Principal Product Manager

15 years of experience building world-class products at Fortune 5 companies. Passionate about creating user-centered solutions that drive business impact at scale.

James Venrick

About Me

I'm a seasoned product leader with 15 years of experience building and scaling products that delight millions of users. Currently serving as Principal Product Manager at a Fortune 5 company, where I lead cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that delight my users.

My expertise spans product strategy, user research, data analytics, program management, and go-to-market execution. I've successfully launched products that generated over $1b in annual revenue and have been recognized with multiple industry awards.

I'm passionate about mentoring the next generation of product managers and eliminating apathy.

Core Expertise

Product Strategy
User Research
Data Analytics
A/B Testing
Machine Learning
Mobile Strategy
Growth
Telecommunications Networks
Leadership

Featured Work

A selection of impactful products and initiatives I've led throughout my career

Deployed Real-Time IoT Monitoring & Alerting Application
2023

Deployed Real-Time IoT Monitoring & Alerting Application

Led the complete redesign of Walmart's Massive IoT alerting system resulting in 62.5% reduction in product loss.

Key Results

62.5% Reduction
$1b Revenue
1.2M Users
Product Strategy
UX Research
User Empathy
Built End-to-End Ticketing System for Technician & IT Escalation
2022

Built End-to-End Ticketing System for Technician & IT Escalation

Spearheaded the research, design, and development of a single-point-of-entry ticketing system with 1m+ users, 10m+ submissions, and 100m+ interactions .

Key Results

35,000% ↑ Engagement
1.2M Users
Machine Learning
Data Analytics
Personalization
Launched Frontier’s 10M-Home Fiber Expansion Strategy
2021

Launched Frontier’s 10M-Home Fiber Expansion Strategy

Led network strategy and deployment planning for Frontier Communications’ accelerated fiber buildout, targeting 10 million locations by 2025. Directed infrastructure investment, vendor selection, and deployment prioritization to scale fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) across 25 states. This initiative positioned Frontier as a leading fiber broadband provider, delivering symmetrical gigabit speeds and supporting the company's transformation into a fiber-first business.

Key Results

$689m Annual revenue increase
SMB Business Segment Capture
Mobile Strategy
Cross-Platform
Growth
Delivered Industry-First 5G SA Open RAN Network to Production
2021

Delivered Industry-First 5G SA Open RAN Network to Production

Led the end-to-end launch of the world’s first 5G Standalone (SA) Open RAN network, integrating disaggregated radio and core components across multiple vendors into a fully cloud-native, carrier-grade architecture. Drove cross-functional alignment between engineering, vendor partners, and operations to overcome industry-first challenges in interoperability, orchestration, and performance optimization. Successfully transitioned from lab validation to commercial deployment, setting a global benchmark for open, flexible, and scalable next-gen wireless infrastructure.

Key Results

0-7.2m Customers in 3 years
Mobile Strategy
Cross-Platform
Growth
Drove End-to-End Launch of DISH MVDDS Service
2021

Drove End-to-End Launch of DISH MVDDS Service

Serve as Site Acquisition Manager and Network Deployment Lead for DISH Network’s Multichannel Video and Data Distribution Service (MVDDS) initiative. Lead end-to-end deployment activities including rooftop lease negotiations, equipment provisioning, and site coordination. Successfully broker multi-year agreements with partners and property owners, ensuring scalable access across urban and suburban footprints. Oversee user equipment delivery and provisioning workflows, maintain data integrity across deployment systems, and manage key relationships between DISH and third-party installation and service partners.

Key Results

10b+ investment save
Mobile Strategy
Network Deployment
Contract Negotiations
Fixed 4G TDD-LTE Pilot – Product Launch & Performance Lead
2014

Fixed 4G TDD-LTE Pilot – Product Launch & Performance Lead

Led the pilot launch of a Fixed 4G TDD-LTE product in partnership with nTelos and Sprint, acting as the MVNO business owner. Defined and tracked KPIs across customer acquisition, break/fix incidents, product stability, attrition, profitability, and frontline performance. Spearheaded the design and development of a long-term TR-069/CWMP solution to improve device provisioning, monitoring, and management across LTE networks. Balanced technical execution with customer insights to validate market readiness and inform long-term strategy.

Mobile Strategy
Cross-Platform
Growth
DISH International/Sling TV
2014

DISH International/Sling TV

Led strategy and execution for Sling TV, one of the first live OTT streaming platforms in the U.S. Oversaw launch features including customizable channel packages, multi-device support, and real-time streaming enhancements. Partnered with cross-functional teams to drive user growth to over 2 million subscribers and helped position Sling TV as an industry leader with over $1.8B in annual revenue. Contributed to award-winning innovation recognized by a Technology & Engineering Emmy®, while optimizing roadmap prioritization, user experience, and platform scalability.

Key Results

1.8b Annual Revenue
4.8★ App Rating
10M Downloads
Mobile Strategy
Cross-Platform
Growth
Launched Cryptocurrency Payment Support at DISH
2014

Launched Cryptocurrency Payment Support at DISH

Led the integration of Bitcoin Cash as a payment option for DISH Network customers, expanding upon the company's initial acceptance of Bitcoin in 2014. Transitioned payment processing to BitPay, enabling secure, real-time cryptocurrency transactions for subscriptions and pay-per-view services. This initiative enhanced customer payment flexibility and positioned DISH as a pioneer in adopting blockchain payment solutions within the pay-TV industry.

Mobile Strategy
Cross-Platform
Growth
Launched Hopper with Sling – DISH’s Award-Winning Whole-Home DVR
2013

Launched Hopper with Sling – DISH’s Award-Winning Whole-Home DVR

Led the product launch of the DISH Hopper with Sling, the industry’s first whole-home HD DVR with integrated place-shifting and multi-device streaming. Defined product vision, shaped feature roadmap, and drove cross-functional execution from concept to CES debut. Delivered a category-defining experience that earned “Best of Show” at CES 2013, positioning DISH as an innovation leader in consumer entertainment technology.

Mobile Strategy
Cross-Platform
Growth
dishNET Product Launch Lead – Satellite Internet for Rural Markets
2012

dishNET Product Launch Lead – Satellite Internet for Rural Markets

Led the product launch of dishNET, DISH Network’s VSAT satellite internet service for rural markets. Prioritized features for scalability and reliability, and partnered with engineering and operations to drive deployment. Focused on user acquisition, service performance, and long-term product viability within a $500m+ revenue portfolio.

Key Results

0-1m customers in 1 year
1b+ annual revenue generation
Mobile Strategy
Cross-Platform
Growth

Let's Connect

I'm always interested in discussing product strategy, mentoring opportunities, or potential collaborations.

Get in Touch

venrick@gmail.com

What I can help with:

  • • Product strategy consulting
  • • Mentoring and career guidance
  • • Speaking engagements
  • • Advisory opportunities
Send me a message