John Latka
South Hadley
Summary
To obtain a challenging and rewarding position within an ethical organization where I can utilize my skills and talents, and continue to broaden my knowledge base to aide in the success of the company.
Highly focused sales and marketing professional with solid background in driving revenue growth and implementing strategic marketing initiatives. Known for fostering collaborative team environments and consistently achieving target goals. Excels in adaptive planning and leveraging market insights to maximize impact.
Overview
2014
2014
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales & Marketing Americas
NOVACEL
2018 - 2025
- Developed comprehensive sales strategies to enhance market penetration and revenue growth.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute targeted marketing campaigns, driving brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Analyzed market trends and customer feedback to refine product positioning and promotional tactics.
- Established key performance indicators to monitor sales team performance and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Mentored sales staff, fostering professional development and enhancing skills in negotiation and relationship management.
- Collaborated with product development teams to align offerings with market demand, improving customer satisfaction rates.
Director of Sales & Marketing
Novacel
2014 - 2018
- Assist and develop 10 direct reports
- 7 Sales Representatives
- 1 Sales Manager for Latin America
- 1 Business Development Manager
- 1 Product Manager
- 1 Customer Service Manager
Marketing Manager
Novacel
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Identify product strengths, weakness’ and product line gaps to focus on:
- - Maximizing margins
- - Gain and maintain market share
- - Securing end user specification
- Interact with raw material suppliers regarding development, performance and price
- Coordinate with R&D, manufacturing, purchasing and sales to develop new products
- Develop both a short term and long term product plan
- Successfully utilized a “reverse” sales strategy with equipment manufacturers to qualify, endorse, and hence, promote our product to the end user.
- Provide pricing to sales and customer service to ensure profitability and alignment with business strategies.
- Monitor margins and collaborate with the appropriate departments to ensure we meet yearly target
- Support sales reps strategically and technically
- Interact directly with customers to promote new products as well as support/troubleshooting
- Generate annual budget, sales targets, and incentives
- Create, maintain and update promotional material; web site, literature and trade show booth
Sales and Marketing Manager
Adhesive Applications (Formerly Stik-II Products)
11.2008 - 06.2010
- Managed five Regional Sales Managers and two outside Representatives in a professional, moral and ethical manner.
- Increased margins by 5%.
- Created and Initiated a successful Distributor Program
- - New product constructions
- - Sales strategy to balance OEM vs. Distribution
- Maintained and developed the top 20 accounts.
- Developed and modified products to create new platforms.
- - New adhesives at lower costs with higher performance.
- - Various double coated and fiber filled tapes.
- Interacted with material suppliers regarding pricing and technology.
- Provided pricing to sales.
- Generated budgets, sales targets and compensation plans.
- Directed the marketing process of merging Stik-2 and DPI as Adhesive Applications.
- Trained and assisted sales force.
- Determined which trade shows to attend and display.
- Remained privy to market trends and competition.
Product Manager
Stik-II Products
10.2007 - 11.2008
- Developed a new business segment utilizing hot melt adhesives.
- Built, sourced and modified manufacturing equipment.
- Qualified and purchased raw materials.
- Scheduled manufacturing.
- Launched Sales and Marketing.
- Determined the costing and sell price of the products
- Ultimately responsible for sales, profitability and margins.
- Facilitated ISO certification
Field Market Development (Building and Construction)
Covalence Adhesives
01.2006 - 10.2007
- Developed a plan for targeting new and existing applications.
- Implemented sales and marketing plans to support direct and distributor based business.
- Coordinated product, service and distribution to meet targeted goals.
- Managed the sales process by including sales and revenue projections, developing presentations and networking.
- Worked with R&D and marketing groups to develop long- term product plans.
- Solicited code agencies for approval and specifications of products.
Eastern Regional Sales Manager (Tape Division)
Ludlow Technical Products
01.1999 - 01.2006
- Developed and maintained an account base of $4.5 million.
- - Increased sales by $2.0 million.
- The territory included from Maine to Ohio to the Carolinas.
- Worked with the appropriate departments and suppliers to research, develop and market new products for the division.
- - Poly linered tapes, Outsert tape and UV cured adhesives.
- Understood key drivers, companies and competitors that influenced market trends.
Product Specialist (Paper Division)
Ludlow Technical Products
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Coordinated the development of new products from conception to release.
- Monitored customer feedback on new and existing products.
- Reviewed and performed costing and quotes.
- Purchased various materials for analysis to aide in cost reductions or new applications.
- Interfaced with customers and respond to inquiries, complaints or requests.
- Aided in the development of product literature.
- Remained abreast to all relative FDA regulations.
- Ensured proper documentation of both changed and new products.
Divisional System Engineer
Ludlow Technical Products
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Reduced customer complaints by monitoring and initiating corrective and preventative actions.
- Aided in the integrating of four acquisitions.
- Responded to all customer complaints. Analyzed and implemented a solution.
- Performed and assisted in internal, third party and customer audits
- Special Projects:
- - Developed product enhancements.
- - Developed equipment modifications.
- - Increased machine efficiency and lowered waste.
Quality Technician (All Divisions)
Ludlow Technical Products
01.1991 - 01.1994
- Performed process verification.
- Dispositioned product regarding its quality.
- Developed new testing methods.
- Acted as a facilitator to obtain ISO 9000 certification.
- Accomplishments:
- Member of the ASQC (American Society for Quality Control)
- Obtained CQT Certification (Certified Quality Technician)
Education
High School Diploma -
Holyoke Catholic High School
Holyoke, MABachelors Degree of Science - Computer Science
Western New England College
Springfield, MASkills
- Leadership->Mentoring->Team Building
- Partnership development (customer & suppliers)
- Strategic Planing
- Pricing strategy->Margin
- Negotiation
- Problem Solving
- Creative direction
- Product positioning
- Resilience
Accomplishments
- Achieved 20% growth over 5 year specific to the laser industry.
- Secured 5% growth through product development for the painted metal market.
- Expanded share gain by 2.5% in the painted metal market with a non traditional product construction.
- Embraced a B2B intelligence platform of companies and contacts to increase sales funnel and secure new opportuinites
- Added a Business Development position to our team
- Embraced major global account contacts to foster sales in other regions.
Timeline
Marketing Manager
Novacel
01.2010 - 01.2014
Sales and Marketing Manager
Adhesive Applications (Formerly Stik-II Products)
11.2008 - 06.2010
Product Manager
Stik-II Products
10.2007 - 11.2008
Field Market Development (Building and Construction)
Covalence Adhesives
01.2006 - 10.2007
Eastern Regional Sales Manager (Tape Division)
Ludlow Technical Products
01.1999 - 01.2006
Product Specialist (Paper Division)
Ludlow Technical Products
01.1997 - 01.1999
Divisional System Engineer
Ludlow Technical Products
01.1994 - 01.1996
Quality Technician (All Divisions)
Ludlow Technical Products
01.1991 - 01.1994
Bachelors Degree of Science - Computer Science
Western New England College
Director of Sales & Marketing Americas
NOVACEL
2018 - 2025
Director of Sales & Marketing
Novacel
2014 - 2018
High School Diploma -
Holyoke Catholic High School