Find full project deep-dives and narrative case studies here:
https://www.keithking.com/product-management-showcase/

🧰 Grainger – KeepStock Field Implementation & Process Optimization

Full Time Role: OnSite Sales Rep / Interim Manager, KeepStock Operations
Timeline: Apr 2017 – Present
Location: South Dakota Region
Tools: Excel (automation/macros), KeepStock systems, PowerPoint, internal beta platforms, Microsoft Teams

🔍 Overview

Over 8 years, I’ve played a critical role in the frontline execution and continuous improvement of Grainger’s KeepStock managed inventory program. Beyond servicing major accounts, I’ve taken on responsibilities well outside my role—building tools, mentoring teammates, and stepping into leadership when the team needed it most.

🎯 Key Contributions

Led large-scale installs and restructured failing accounts, including a major reassignment to one of the region’s largest accounts to restructure for quality improvement, quickly rebuilding trust and operational consistency.
Served as Interim Manager (Apr–Jul 2024), handling routing, team support, training, and day-to-day operations across the territory.
Created an Excel-based automation tool to streamline schema and label updates for vending and KeepStock systems, reducing manual entry time across the region.
Mentored new teamates—serving as the main field contact for onboarding and troubleshooting.
Supported disengagements and post-install remediations, using field knowledge to improve performance and customer retention.
Beta tested internal Grainger apps, providing practical UX and functionality feedback from a real-world field perspective.

📈 Impact

Regional adoption of Excel automation tools
Leadership recognized during manager vacancy period
Supported culture of field innovation and team development

🚀 Why It Matters

This role grounded me in what works at scale—and what breaks. It taught me how to lead without a title, how to fix things no one asked me to fix, and how to think both tactically and strategically about customer experience, retention, and internal processes.

🧾 Previous Experience – Sales, Marketing, and Service Leadership

Roles: Sales Manager, Marketing Manager, Program Director, Aftermarket Sales Rep
Companies: Creative Printing, Brookings Radio, Schuneman Equipment, Sprint/Swiftel, Argus Leader
Timeline: 1998 – 2017
Tools: Salesforce, QuickBooks, Radio Production Software, CRM Systems, InDesign, MS Office

🔍 Overview

Before joining Grainger, I spent nearly two decades in customer-facing roles across print, media, telecom, and equipment sales. I consistently earned leadership responsibilities and played hands-on roles in launching new branches, managing key accounts, leading advertising and branding efforts, and building strong client relationships.

🎯 Highlights

Opened a new branch office for Creative Printing in Brookings, overseeing setup, sales, and operations.
Managed ad campaigns and magazine revenue for a new print publication, combining client acquisition and creative production.
Directed programming and hosted a live morning show as Program Director at KJJQ-AM.
Provided the voice and produced radio/TV ads for multiple brands including Schuneman Equipment.
Built lasting client relationships in aftermarket parts sales and communication services.

🚀 Why It Matters

These roles sharpened my communication skills, taught me how to work directly with customers in high-trust environments, and gave me real-world experience building things from the ground up—skills I’ve carried into every project since.

🚜 TractorPal – Mobile App for Equipment Maintenance & Inventory

Role: Founder & Owner
Timeline: Oct 2012 – Present
Website: TractorPal.com
Tools: Trello, GitHub, Canva, iMovie, Ionic Framework, Upwork, Google Drive

🔍 Project Overview

TractorPal is a mobile app that helps farmers and contractors track equipment maintenance and inventory. I founded and led the development from idea to execution and growth.

🎯 Goals

Create a simple digital logbook for machinery
Use freemium model to drive revenue
Build a growing and engaged user base

🔧 My Role

Defined product vision and roadmap
Created wireframes and UX mockups
Hired developers via Upwork; managed sprints with Trello
Designed branding and ads in Canva; video promos in iMovie
Launched cross-platform with Ionic
Handled all customer support and feedback collection
Managed LLC, financials, and tax preparation

📈 Results

20K+ downloads | 4.5+ star reviews
$15K raised in seed funding
Awarded: 1st Place Brookings Idea Contest, Best Reader Interest by Farm Industry News

🚀 Next Steps

Introduce ad-supported model for free users
Add dealership partnership features

📡 Drone Services (FAA Part 107 Certified)

Role: Commercial Drone Pilot
Timeline: Dec 2024 – Present

🔍 Overview

Commercial FAA Part 107 certified drone operator offering aerial photography, inspection, and media services.

🎯 Focus Areas

Real estate
Agriculture
Events and promotions

🔧 Skills & Tools

FAA regulations & flight safety
Drone equipment and camera control
Route planning and airspace awareness
Image editing and delivery

🌈 IoT Friendship Lamps

Role: Product Creator
Timeline: Dec 2023 – Present
Tools: Tinkercad, Cura, 3D Printer, Arduino, Custom web UI

🔍 Project Overview

A fun and emotional IoT device for long-distance friends/family. When one lamp is touched, all others light up in the selected color.

🔧 My Role

Designed and 3D-printed enclosures
Created prototypes using Ender S1 Pro and woodworking
Partnered with a hardware/software engineer to build cloud platform
Added gamified features (e.g., “King of the Hill”)

📈 Outcomes

Fully functional prototype set of 5 lamps
Future plans: user login, firmware updates, expansion packs

🧮 Excel Automation Tools

Role: Developer & Workflow Optimizer
Timeline: 2015 – Present
Tools: Excel (VBA, macros), barcode scanners

🔍 Projects

KeepStock Schema Tool: Automated inventory label updates across client accounts
Monthly Report Generator: Created inventory spreadsheet automation for statewide rollout

📈 Outcomes

Drastically cut manual entry time
Widespread team adoption
Included embedded guides and tutorials

🎤 Voice-Over Talent

Role: Voice Actor & Copywriter
Timeline: 2007 – Present

🔍 Scope

Hundreds of radio ads, on-hold messages, social media promos
Scriptwriting + professional editing
YouTube narration and character voices

🌱 Living Clean Microgreens

Role: Co-Founder
Timeline: March 2024 – February 2025
Website: LivingCleanMicrogreens.com

🔍 Project Overview

A sustainable microgreens business built from scratch, with direct-to-consumer and restaurant sales.

🔧 My Role

Built brand, designed labels (Canva)
Constructed grow room and built SOPs
Piloted subscription model
Managed marketing, financials, and delivery

🎧 ProKing Entertainment / PowerHouse DJs

Role: Founder & MC
Timeline: 1999 – 2023

🔍 Overview

Two successful DJ companies grown from idea to sale.

🔧 Highlights

Hosted 1000+ weddings/events
Built a referral network and increased rates 400%
Managed CRM, planning tools, and finances

🌽 Agriculture Land Trustee

Role: Land Management Lead
Timeline: Jan 2023 – Present

🔍 Duties

Lease negotiation, advertising, and reporting
Conservation programs and revenue optimization
Partnered with USDA, added renewable lease
Added drainage tile investment for better tillable land

🎃 Haunted Garage

Role: Founder & Creative Director
Timeline: July 2020 – Present
Tools: SketchUp, iMovie, YouTube, Facebook

🔍 Overview

Annual haunted attraction built for Halloween fun and fundraising. New themes and layouts each year.

🔧 My Role

Designed all scenes in SketchUp
Managed actors and volunteers
Produced promo content and YouTube walkthroughs
Donated proceeds to local theatre departments

📝 TimelessPoem.com

Role: Founder & Digital Archivist
Timeline: 2020 – Present
Website: TimelessPoem.com
Tools: WordPress, OCR, Canva, YouTube, Facebook

🔍 Overview

Scanned and archived 2,000+ poems from a 100-year-old family scrapbook, transforming them into a searchable online database and content channel.

📈 Future Plans

Use AI tools to generate readings
Add ecommerce for prints
Invite user submissions and interpretations
Scan and add images of actual poems to the website

📻 The Ranch 910 AM

Role: Program Director
Timeline: 2010 – 2011

🔍 Responsibilities

Built the station from zero to full broadcast
Curated playlists, hosted shows, wrote promos
Sold ads, created station branding

💻 SiteKing Creations

Role: Digital Creator & Community Builder
Timeline: 1997 – Present

🔍 Work Highlights

Built 10+ websites with WordPress and Dreamweaver
Managed pages with 1M+ followers, sold Facebook group
Launched and ran local page with 20K+ members
Offered tech support, CRM setup, invoicing, and design

🛠 Construction Projects

Role: General Contractor (Personal Projects)
Timeline: Ongoing

🔍 Scope

Designed full house blueprints in SketchUp
Managed timeline and budget
Completed basement builds and custom rooms