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John Gozum
Stillwater,MN
Summary
Dedicated inventor with 56 US patents, driving product innovation through analytical problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver impactful results.
Experienced leader in product development with a proven track record of aligning project goals with organizational objectives. Expertise in mentoring talent, facilitating training, and implementing strategic improvements that drive innovation and operational success.
Results-oriented product development specialist known for strong project management and stakeholder collaboration skills. Successfully led teams in new product introductions and enhanced team performance through effective training and mentorship.
Overview
1
1
Certification
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Specialist, Product Development
3M
Saint Paul, MN
06.1991 - 05.2026
- Led cross-functional teams to create new to the world products.
- Inventor, awarded 56 US patents.
- Mentored junior specialists, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance.
- Analyzed market trends to develop product innovation and strategic planning efforts.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align project goals with organizational objectives.
- Facilitated training sessions on new technologies and methodologies for company wide staff enhancement.
- Managed complex projects from conception through execution, delivering results on time and within scope.
- Drove change through quality-oriented strategies to help operations accomplish ambitious short- and long-term goals.
- Identified areas in need of critical improvement and implemented strategies to achieve targets.
Education
Ph.D. - Chemistry
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL05-1991
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN06-1986
Skills
- Dedicated inventor and problem solver
- Highly developed analytical skills
- Experienced leader in phase gate new product introductions and in documentation management in an ISO 9001 environment
- Experienced in key customer relations
- Prime creator of technical communication provided to upper management
- Acted as the liaison between management and reasearch
- Experience in quality assurance
- Emergency response (state licensed EMR) to handle medical and trauma emergencies on site in a pre-hospital environment
- Leader of cmany complaints that resulted in a root-cause analysis
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 18 in the development of Floor safety and Floor care products.
- Documented and resolved many quality issues which led to customer retention and staisfactiom.
- Achieved on time and in full product delivery by qualifying alternative raw materials in an extremely short time frame.
Affiliations
American Chemical Society, National Floor safety Institute
Certification
State of Minnesota EMSRB, EMR. NFSI WACH.
Languages
French
Limited Working
German
Elementary
Italian
Elementary
Interests
Ski patrol: skiing and snowboarding
Road and mountain cycling
Swimming
Aviation (FAA licensed private pilot)
Timeline
Senior Specialist, Product Development
3M
06.1991 - 05.2026
Ph.D. - Chemistry
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Minnesota
Technical Innovation and Excellence Award
A peer nominated, company wide, award given to those who show outstanding technical innovation and excellence. Winner at the division level 9 times. Winner at the business level 3 times.