John Balmer
Director of Product Management · SILCA
Indianapolis, IN
In My Own Words
For the last 30 years I have been involved in almost every aspect of the cycling industry and benefited from working with exceptional teammates. Roles have encompassed product management, project management, soft goods developer, design, production art, packaging, logistics and department management, retail sales, mechanic, account management, sourcing and vendor relations.
Work Experience
Director of Product Management
SILCA2016 – 2019
Accountable for all aspects of product creation and launch to market. Delivering on-average one new product a month along with managing engineers, design / developing of soft-goods, creating production artwork, retail packaging and content for Marketing.
Director of Zipp, Quarq and Aftermarket Product
SRAM Corporation2011 – 2015
Charged with aligning complete portfolio of SRAM product categories into a profitable, innovative retail program. Directly responsible for Zipp and Quarq product line direction, product managers and program managers.
Director of Bontrager and Aftermarket Product Development
Trek Bicycle Corporation2002 – 2011
Consolidated collection of Trek owned brands under the Bontrager brand. Oversaw development of the Bontrager product line that yielded 10X growth in aftermarket and became the preferred dominant specification on Trek OE bicycles.
Product Manager of External Drivetrain
SRAM Corporation1996 – 2002
Serve as Senior OE sales account manager. Moved to product management post-acquisition of SACHS bicycle components. Lead international product development teams in numerous key categories.
Product Manager
Kona Bicycle Company1991 – 1996
Served as account manager. Promoted to lead product developer and project manager post-departure of founding designer.
