Erik Rockel
Senior Product Manager · RAYPAK a Rheem Company
Ventura, CaliforniaIn My Own Words
<p>High-energy, outgoing, optimistic. Seasoned senior level product manger and team leader. Adept at change management, process development, project leadership. Excellent communication skills and focused on quality output.</p>
Work Experience
Senior Manager Product Management
RAYPAK a Rheem Company2019 – Present
Leadership of product management team, overseeing strategy and execution for Residential Pool, Commercial Pool, Commercial Water Heating & Boilers. Ownership of product roadmap, driving development, launch strategy, and collaboration across functional groups that extend into parent company. Responsible for KPI's such as market share growth, new market entry, product-vitality index, contribution margin. Integral in sourcing strategy and key vendor negotiations. Selected Accomplishments: ● 2020 - 32% revenue and EBITA growth. ● 8.7% market share growth with 4.5% EBITA increase for heat-pump pool heater category ● Managed product line expansion into pool pump & filter market
Director of Outsourced Products
Front Runner Vehicle Outfitters2017 – 2019
Responsible for product strategy, development, management, sourcing, and vendor management for all outsourced soft goods, hard goods, and electronics. Additional responsibilities include guidance in marketing, channel, and merchandising strategies. Using vast experience to transform product management and sourcing activities and procedures from from startup mode to mature business through deep-dive analytics and implementation of best practices. • Achieved 41% revenue growth with an 8% increase in gross margin in FY ’18 versus ’17 for outsourced products through product improvements, cost reductions, key vendor negotiations, and improved communications with sales, marketing, and key customers.
Director of Outsourced Products Product Line Manager
FRONT RUNNER VEHICLE OUTFITTERS2017 – 2019
Product strategy, development, management, sourcing, and vendor management for all outsourced soft goods, hard goods, and electronics. Support marketing, merchandising and channel strategies. Transform product management and sourcing activities from startup mode to mature business through implementation of best practices/processes. Selected Accomplishments: ● FY '18 - 41% revenue growth, 8% gross margin improvement through product improvements, cost reductions, key vendor negotiations ● Instituted product development process. Led collaboration between key functional groups to achieve strategic alignment and attain objectives
Product Line Manager
Beyond Clothing2015 – 2017
Product development, product line management, market research, vendor relations, project management, financial analysis.
Product Line Manager
BEYOND CLOTHING2015 – 2017
Product strategy, development, management, launch and business-case for key opportunities. Extended responsibilities include forecasting, budgeting, and assessment of working capital requirements to support business pipeline. Integral in sourcing, vendor management, communication with key accounts and end users. Selected Accomplishments: ● Integral in achieving 45% revenue growth and EBITDA above plan in FY2015 through targeted rapid product development, deep full-line financial analysis, and supporting sales in key account relations.
Product Line Manager
OUTDOOR RESEARCH2012 – 2014
Managed specialty markets product line. Key directive to articulate a vision for the company's future in expanded markets. Integral in direct and e-commerce sales strategies and merchandising. Direct involvement in marketing strategy across all mediums. Active in vendor selection and management, including on-site factory visits. Selected Accomplishments: ● Revamped, expanded offshore and domestically-manufactured products (40+ new products launched) ● Vendor and raw material re-sourcing efforts resulted in substantially improved gross margins.
Brand Manager Warrior Wear Apparel and Protective Gloves AND Gear
BLACKHAWK PRODUCTS GROUP2004 – 2009
Global brand and product strategy for apparel, accessories, and footwear, including design, development, launch, merchandising, and life-cycle management. Accountable for forecasting, budgeting, and P&L. Built, managed key client and supplier relationships. Consistently achieved objectives within time and budget. Selected Accomplishments: ● Created, launched the Warrior Wear product line encompassing 40 products, $10MM+ annual sales ● Redesigned 20+ legacy products, improving function, quality, aesthetics. ● Annual revenue growth from $1.7MM to $4.0MM with 5% GM improvement
Education
Bachelors of Business Administration
University of Michigan, Dearborn1995 – 1998
Bachelors of Business Administration