PASSION FOR INNOVATION:    DRIVING CREATIVE STRATEGIES FOR PROFITABLE GROWTH

Summary

Larry Schmitt
I'm passionate about innovation and adept at driving creative strategies for profitable growth.
I grew up in rural Minnesota and was enterprising at a young age on my family's dairy and beef farm. I managed pumpkins and other garden produce to raise money for college. I went to engineering school because I enjoyed working with machinery and contributed to numerous building projects on the farm.

I enjoyed manufacturing and seeing a product being made. My experience at GE in Six Sigma piqued my interest in marketing.  I enjoyed the collaboration and collegiality of the MBA program at Indiana's Kelley School of Business. I'm an innovative, strategic marketing leader with 13+ years experience in consumer products and B2B/industrial goods. I've worked on large $700 million+ brands and other brands with $50-$200 million in annual sales. As a "working executive", I can roll up my sleeves to get the job done.

Adapted to work in different Industries including:  healthcare, consumer goods [ice cream, food storage], construction equipment, home decor products, and industrial goods. My background is unique since I possess the marketing savvy from my MBA with the technical perspective from a BSME.

I enjoy leading teams of either product manager or marketing specialists.  My management and coaching style is one of high empowerment and one that gives team members the tools to shine and do their best work.

Timeline

  1. -
    Owner/Operator, Molly Maid of Lake Country, Pewaukee, WI

    Discover the MOLLY MAID lifestyle service, the guaranteed way to a beautifully cleaned home. MOLLY MAID is thorough, consistent and reliable; THOROUGH - we do everything from washing your floors to removing cobwebs; CONSISTENT - you can choose from weekly, bimonthly, monthly or just that once-off for a special occasion; RELIABLE - your home will be cleaned by two of our highly trained experts, using our own equipment and supplies. For your protection we are a secure key holder if required, and with our branded cars, smart uniforms and comprehensive insurance (bonded), you and your neighbors know your home is in safe hands. We don't need to tie you down with a contract as our expert service is all that's needed. This is the Molly Maid difference!

    Collaborative and trusted leader with proven track record of driving business growth through business acumen, customer excellence, change management and by creating a culture of high performance through engagement. Join the Molly Maid team, as we are always looking for good talent- Home Service Professional, Customer Service Representative, Field Sales Manager, Operations Manager

  2. -
    Marketing Consultant, E4 Growth Strategies LLC

    SENIOR MARKETING LEADER

    Passion for Innovation, Adept at Creative Strategies for Profitable Growth

    I'm a business strategist, a tranformative marketing specialist and a builder of new business growth platforms.

    My uniqueness is a marketing savvy coupled with a technical perspective from a marketing MBA and BSME.  I bridge viewpoints across sales, marketing and engineering and drive creative strategies that achieve sales and share growth.

    Skills & Competencies:  Marketing Strategy | Product Management | Brand Management | P&L | New Product Development | Digital Strategy | Research | Budget Planning | Voice of Customer | Team Management

     

  3. -
    Sr Associate Brand Manager, Unilever Ice Cream

    Sr Associate Brand Manager on Breyers brand for Unilever Ice Cream.  Led brand management activities that included innovation, packaging, business performance analysis, consumer promotions and advertising.

    Highlights include the launch of numerous new products that included CarbSmart low carb ice cream, Cyclone soft serve frozen dessert, 'Fun Flavors' line of Breyers regular ice creams, Double Churned Light ice cream re-launch.

  4. -
    Brand Manager, SC Johnson & Son, Inc.

    Brand manager for Ziploc brand products in Home Storage Division.  Responsible for Containers and Home Organization business.  

    I led efforts to increase brand sales for Containers business which included the introduction of Color Lids program for special season in/out promotional items.  I launched the Flexible Totes soft side storage system under Ziploc which provided flexible, stackable storage and organization.

    I gain experience in user centered design or 'design thinking' innovation with the mission to develop new business platforms to further allow SCJ to penetrate the home organization market.  Led design teams of cross functional team members and worked with outside design firms for support from a research and product design standpoints.  Also launched first line of Ziploc brand licensed products, a range of infant/toddler feeding and sippy cups with the Twist 'n Loc lid closure.

  5. -
    Marketing Manager, Wacker Neuson Corporation

    Marketing Manager for Americas Region for Wacker Neuson, a global manufacturer of light and compact construction equipment.  I was responsible for the marketing strategy, communications, dealer support and brand development of Wacker Neuson branded dealers in North and South American markets.  My team included 5 direct reports, each being a marketing specialist responsible for a key marketing activity that included:  marketing/PR, brand merchandise and dealer support, trade show and events, online marketing and retail sales support.

    My mission was to implement the company's first marketing campaign plan to support sales efforts in the following industry segments:  utility & infrastructure, concrete, snow & municipal, general construction, industrial/oil & gas, landscape, agriculture and restoration.  I led the strategy to develop and deploy 360/integrated marketing campaigns to increase end user/contractor awareness and generate sales leads.

    Another mission was to support the rapid development of the dealer network by providing more robust dealer support program that included a new ecommerce dealer portal, enhanced co-op advertising program & promotions as well as display and retail merchandise tools.

    A highlight of my experience there was the market introduction for a new line of skid steer loaders that included a dealer summit event and a large scale market introduction at the 2014 CONEXPO Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

  6. -
    VP of Marketing (Product Management), DHI Corp. (Design House)

    VP of Marketing and Product Management for small private home decor products company.  Worked as a member of the executive team with 6 direct reports:  4 product managers, 1 marketing specialist and 1 senior graphic designer.

    My mission at Design House included 3 main aspects.  First, I led the re-vamp of the product portfolio that included a product rationalization resulting in the discontinuation of 300 SKUs.  The product team under my leadership and direction developed and launched over 250 SKUs that evolved the product line towards newer more on-trend designs, including contemporary, transitional, and industrial collections of lighting, hardware, kitchen and bath faucets and bathroom accessories SKUs.

    Second, I led efforts to optimize the brand portfolio to strengthen the core Design House brand and eliminating two other ancillary brands at DHI Corp.  The ancillary brands were incorporated under Design House via product line strategy for the outdoor living and multifamily solutions segments.

    Third, I developed the strategy and charter for implementing a redesign of the company's corporate website, at www.todaysdesignhouse.com.  The new website has enhanced navigation, improved product e-catalog as well as more robust company media and profile information.

    Through the experience I gained a keen insight into a more fashion-oriented industry with home decor products for both home interior as well as outdoor for lawn and garden decor.

  7. -
    Marketing Manager, Gardner Denver Thomas

    Joined Gardner Denver's Medical Group division to lead North American marketing and product management.  I was responsible for marketing communications and product roadmap and innovation.  Had 3 direct reports:  2 product managers and 1 marketing specialist.

    My mission was accelerate product models in development through to release and provide launch packages to the sales team that included product samples. information webinars, customer presentations, product image, website content and press release.

    I provided leadership over the development of a revised trade show booth design, implementing that at the 2016 PITTCON Show.  My team developed and launched the Thomas Power brand development for the BLDC (brushless DC) motor re-stage program.  I led the launch for a promotion program to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the patent registration for WOB-L pump technology.

  8. -
    Marketing Director, Intermed Inc./Vista Dental Products

    Director of Marketing for Vista Dental Products in a management team role providing business leadership for the company's marketing and product management departments.  

    Lead the marketing team to deliver innovative marketing strategies to drive above-market sales and profitable revenue growth. Implement creative marketing strategies, developing and owning the marketing plan, downstream commercial strategies and tactics, new product launches and execution, outbound marketing content and innovative business solutions.

    Team leadership for 3 direct reports: 1 product manager, 1 marketing specialist and 1 graphics designer.

Experience Highlights

  • OWNER/OPERATOR (2018-PRESENT)
    Molly maid of lake country, pewaukee, wi
  • MARKETING DIRECTOR (2017-2018)
    INTERMED INC./VISTA DENTAL PRODUCTS
  • GENERAL ELECTRIC (1992-00)
    SIX SIGMA BLACKBELT | MANUFACTURING LEADER
  • SR ASSOCIATE BRAND MANAGER (2002-07)
    Unilever Ice Cream (BREYERS BRAND)
  • BRAND MANAGER (2007-11)
    SC Johnson & SoN (ZIPLOC BRAND)
  • MARKETING MANAGER (2011-14)
    Wacker Neuson CorpORATIon
  • VP MARKETING /PROD MGMT (2014-15)
    DHI Corp. / Design House BRAND
  • MARKETING MANAGER (2015-16)
    Gardner Denver MEDICAL GROUP

Education Highlights

  • CERTIFIED SIX SIGMA BLACKBELT
    GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
  • BS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (1989-94)
    Purdue University
  • MBA IN MARKETING (2000-02)
    Indiana University

Causes

  • MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION
    eVENTS PARTICIPANT AND ACTIVE SUPPORTER
  • AUTISM SOCIETY OF SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN
    MEMBER AND ACTIVE SUPPORTER

Interests

  • OTHER HOBBIES
    PHOTOGRAPHY, STAMP COLLECTING AND AN AVID PLAYER OF BOARD GAMES
  • FITNESS | EXERCISE
    ACTIVE AT LOCAL GYM (WEIGHT TRAINING|CARDIO); DONE CHARITY 5K RUNS, 2MI WALKS, 25-50 MILE BIKE RIDES
  • HOME REMODELING ENTHUSIAST
    love WORKING on home improvement projects, GOING TO big box diy stores &  WATCHING 'THIS OLD HOUSE'

by the numbers

  • 4 gal
    LIFETIME BLOOD DONOR (o+)
  • #7of7
    it's great being the youngest child!
  • 49&9
    U.s. States (ak remains) & COUNTRIES VISITED

Skills

  • six sigma quality
    3
  • GLOBAL SERVICE OPERATIONS
    4
  • Product Management | Marketing
    10
  • Team Management
    9
  • Manufacturing OPERATIONS
    5
  • B2B/Industrial Goods Marketing
    5
  • Marketing Strategy
    13
  • Brand Management
    9

fun facts

LEGO FAN & ENTHUSIAST
ENJOYED LEGO'S AS A KID; AS AN ADULT, I ENJOY LEGO'S WITH MY KIDS; COACHED SCHOOL LEGO LEAGUE TEAM
STAR WARS | STAR TREK FAN

LOVE THE MOVIES AND TV SERIES, WAS TO A STAR TREK CONVENTION ONCE

HOME ORGANIZING INTEREST

HAVE AN INTEREST IN HELPING OTHERS WITH CLUTTER & BEING MORE EFFICIENT WITH HOME ACTIVITIES

Images

  • BETTY, THE HOLSTEIN COW FROM MY CHILDHOOD ENTERPRISE ON THE FARM IN MN
    BETTY, THE HOLSTEIN COW FROM MY CHILDHOOD ENTERPRISE ON THE FARM IN MN
  • ZIPLOC SMARTZIP RE-STAGE PROMOSHEET (2010)
    ZIPLOC SMARTZIP RE-STAGE PROMOSHEET (2010)
  • ZIPLOC BIG BAGS REVAMPED MARKETING PLAN (2008/2009)
    ZIPLOC BIG BAGS REVAMPED MARKETING PLAN (2008/2009)
  • DENTAL ASSISTANT BUYERS GUIDE (2017)
    DENTAL ASSISTANT BUYERS GUIDE (2017)
  • ERGO endo file caddy tearpad (2017)
    ERGO endo file caddy tearpad (2017)
  • VALIANT(TM) CURING LIGHT BROCHURE (2017)
    VALIANT(TM) CURING LIGHT BROCHURE (2017)
  • KEYWORDS DESCRIBING MYSELF
    KEYWORDS DESCRIBING MYSELF
  • NEW THOMAS 2380 MODEL SERIES LAUNCH (2016)
    NEW THOMAS 2380 MODEL SERIES LAUNCH (2016)
  • ZIPLOC BIG BAGS BRAND MANAGEMENT (2010)
    ZIPLOC BIG BAGS BRAND MANAGEMENT (2010)
  • ZIPLOC FLEXIBLE TOTES PRODUCT LAUNCH  (2010)
    ZIPLOC FLEXIBLE TOTES PRODUCT LAUNCH  (2010)
  • WACKER NEUSON BRANDED DEALERSHIP MARKETING PROGRAM (2013)
    WACKER NEUSON BRANDED DEALERSHIP MARKETING PROGRAM (2013)
  • WACKER NEUSON SKID STEER LOADER LAUNCH IN NORTH AMERICAN MARKET (2014)
    WACKER NEUSON SKID STEER LOADER LAUNCH IN NORTH AMERICAN MARKET (2014)
  • DESIGN HOUSE WEBSITE REDESIGN LAUNCHED (2015)
    DESIGN HOUSE WEBSITE REDESIGN LAUNCHED (2015)
  • DESIGN HOUSE PERTH TRANSITIONAL DESIGN COLLECTION LAUNCH (2016)
    DESIGN HOUSE PERTH TRANSITIONAL DESIGN COLLECTION LAUNCH (2016)
  • CELEBRATING 40 YEARS WOB-L PUMP TECHNOLOGY (2016)
    CELEBRATING 40 YEARS WOB-L PUMP TECHNOLOGY (2016)

Videos

Location

MILWAUKEE, WI

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