Brad Aldridge
Clayton,NC
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Product Marketing leader with 25+ years of experience in driving innovative solutions and profitable growth in global B2B/B2C markets. Highly skilled in product strategy, lifecycle management, and cross-functional leadership. Proven record of launching industry-leading technologies by translating customer insights into actionable product enhancements through data-driven decision-making. Strong technical acumen, dealer channel development, territory sales leadership, and customer experience enhancement skills developed in early career roles serve as a strong foundation to proven product marketing success. Recognized for excellence with multiple company awards and listed as an inventor on 3 United States patents.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
PRODUCT MANAGER
JOHN DEERE
Fuquay-Varina, NC
09.2016 - Current
- Led and executed global customer requirements definition, customer needs translation, and competitive analysis for B2B golf reel and rotary mowing product lines
- Led cross-functional marketing launch teams globally, including introduction of company’s first fully electric single and multi-battery walk behind and ride-on reel mowing platforms
- Defined and executed long term strategies and vision for golf mowing product category, including advanced industry-leading hybrid and electric technologies with machine connectivity
- Translated customer needs to drive feature enhancements and new product ideas to engineering within an agile software environment
- Developed pricing, volume, and model mix strategies to develop and execute global business cases to exceed financial targets
- Led profitability improvement initiatives by developing and executing strategies to optimize inventory management and SKU rationalization
- Led both small- and large-scale customer focus group events to generate quantitative and qualitative insights for developing data-driven decisions
- Designed and delivered sales and technical dealer training classes and associated content
PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER
JOHN DEERE
Augusta, GA
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Led and executed global customer requirements gathering, definition, and translation for 45-125 horsepower Utility Tractor product line within both B2B and B2C customer segments
- Led cross-functional marketing launch teams globally, including introduction of tractors with complex EPA Final Tier IV solutions, advanced transmission technologies, and advanced operator stations
- Opened access to profitable new markets in Asia, Mexico, South America, and Africa by leading pilot program team charged with increasing sales of EPA Tier 3 compliant solutions
- Led optimization team to improve factory profitability by evaluating product optionality to reduce factory complexity
- Coached and mentored department Product Specialists and Marketing Representatives
PRODUCT MANAGER
JOHN DEERE
Fuquay-Varina, NC
01.2005 - 01.2012
- Led and executed global customer requirements definition, customer needs translation, and competitive analysis for golf utility rakes, aeration, and utility vehicles.
- Implemented innovative factory build to order and late configuration strategies to improve profitability and overall product line financial performance
- Pioneered GPS technology integration into golf spraying equipment, facilitating transition to John Deere tech stack integration for eventual go-to-market solution
- Led marketing efforts and provided key inputs to Decision Analysis to implement a brand-new gas engine supplier into the company’s supply base
- Developed and delivered competitive sales training content to dealer sales professionals globally
Education
Masters of Business Administration - MBA
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL01-2004
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC01-1998
Skills
- Product Strategy
- Product Lifecycle Management
- Cross-functional Leadership
- Product Development
- Financial Analysis
- Product Roadmap Creation
- Customer Insight
- Data Analysis
- Market Analysis
- Competitive Analysis
Timeline
PRODUCT MANAGER
JOHN DEERE
09.2016 - Current
PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER
JOHN DEERE
01.2012 - 01.2016
PRODUCT MANAGER
JOHN DEERE
01.2005 - 01.2012
Masters of Business Administration - MBA
University of Florida
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
AWARDS
2025 John Deere Ag & Turf President’s Award, Golf Growth and Business Performance
2016 “Through Their Eyes” Program Graduate, John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group
2004 Territory Manager of the Year, Western US Golf Sales Region
PATENTS
US 8,255,126 – Aerator Having Flexible Frame
US 8,925,643 – Aerator Coring Depth Adjustment
US 11,606,898 – Mower Hydraulic Leak Detection