John Kapla
About John Kapla
John Kapla serves as the Vice President of Category Management and Product Development at Poppin, where he has worked since 2021. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Work at Poppin
John Kapla currently serves as Vice President of Category Management & Product Development at Poppin, a role he has held since 2021. Prior to this position, he worked as Director of Development at the same company from 2019 to 2021. His responsibilities include overseeing product development initiatives and managing category strategies to enhance Poppin's product offerings. His tenure at Poppin has contributed to the company's growth in the office furniture and lifestyle sector.
Education and Expertise
John Kapla holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he studied from 2000 to 2004. He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same university during the same period. Additionally, he completed a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2006. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in product development and engineering.
Background
John Kapla has a diverse professional background, having worked in various industries including automotive, furniture/lifestyle, architecture, robotics, and solar/environmental sectors. His career began at DaimlerChrysler as a Vehicle Engineer, followed by roles at Ford Motor Company and several engineering and management positions at companies such as SunPower Corporation and BPM Microsystems. This varied experience has equipped him with a broad skill set and a deep understanding of product management and engineering.
Previous Employment Experience
Before joining Poppin, John Kapla held several significant positions. He worked at SunPower Corporation in various roles, including Director of Product Management and Senior Product Manager, focusing on residential solutions. His earlier experience includes positions at KAMMETAL, BPM Microsystems, and Rehrig Pacific Company, where he contributed to product design and engineering management. His career reflects a consistent trajectory in product development and engineering leadership.
Professional Interests
John Kapla has a keen interest in learning about new technologies, products, and trends. He focuses on finding more efficient ways to develop products, which aligns with his roles in product management and engineering. His commitment to continuous learning and innovation is evident in his career choices and the diverse projects he has undertaken across multiple industries.