Email
jplouse@gmail.com
Mobile
206.245.3004

About

I’m a strategic Product Development Leader based in Woodinville, WA, with an affinity for technology and a proven track record in capacity building. With a Masters in Organizational Leadership, my career spans nearly two decades of pioneering and solving complex product and organizational challenges in the ever-evolving tech sphere.

Throughout my career, I’ve demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit and a knack for product strategy and execution. I’ve led the development and strategic positioning of a B2B Services Marketplace for a unicorn startup, bridging it with the world’s largest software marketplace and aligning with some of the worlds largest software ecosystems. My efforts in building high-performing development teams, establishing comprehensive product and testing organizations, and forging cross-functional partnerships have been pivotal in deploying GTM strategies. These initiatives supported sales enablement and demand generation, catapulting ARR to $2M in the first two years. My approach is holistic, focusing on growth, retention, and delivering first-class results through innovation and problem-solving.

My Experience

Director of Strategy and Development

Product Vision and Management:
I was responsible for the comprehensive oversight of the loan acquisition and servicing platform, encompassing product vision, design, backlog, implementation, and end-to-end product management support. This role required close coordination with various teams, including engineering, marketing, technology, operations, compliance, and information security.

Strategic Direction and Influence:
I set the direction and actively influenced the executive team on the overall product strategy, ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term goals and vision.

Partnership with Engineering:
I collaborated with engineering leadership to evolve the system architecture and infrastructure, tailoring them to meet our specific business outcomes and technological needs.

Customer-Centric Innovation:
Through research and experimentation, I uncovered customer needs that inspired innovative solutions and products, driving continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Team Leadership and Development:
I led, mentored, and developed a growing team of product managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and professional growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
I worked closely with various departments, including marketing, legal, compliance, credit, risk, operations, security, and sales. My role involved incorporating feedback and work items into the product roadmap and effectively communicating and marketing products to the broader ecosystem.

Metrics and Objectives Definition:
I defined key metrics and outcomes, translating them into qualitative objectives and quantitative goals that aligned with our strategic priorities and performance targets. This approach ensured a clear understanding of success criteria and a focused path towards achieving them.

Moneytree, Inc.2017-2021

Director, Technology Services

Appointment as Chair and Subsequent Promotion:
I was appointed as the Chair of the Product Development Subcommittee, where I led the redesign of product development processes and procedures, organized large-scale implementations, and collaborated on strategic planning. My efforts resulted in being appointed as the Director of Development & Strategy.

Enabling FinTech Integration:
I enabled a new process to assess emerging financial technologies, collaborating with industry experts and the President to gain knowledge and identify opportunities. This collaboration shifted the evolution of the company into the FinTech space, integrating new technologies into the business infrastructure.

Vendor Management and ROI Optimization:
I cultivated 3rd party relationships, managed Service Level Agreements, and negotiated with new vendors. My strategic approach to these relationships ensured a better ROI, aligning vendor contributions with company goals.

Presentation Crafting and Execution:
I crafted and executed presentations to demonstrate value propositions, progress, and ROI. My ability to communicate complex ideas and results ensured productivity achievement, aligning stakeholders with the strategic direction of the initiatives.

Moneytree, Inc.2016-2017

Online Marketing Manager

Team Leadership and Digital Strategy Direction:
I oversaw 3 direct reports and a team of 6, managing a marketing budget of $1M+. My role involved directing the digital multichannel strategy, development, and execution efforts. By implementing a standardized workflow process and building a collaborative environment, I expanded into the digital space, influencing the generation of new revenue.

Hiring and Onboarding for Online Presence:
I hired and onboarded Developers to architect online marketing programs. This included creating a web presence and adopting a CRM system, which expanded brand awareness and customer acquisition, aligning our marketing efforts with modern digital trends.

Agency Collaboration for SEO and Advertising:
I contracted and consulted with 2 different online agencies to implement SEO and advertising strategies. My leadership in designing and launching online marketing campaigns contributed to the successful realization of our digital marketing goals.

Inspiring a Digital Movement:
I inspired a digital movement that led to the creation of a new marketing website using the CRM system, reporting infrastructure, and the implementation of an online transactional system. By pivoting the focus from traditional methods to adapting into the digital space, I encouraged team members and Executive leadership to transition into a new technical environment, aligning our marketing approach with the evolving digital landscape.

Moneytree, Inc.2008-2016

Operations Support Manager

Coordination and Compliance Oversight:
I coordinated with a team of 5 professionals and communicated with Executive Leadership teams across 150 Northwest retail locations. My responsibilities included developing and implementing internal controls and traveling to each store to assess 3 operational sectors: state and federal regulatory compliance, asset controls, and safety and security reviews. This comprehensive approach ensured operational effectiveness across the entire retail network.

Data Management and Traceability Enhancement:
I built reporting systems to export and transfer data from a POS system into a database. By reviewing the information and writing queries in the database to identify abnormalities, I led efforts to increase traceability. This data-driven approach allowed for more accurate and efficient tracking of key metrics.

Security Enhancement and Fraud Mitigation:
I architected tools to enhance security processes and procedures, exploring and analyzing patterns of internal fraud and theft occurrences. My efforts mitigated the most fraudulent behaviors within the company’s history in 2 years, resulting in the enterprise-wide adoption of the tool. The continued use of this tool to date stands as a testament to its effectiveness in safeguarding the company’s assets and reputation.

Moneytree, Inc.2006-2008

Branch Manager

Team Leadership and Customer Experience:
I led a team of 13, focusing on ensuring an exceptional customer and team member experience. My leadership extended to managing risk and supporting business growth, aligning our efforts with the company’s strategic objectives.

Coaching and Development for Business Objectives:
As a branch manager, I took on the responsibility to coach, motivate, and develop the branch team. My role included:

Performance Management: Regularly assessing team performance, setting clear goals, and providing constructive feedback to ensure alignment with business objectives.
Customer Service Excellence:
Implementing and monitoring customer service standards to ensure a consistent and high-quality experience for all customers.
Risk Management:
Overseeing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, implementing internal controls to manage risk effectively.
Team Development:
Providing ongoing training and development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and achievement.

Moneytree, Inc.2001-2006

Gallup’s Cliftonstrengths Talent Assessment Results

Top Five Domains:
Strategic | Ideation | Analytical | Learner | Individualization

(view my whole report here)

Strengths Based Leadership