Brian P. Polk
Mundelein
Summary
Visionary, forward-thinking Product Management Professional with 15+ years’ experience combining diverse set of strategic and marketing insight with well-rounded, hands-on technical expertise. Act as change agent and pace-setter, capable of critically evaluating and responding to rapidly evolving environments. Adept at developing new products and executing ambitious market-entry strategies. Expert in clarifying product vision and translating into tactical plans that move projects forward, surpass corporate expectations, and position product portfolios for lasting success. Demonstrated history of building, mentoring, and motivating successful teams.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Store Manager
Mutual Ace Hardware / Mundelein Ace Hardware
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Streamlined inventory management with regular audits, accurate ordering, and efficient stock organization.
- Quickly reacted to and solved customer issues as well as any staff/scheduling issues.
- Collaborated with store manager to develop marketing initiatives that drove traffic and increased brand awareness.
- Worked closely with corporate office to ensure inventory issues were properly resolved, purchase orders were received properly and all cashier variances were resolved.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Managed cash registers efficiently, ensuring accurate transactions, balancing drawers daily, and minimizing discrepancies.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
- Assisted the Store Manager in analyzing sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions for improving overall store performance.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
Contractor/Remodeler
Traveling Toolbox
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Assisted owner with all facets of construction project completion including demolition.
- Completed small jobs to full kitchen and bath remodeling.
- Provided plumbing, electrical, drywall, paint, and other remodeling tasks.
- Utilized advanced tools and equipment to complete complex remodeling projects with precision and speed.
Housing Contractor
Self Employed
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Flipped several houses.
- Purchased several homes, coordinated and completed all facets of remodel/reconstruction.
- Negotiated costs and time-lines with sub-contractors, reviewed quotes and managed execution of work as it relates to quality and adherence to on-time completion.
- Boosted property value, completing comprehensive kitchen and bathroom renovations.
Consultant, Product Management
Cargile, Klaczek & Associates
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Coordinated comprehensive product portfolio reviews with recommendations for item additions and deletions for various clients.
- Led contract negotiations with suppliers internationally and domestically which included cost, terms, lead-time, warranty and inventory.
- Liaised with customers, management, and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth.
Product Manager, Pumps & Plumbing Global Sourcing
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Hands-on product management role, steering efforts to gain competitive edge and maximize profit margins for pumps and plumbing product line that generate $80M+ in annual sales.
- Lead sourcing efforts to attain optimal cost advantage, identifying and qualifying potential suppliers and negotiating contracts globally.
- Forged strong relationships with Product Managers to collaborate with and align efforts with unique market strategies.
- Provided strategic leadership to development, marketing, and launch of product line extensions; connect with manufacturing facilities on global basis to cultivate effective brand ambassadors.
- Partnered closely with Supply Chain function to monitor and optimize inventory levels.
- Defined improvement strategies for strategic suppliers and continuously monitored performance through monthly meetings.
- Communicated effectively with team members to deliver updates on project milestones and deadlines.
- Added more than $25M in annual sales and 5K+ SKUs through in-depth analysis of existing portfolio and targeted efforts to fill gaps and source products in plumbing area; positioned product portfolio at forefront of industry in terms of completeness and competitiveness.
- Delivered more than $5M in annual savings on procurement of commodities including copper, stainless steel, and steel through exceptional negotiations.
- Captured $3.5M+ in annual procurement savings and improved competitiveness of centrifugal pump line by transitioning line from Chinese and US suppliers to Indian manufacturer within eight-month period; outperformed timeline by more than 10 months and resolved persistent supply chain and quality issues.
- Slashed costs by nearly 50%, totaling $1.8M, by transitioning 60 SKU Multi-Stage Booster pump program from US supplier to Chinese supplier; enhanced quality of items and increased life-cycle of items by 30%+.
- Piloted transition of 75 SKU Utility pump program from Italy to China, generating savings of nearly 60% or $2M, while elevating portfolio competitiveness with Industrial and Wholesale market.
- Produced $540K in corporate-wide savings by conducting comprehensive Line Review on Sump, Sewage, and Effluent pump category and reconfiguring portfolio to emphasize high-end, high horse-power sewage units that serve municipalities and local government.
- Laid groundwork for National no-lead law, which will go into effect on January 1, 2014, by spearheading No-Lead initiative for California and Vermont.
Product Manager, Pumps
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Carried robust oversight for sourcing and supplier strategies for $200M pump product line, negotiating supplier contracts and setting pricing strategies to maximize portfolio performance.
- Headed line reviews and drove efforts to add and remove products based on unique insights into sales, market research, and sales force feedback.
- Instrumental in adding more than $6M in annual revenue through conception, development, and introduction of Liberty line of industrial pumps.
- Produced over $500K in annual sourcing cost savings and significant margin improvements through negotiation of new contract with incumbent supplier of air operated diaphragm pumps.
- Ensured ongoing pricing sensitivity of all pump suppliers and improved profit margin by introducing private-label products throughout product line.
Associate Supply Manager, Motors, Power Transmission, & Generators
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Demonstrated talent for managing $100M product line, guiding supply chain strategies and sourcing decisions.
- Determined pricing strategies.
- Identified and vetted potential suppliers and negotiated supplier contracts.
- Successfully avoided write off of $5M+ in obsolete private-labeled generators by negotiating at-cost return of product that was purchased in anticipation of major Y2K demand.
- Won early-entry advantage in market for Centurion-branded standby generators through negotiation of one-year exclusive relationship with Generac.
- Drastically improved responsiveness to hurricanes and other natural disasters by adopting Briggs & Stratton as principal supplier; negotiated contract requiring them to maintain 12 truckloads of product in abeyance for immediate delivery.
Assistant Purchasing Manager
Builders Plumbing & Heating Supply
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Led staff of seven that was challenged with maintaining inventory across 13 branches nationwide.
- Managed supplier relationships, fostering trust and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
- Optimized inventory levels by closely monitoring stock and adjusting orders as necessary to meet business demands.
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
Assistant Merchandise Manager
Tru Value Corporation
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Steered decision making for sourcing $75M in plumbing and pump products on annual basis; consolidated purchasing from multiple suppliers.
- Fostered collaboration with Inventory Management function to rapidly resolve issues throughout supply chain.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and optimize product assortments, maximizing revenue potential.
Supervisor, Plumbing, Kitchen, & Bath
Home Depot
01.1995 - 01.1998
- Directed team of 16 responsible for sales, stocking, and customer service in Plumbing and Kitchen/Bath Dept
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Marketing Communications
Columbia College
Chicago, ILSkills
- Product Management
- Brand Management
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Key Relationship Management
- Strategic Planning
- Analysis & Reporting
- Sourcing & Inventory Management
- Contract Negotiations
- Compliance
- P&L Management
Timeline
Assistant Store Manager
Mutual Ace Hardware / Mundelein Ace Hardware
01.2022 - 01.2025
Contractor/Remodeler
Traveling Toolbox
01.2018 - 01.2022
Housing Contractor
Self Employed
01.2015 - 01.2018
Consultant, Product Management
Cargile, Klaczek & Associates
01.2013 - 01.2015
Product Manager, Pumps & Plumbing Global Sourcing
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
01.2005 - 01.2013
Product Manager, Pumps
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2005
Associate Supply Manager, Motors, Power Transmission, & Generators
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2004
Assistant Purchasing Manager
Builders Plumbing & Heating Supply
01.2001 - 01.2002
Assistant Merchandise Manager
Tru Value Corporation
01.1998 - 01.2001
Supervisor, Plumbing, Kitchen, & Bath
Home Depot
01.1995 - 01.1998
Bachelor’s Degree - Marketing Communications
Columbia College
Similar Profiles
FRED STEINEMANNFRED STEINEMANN
Store Associate at MUTUAL ACE HARDWAREStore Associate at MUTUAL ACE HARDWARE
Mathew GrubeMathew Grube
Retail Sales Associate at True Value Hardware Store / Ace HardwareRetail Sales Associate at True Value Hardware Store / Ace Hardware
Zachary BurtonZachary Burton
Floor Manager at Paul's Ace Hardware Family of Hardware StoresFloor Manager at Paul's Ace Hardware Family of Hardware Stores