PPB June 2018

Klatt’s career progressed quickly, which was both exciting and challenging. “At a young age, I had people reporting to me who were older and more knowledgeable about the business,” he says. “At first I approached them with the attitude of, ‘This is my title and this is why you have to do what I say,’ but of course that didn’t work. I had great mentors who put me in my place and taught me how important it is to earn respect and to deservedly shift credit to the team,” Klatt says. “Basically, I had to learn to lead versus manage.” Klatt went on to serve in key leadership positions at Black & Decker, and then joined Newell Brands in 2001. He held a variety of senior management roles across multiple businesses, including Rubbermaid and Graco, before he was promoted to global president of the writing segment and specialty brands. His sphere of responsibility included household brands such as Sharpie, Paper Mate and uni-ball. Most recently, Klatt served as CEO of AAMP Global, a manufacturer of consumer- focused vehicle aftermarket and OEM technology. Making the move to BIC Graphic USA was an easy decision, says Klatt. “Promotional products is a huge, highly fragmented market, so the potential for acquisitions, partnerships and winning over customers organically is exciting,” he says. “I’m energized to play in that kind of business.” Since taking the helm in February, Klatt has been impressed with the depth of talent and potential that he sees, as well as the flow of innovation in new products. “The strength of our sales, marketing and operations teams have prompted some of the best-known brands in the world to come to us to take their message forward,” he says. “Even in the short time I’ve been here, we’ve started negotiations with three more huge brands.” Klatt’s goal is to build on the supplier’s success to help take it to the next level. “Priority No. 1,” he says, “is increasing our level of customer service. Our customer relations process is being enhanced, and two company veterans have been promoted to lead the teams. We are already seeing improvements.” In addition, the company is in the process of integrating operations and work flow with its top customers. Two major integrations are complete, with 27 more in the works. Klatt plans to steer the corporate culture toward becoming more cohesive and forward-focused, and he recently hired a new VP of human resources to lead the effort. Klatt enthusiastically describes BIC Graphic USA’s partnership with private equity owners H.I.G. Capital as highly supportive, noting proactive investments in automation, order flow and new products. He notes that they are all on the same page, with a desire to be in front of trends and prepared for the inevitable market shifts. “What I’m hearing so far is that end users and customers want to buy from one source,” he says. “This sets up well for us because of our broad range of products and brands. Our well-known proprietary and premium partner brands are well positioned to meet the demand for better value and high-quality products.” Eventually, Klatt says, he will judge his own success by the personal and professional development of those around him. “I’mmost proud when I see people who work with me go on to do great things, knowing I had a hand in their career or personal development,” he says. Four months in, it’s clear that Klatt has hit the ground running with no intention of slowing down. “As far as I’m concerned,” he says, “the sky is the limit, and it’s up to us how we write the next chapter.” Terry Ramsay is associate editor of PPB. Klatt cheers on the Tampa Bay Lightning with his wife, Sophie, and son, Trey. | JUNE 2018 | 23 INNOVATE