steve Schohan

 

 

PROFILE:

 20 years sales management, merchandising and marketing experience in the home improvement and retail industries
 Expertly versed in the sales and buying mentality of home improvement consumers
 Advantage of understanding from experience both retailer and supplier perspectives
 Proven experience in sales, with emphasis in the home improvement/home center industry
 Strong leadership skills
 Self-motivated, goal oriented, and proven ability to adapt quickly to challenges
 Certified 6-Sigma Black Belt, Commercial excellence leader

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Dow Chemical Company Marietta, GA
SR Market Development Manager Jan 2005 - Present

Responsibilities:

 Develop and maintain new product pipeline across technology platforms
 Lead innovation sessions with cross discipline R&D leadership to ensure use of most effective technology and Intellectual property utilization
 Collaborate with marketing leadership on new product strategy
 Global project leader for new product development projects for retail channel
 Subject matter expert, retail channel, for Dow Chemical company across all business units
 Collaborate with sales and marketing leadership on new product market launches
 Collaborate with strategic marketing team to develop product positioning, pricing, placement, and promotional offerings

Dow Chemical Company Marietta, GA
Six Sigma Black-Belt Jan 2002 - Jan 2005
Commercial excellence-Leader

 

Responsibilities:
 Lead the business in the use of Six-Sigma methodology
 Scope projects with business leadership to ensure robust projects are created
 Advocate Six Sigma approach and train project team members and leaders
 Create bottom-line improvements for the company using Six Sigma methodology
 Managed 7 administrative people

 

Dow Chemical Company Fullerton, CA
Sales Manager, Western Region May 1999 - Jan 2002

Responsibilities:
 Direct responsibility for all key retailers in the Western US and Canada. Including the Home Depot, Lowes, and Wal-mart
 Develop and implement strategic sales plans to accommodate corporate goals
 Direct sales forecasting activities and set performance goals accordingly
 Review market analyses to determine customer needs, price schedules, and discount rates
 Direct channel development activity and coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals
 Advise dealers, distributors, and clients concerning sales and advertising techniques
 Prepare reports showing sales volume, potential sales, and areas of proposed client base expansion
 Monitor and evaluate the activities and products of the competition

HomeBase, Inc. Irvine, CA
Associate Buyer, Tools July 1997 - May 1999

Responsibilities:
 Assist in the management of a 1500+-sku-product mix
 Merchandising of the tool department for an 83-store home center chain including layout and plan-o-graming
 Create new store and remodel layout plans
 Work with suppliers to create the proper packaging and assortment
 Compare vendor programs to maximize margins and category performance
 Analyze daily sales to assure department stays on sales and margin plan
 Create product promotions for major shopping events, i.e., Christmas, Fathers Day, etc.
 Work with Inventory Department to ensure inventory levels are on track to meet sales goals
 Responsible for the management and training of all merchandising assistants in the Tool Department

Q.E.P. Co., Inc. Carson, CA
Vice President-Western Division December 1993 - July 1997

Responsibilities:
 Managed and operated Western regional office with 30 employees
 Directed a network of 20 company sales representatives and outside sales agencies
 Direct Sales responsibility for many retailers including; The Home Depot, HomeBase, Eagle, and Orchard Supply Hardware
 Responsible for the sales of the following products: specialty construction tools and supplies, striking tools, and floor covering tools
 Resolved customer problems, serving as liaison with the home office

Standard Brands Paint Company Torrance, CA
Hard Surface Flooring Buyer December 1986 - December 1993

Responsibilities:

 Overall merchandise management of $54 million Floor Covering Department
 Selected product assortment and negotiated pricing for a 2500+ sku product mix
 Create product promotions for major shopping events
 Interact cross all across all functions to ensure compliance with policies, and other operationally driven initiatives.