key product categories with fostering of strategic vendor relationships. • Developed and then launched a new footwear, helmet, and pedal line. • Created and launched a SMU product line for use on Amazon.com. • Established a new bag and tire product line.
Product Manager - Components
Performance Incorporated2008 – 2013
7/2003-2/2008 Directed the branded and proprietary product component for a bicycle retailer consisting of 110+ locations. Directed the entirety of selection planning, budgeting, and product development for a division equaling over $40M in annual turnover. Facilitated all marketing, advertising, sourcing, and development initiatives. • Significantly increased GM% and margin-dollar contribution in multiple product categories, by establishing strategic vendor partnerships and SMU programs. • Oversaw and managed the refresh of private label packaging and product categories, resulting in significant increases to sales and margin. • Previous served as a Technical Support Coordinator, leading to a promotion to Product Development & Buyer, and quickly advanced to a Product Manager.
Global Product Manager - Footwear & Accessories
Cannondale Bicycle Corporation2008 – 2008
Managed portfolio for a new tool and bag line. • Successfully renegotiated distribution contracts with a major vendor partner, solidifying joint business ventures and client satisfaction.