Housewares industry veteran Darrin Johnston is ramping up a consulting business aimed at helping suppliers identify and implement new growth opportunities while tackling challenges across a wide range of operating disciplines.
Johnston, through his Atlanta-based SDJ Global Consulting, is tapping into nearly three decades of senior housewares management experience. He most recently spearheaded the launch by kitchen and cleaning electrics leader Shark Ninja into cookware and cutlery. Before joining Shark Ninja in 2020, Johnston was with Meyer Corp. for 22 years, ascending from sales management to managing director of North American and Latin American operations for the cookware and kitchenware leader.
Johnston, who initiated the consultancy before joining Shark Ninja, said the housewares market is ripe for hands-on advisory specialists with extensive, broad management experience that can customize programs to guide companies seeking to expand outside their “sweet spots.”
He said he offers turnkey strategy, implementation and operating service in sourcing, manufacturing, supply chain, retail program development, licensing, product launch and placement, marketing and more.
“Today’s situation sets up a big opportunity for experienced consultants,” Johnston said, “Companies are challenged with stronger headwinds than they have ever been challenged with.
“I can help small organizations take that next step, and I can work with large companies that may not have knowledge in certain categories,” Johnston continued. “The biggest problem for these companies often is lack of expertise in setting up a new business even if they have experience and money. They often don’t know how to approach business outside their realm.”
