Dan Wallek

• Matrix-managed a 120-member cross-functional product team on a $5M / 11-month development effort of a new online learning management system, with $6.9M in sales for the first 6 months.
• Led an ASP product strategy which increased sales over 40% by $8.7 million over the previous year.
• Led the product introduction to 15 field and 50 inside sales reps, resulting in over $10M in less than 2 years.
• Established distribution channels for software product in 65 countries, using 11 distributors, OEM partnerships, direct sales strategies, and e-commerce solutions.
• Increased international sales by 317% in revenue ($1 million in 2 years) and 309% in units (40,000 units in 2 years) by developing and negotiating over 15 international distributor and reseller agreements.

Dan Wallek’s Specialties:

• Profit and Loss (P&L) Responsibility
• Strategic planning
• Distribution (direct, OEM, product bundle, domestic and international)
• Product marketing/management
• Matrix management
• Leadership (team building and collaboration)
• e-Learning initiatives
• Phase review development process

Dan Wallek’s Experience

Director of Electronic Content

Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

(Privately Held; Publishing industry)

January 2007 — Present (2 years 7 months)

Lerner Publishing Group is a Lerner Universal Corporation company.
• Developing and executing an electronic content product strategy which leverages Lerner's content assets from printed children’s books to create new revenue opportunities for the education markets.
Director

Independent Picture Service

(Photography industry)

January 2007 — Present (2 years 7 months)

Independent Picture Service is an Interface Graphics, Inc. company.
Director of Photo Research

Interface Graphics, Inc.

(Privately Held; Publishing industry)

January 2007 — Present (2 years 7 months)

Interface Graphics, Inc. is a Lerner Universal Corporation company.
• Manage an eight-member photo research team responsible for researching and acquiring high-quality images from numerous sources to meet our clients’ needs, as well as, negotiating licensing and use fees while maintaining proper compliance with copyright laws.
Sr. Product Manager

PLATO Learning, Inc.

(Public Company; 501-1000 employees; TUTR; Computer Software industry)

2003 — 2007 (4 years)

Led and managed the product lifecycle for Accountability & Platforms solutions to match opportunities and optimize share and profitability in the K-12, Post Secondary, and Adult Education markets.
• Led and matrix-managed a 120 member cross-functional product team on a $5 million new product development effort under budget; managed the product business plan through the development phases and product profit and loss (P&L); presented product business plan and P&L to company Investment Review Board for approval of funding and entry into each phase of development from concept to product launch.
• Selected by the Executive Leadership Team to participate on the design team to develop and implement a phased review product/program development process.
Director of Marketing and Recruitment

International Academy of Minnesota

(Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Primary/Secondary Education industry)

2003 — 2003 (less than a year)

Developed and established marketing and recruitment department to fulfill new strategic objective set forth by senior management. Supervised four recruiters.
• Managed the marketing budget and P&L; launched new private junior high school.
• Established and implemented a contact management solution for recruitment team.
• Established policies and procedures for standardizing/systemizing department activities.
Sr. Product Manager

NETg / Wave - Thomson Learning

(Public Company; 201-500 employees; E-Learning industry)

2000 — 2002 (2 years)

Managed global IT training and certification products delivered through blended solutions of self study, computer-based, classroom training, and e-learning. Supervised one product manager and two marketing managers.
• Launched eight (8) new IT training and certification products to cross-functional groups internally while creating a new product development process improving communication.
• Developed strategies for new market opportunities for assessment product offering.
Marketing Director

Mediafour Corporation

(Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Computer Software industry)

1998 — 2000 (2 years)

Managed domestic marketing, international sales/marketing, and PR activities. Supervised a staff of three.
• Responsible for developing marketing strategies to build brand awareness.
• Identified and implemented co-marketing opportunities with industry partners.
• Implemented a product launch event for a new version of the company’s software product.
• Increased market awareness of company and products via editorial coverage and interviews with international and domestic publications.

Developed and established company’s international marketing and sales department to fulfill a new strategic objective set forth by the board of directors.
Business Consultant

Drake Small Business Development Center

(Non-Profit; 1-10 employees; Management Consulting industry)

1996 — 1999 (3 years)

Consulted clients starting a small business on:
• creating business and marketing plans
• marketing strategies and ad campaigns
• generating cash flow projections, loan application process and capital financing options; and
• general strategic planning.
Fellow

Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Federation

(Government Agency; Public Policy industry)

March 1997 — May 1998 (1 year 3 months)

Dan Wallek’s Education

Drake University

MBA , 1996 — 1998
University of Saint Thomas - School of Business

Effective Product Management & Marketing
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

B.A. , Marketing
Pragmatic Marketing

The Strategic Role of Product Management
The Burke Institute

Product Development Research Seminar
US Department of Commerce

Export Certification Program , Global Marketing Series

Additional Information

Dan Wallek’s Interests:

Coaching, Fishing, Home Improvement

Dan Wallek’s Groups:

San Miguel Middle School of Minneapolis (Board Vice Chair & Treasurer, 2008 - 2010)
Minnesota Book Publishers Roundtable (Board Member, 2008-2010)
San Miguel Middle School of Minneapolis (Board Member, 2005 - 2008)
International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF)
Saint Mary's University Twin Cities Alumni (Board Member)
American Society of Picture Professionals (ASPP)
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)