1. Ben Walker
Overview
Ben is a Strategy Manager with Sparks Grove, and is an experienced PMP with more than 10 years of marketing and
research experience. Specific areas of expertise include research design/execution/analytics, marketing strategy,
product development, branding, customer segmentation, and project management. With a background in the design
field, Ben is also experienced in disciplines such as product design, web design, UX, and graphic design. Ben has led
projects across a broad spectrum of initiatives, including: market research analytics, social media strategy, product
development, customer engagement improvement, website design, web-based user experience, digital media
strategy and executive reporting strategy. As an avid learner and knowledge-seeker, Ben is constantly looking for
development opportunities in order to add to his skillset and become a more efficient and dynamic manager.
Examples of some of the significant engagements Ben led include:
• Project Manager- GPC - Business & Residential “Save Money & Energy” Web Refresh
Projects.Managed teams to create CMS-driven sites involving: market research, market segmentation,
information architecture, UX, Design, Tech Development, and Implementation.
• Project Manager- Major Airline - Customer Segmentation and Valuation; SMB Loyalty
Program.Combined data from the client’s CRM with outside data sets from Experian and Jigsaw in order to
create a valuation model for a major airline. Gathered insights from statistical analysis and made strategic
recommendations targeting certain cities and industries.
• Business Analyst- Presidential Debate, Denver University - Social Media Strategy. Designed the
social media reporting structure for the first 2012 Presidential Debate at Denver University. Analyzed an
array of different reporting structures and designed scheduled daily queries based on 10 main search
models utilizing over 50 keywords.
• Project Manager- Newell Rubbermaid: Graco – Advanced Digital/Online Baby Monitor Product
Development.Worked hand-in-hand with the product development group at Graco, Newell Rubbermaid.
Jointly developed an innovative product that revolutionized the product category. Also worked with strategic
and joint venture partners to offer differentiated product lines to specific industries.
• Market Research / Product Development Specialist –CATEA (Center for Assistive Technology and
Environmental Access)–Academic Product Development.CATEA is a multidisciplinary engineering and
design research center dedicated to enhancing the health, activity and participation of people with functional
limitations through the application of assistive and universally designed technologies in real world
environments. Produced academic products for secondary and post-secondary instructors, from ideation to
research to product launch. Designed and facilitated qualitative and quantitative market research, analyzed
data, reflected data in product creation. Researched and analyzed market trends, new technologies and
breakthrough disability accommodations.
• Product Development Manager- Digital Pro Exhibits–Innovative Product Lines.Developed innovative
product lines using existing technology, new innovative solutions and industry knowledge. Origination of
new product marketing, sales collateral, business development action plans and exhibit designs.
Specialties
PMP, Strategic Marketing Consulting, Market Analytics/Segmentation, Product Development Management, Product
Management, Consumer Products, Business/Marketing Analytics, Marketing Strategy, Market Research, Market
Trends, Sales/Business Development, Creative Brainstorming, Product Design Process, Sustainable Design
Process, Creative and Analytical Strategy Planning and Trend & Competitor Product Research
Education
MBA, Georgia Institute of Technology
MS, Industrial Design, Georgia Institute of Technology
BS, Industrial Design, Georgia Institute of Technology
Professional Affiliations
PMI (Project Management Institute)
TAG (Technology Association of Georgia)
Certificates
PMP
Six Sigma BlackBelt