Jonathan Ruhe has over 10 years of experience in purchasing and 13 years of experience in start-ups. He has increased sales from $3.5M to $13.5M through pricing strategies and negotiations. He developed an algorithm to systematically update prices for over 20,000 products and conducted analyses on product issues. Currently he merchandises over 10,000 parts for In the Swim, establishing vendor relationships and pricing. He has received exceptional reviews from peers and supervisors.
1. Jonathan G. B. Ruhe
Ashburn, VA 20148
Jonathan.Ruhe@gmail.com • 703-731-7013
Professional Summary
Resourceful professional with over 10 years of experience in purchasing and 13 years of experience in a
start-up environment.
Expert in pricing and financial analysis.
Technical skills include Microsoft Office, as well as several databases and proprietary inventory
management systems.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
July 2006 - Present
In the Swim (formerly PoolCenter.com)
Accomplishments
Increased sales from $3.5M to $13.5M in 3 years through pricing, purchasing, and vendor negotiations.
Developed a pricing algorithm to systematically update and modify pricing for more than 20,000 products
sold on the company website.
Developed trend analysis on recurring product issues.
Parts Division Merchandising Manager
In the Swim, October 2011 - Present
Merchandised internet-based parts selling effort for all divisions, encompassing over 10,000+ parts.
Established vendor relationships, negotiate pricing costs, and determine quantities of merchandise to be
procured.
Analyzed market potential including product strength, competition and current economy.
Managed sourcing products, product pricing, and product obsolescence. Prepared budget estimates for
new and existing initiatives.
Conducted a Six Sigma Lean/Business Process Analysis of the In The Swim parts division to improve
sales and decrease costs.
Provided Database analysis and consolidation for the entire PoolCenter.com inventory during the In the
Swim acquisition.
Earned consistent exceptional reviews from industry peers and supervisors
Merchandising Manager
PoolCenter.com (Purchased by In the Swim), July 2006 to October 2011
Developed, designed, and implemented purchasing policies, procedures, and guidelines. Determined
which products and goods would become part of the inventory.
Attended regional buyer's shows throughout the United States, and evaluated products displayed and
introduced at the show to determine inclusion into the company's inventory.
Managed acquisition and distribution of products.
Designed, developed, and maintained a database for each product, including prices by vendor in order to
facilitate decision-making.
Assisted in the development of company and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
Managed department budget and resource allocation.
Provided product education and technical support. Organized product training seminars for call center and
technical support personnel.
Considered “Go-To” expert on Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
2. Technical Support Agent
Pool Service Company, April 2001 to July 2006
Managed inventory and ordering of various pool parts and supplies, maintaining budgets and reports
Assessed customer needs; diagnosing problems and estimating upgrades and repairs; opening and closing
residential pools for season; repair and maintenance of pool equipment from all major manufacturers
Certifications
Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP)
o Certified Technician II, Feb. 2004
o Certified Technician I, Feb. 2003
Manufacturers’ Certifications
o Speck Swim Jet Systems: Installation, Operation, and Sales, Jan. 2010
o Creative Water Solutions - Biofilm Causes and Cures, Feb 2009
o Jandy Heaters Certification, Jan. 2004, Jan. 2005, Jan. 2006
o Jandy Controls Certification, Jan. 2005, Jan. 2006
o Hayward Certification, Jan. 2006
o Gold Line Controls, Jan. 2006
o Pentair Certification, Jan. 2005
o BioGuard, Feb. 2003
Honors & Awards
Employee of the Month, PoolCenter.com, Feb 2009, Aug 2009, Aug 2011
Ironman, PoolCenter.com, 2009
o (Company Award given to employees whose work during peak season (April – July) exceeds
expectations)
Employee of the Year, Pool Service Company, 2002
Ironman, Pool Service Company, 2002—2005
o (Company Award given to employees whose work during peak season (April – June) exceeds
expectations by working six days per week throughout the entire peak season.
Education
Virginia Wesleyan College , 1998 - 1999
Franklin and Marshall College, 1997 – 1998
Northern Virginia Community College 2011 -– Present