Michael Barker
Semi-Professional Thinker · Glade Optics
Moscow, ID
In My Own Words
I am all about the fun stuff; creating strategy, developing innovative products, building successful product lines, crafting marketing stories, and the delivering the message.
My areas of expertise include: team leadership; brand strategy; sustainability; product innovation; product management; product development; go-to-market strategies; brand marketing; trade marketing; market analysis; copy writing; public speaking.
Work Experience
VP of Product & Sustainability
Glade Optics2021 – Present
Fell in love with and paced a high growth start-up by: identifying and creating opportunities, developing unique product stories and strategies, crafting innovative product to suit, tackling new channels and categories, and building a team - all while diligently ensuring that in every facet we intentionally added real value to our community.
Product Manager
NRS - Northwest River Supplies, Inc.2014 – 2021
I led the creative and strategic product direction and lifecycle. I focused on efficiently growing NRS product and transitioning our business from distribution to a true brand manufacturer. I explored emerging markets, analyzed industry trends, and developed appropriate strategies and product lines, while creatively managing thousands of products across 20 primary product categories and 6 primary sales channels. I crafted the stories behind our product, developed our messaging, and delivered this to our global sales team, key accounts, and all internal and external stakeholders.
Sustainability Officer
NRS - Northwest River Supplies, Inc.2021 – 2021
I developed our corporate sustainability strategy from product innovation, resource conservation, waste elimination, and education. I worked to establish goals and construct our long-term action plan to minimize our impact on our planet and waterways we share with our fellow enthusiasts. I transitioned over 70% of our apparel line away from virgin materials and eliminated 90% of plastic components from our apparel packaging.
Sales Manager
NRS - Northwest River Supplies, Inc.2009 – 2014
Remotely developed a subsidiary business venture; TrekSta USA.
Sales Manager
TrekSta USA2009 – 2014
I launched an unknown South Korean brand in the North American market. I curated and developed the North American product assortment, managed all aspects of marketing and sales, including hiring and managing 13 independent sales representatives. We achieved 120% growth in year two and 75% growth in year three, before successfully negotiating the sale of our North American distribution rights.
Wholesale Account Manager
NRS - Northwest River Supplies, Inc.2006 – 2009
Managed all B2B sales within California, Hawaii, and Nevada achieving over $1M for the first time in company history and continued to grow annual revenue at a greater rate than our other sales channels. I grew an account list of 200+ retailers and outfitters while cultivating strong relationships.
Sales Coordinator
NRS - Northwest River Supplies, Inc.2005 – 2006
I provided dynamic customer-centric service via email, web, and phone. I led the training of new hires in customer service and sales techniques. I developed, organized, and maintained prospective account lists and consistently achieved the highest amount of outbound calls per month.
Retail Sales Associate
Mountain Gear2003 – 2004
Where it all started; selling kayaks, promoting events, running a weekly canoe and kayak demo, and learning the joys of independent specialty retail.