Blain Hefty
Senior Product Manager | Financial Technology Software
Spokane Valley,WA
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Product Manager
Morningstar, Inc.
01.2022 - Current
- Oversee 3rd Party product integrations team, providing assistance in evaluating potential partners, negotiating contracts, and eventually launching new features.
- Simultaneously lead multiple products and drive new business initiatives through research, documentation, and implementation.
- Prioritize product initiatives, including new development, based on in-depth opportunity analysis and competitive landscape assessment.
- Guide products through entire development-to-launch process, including operational aspects.
- Subject matter expert for Advisor Solutions both internally and externally, engaging with Individual Advisor industry and clients to enhance offerings.
- Foster inclusive team culture through inclusion and mentorship.
Product Manager
Morningstar, Inc.
07.2017 - 01.2022
- Created and executed new business strategy achieving 32% sales increase and 30% growth in Assets Under Management.
- Own product strategy, roadmap, and development life-cycle for portfolio rebalancing, Model Marketplace, and tax optimization engines, working closely with cross-functional development teams.
- Translate executive strategic vision into prioritized features and requirements, refining them through customer validation.
- Oversee rollout strategy for new enhancements and feature retirement, requiring collaboration with internal stakeholders globally, including teams in Software Products, Product Services, and Data Technology.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success, including business outcomes, customer satisfaction, quality, and time to market.
- Continuously monitored customer feedback channels after launch to gather insightful data for future iterations or updates
Product Owner
Morningstar, Inc. (formerly Total Rebalance Expert)
11.2015 - 07.2017
- Oversaw product enhancements, the introduction of new features, and 3rd Party integrations to deliver business value.
- Successfully led the transition from Waterfall to Agile Software Development, resulting in a 70% increase in team velocity.
- Implemented enhanced Quality Assurance processes, leading to a 15% reduction in defect leakage.
- Managed product timeline risks and issues, developing mitigation plans and providing regular updates to clients and senior management.
- Efficiently coordinated multiple teams, including software developers, QA, and subject matter experts, utilizing various methodologies.
- Primary contact of the product team participating in client calls and meetings, ensuring client expectations were consistently met throughout the project.
Product Owner | Software Developer
Total Rebalance Expert (formerly Cornerstone Revolutions, Inc.)
11.2013 - 11.2015
- Managed both Technical Support and Quality Assurance teams while spearheading creation, implementation, and enforcement of Product Strategy focused on improving sales and customer satisfaction.
- Played critical role in 3rd Party Integrations, overseeing technical negotiations and producing integration technical documentation for development.
- Maintained software developer responsibilities, addressing and resolving issues as necessary to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
Software Developer
Cornerstone Revolutions, Inc.
10.2010 - 11.2013
- Responsible for database development, including query construction and coding stored procedures/functions for financial reporting software using Microsoft SQL Management Studio and Visual Basic.
- Maintained existing end user reports and created new client data reports using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
- Managed and executed data migration services from various vendor platforms, such as Advent Axys, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, Fidelity Wealth Central, .csv documents, and spreadsheets.
Associate | Forensic Accounting Consultant
LECG, LLC (formerly Bates Group, LLC)
08.2006 - 08.2008
- Utilized technical accounting and auditing expertise to offer insights and comprehension in complex areas, including forensic accounting, damages analysis, discovery management, and litigation support.
- Conducted internal investigations, specifically in response to inquiries by Board of Directors, with focus on accounting and financial reporting fraud. These investigations encompassed topics such as revenue recognition, stock option granting practices, and anti-trust damages.
Senior Analyst
Bates Group, LLC
06.2004 - 08.2006
- Conducted quantitative analysis to provide accurate, objective, and verifiable evaluations of trading and performance in securities accounts.
- Calculated hypothetical performance for structured products under various assumptions, primarily for arbitration purposes.
- Conducted investigation into advisor's portfolio management strategy to assess potential breaches of fiduciary duty.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - EMT Paramedic
Central Oregon Community College
Bend, OR 08.2008 - 08.2010
Bachelor of Science - Finance And Economics
Linfield University
McMinnville, OR 09.2000 - 06.2004
Skills
Business Process Improvement
Strong Verbal and Written Communication Skills
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Agile & Waterfall Project Management
Quality Assurance
Business Strategy
Strategic Planning
Project Scheduling
Data Analysis
Additional Information
Experienced Financial Technology (FinTech) Product Manager with over 14 years of strategic leadership in the finance and technology industry. Passionate about driving innovation, enhancing user experiences, and delivering impactful solutions. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and aligning product roadmaps with business objectives. Skilled in project management, business analysis, and SDLC disciplines. Excited to leverage my expertise to shape the future of financial technology.
Timeline
Senior Product Manager
Morningstar, Inc.
01.2022 - Current
Product Manager
Morningstar, Inc.
07.2017 - 01.2022
Product Owner
Morningstar, Inc. (formerly Total Rebalance Expert)
11.2015 - 07.2017
Product Owner | Software Developer
Total Rebalance Expert (formerly Cornerstone Revolutions, Inc.)
11.2013 - 11.2015
Software Developer
Cornerstone Revolutions, Inc.
10.2010 - 11.2013
Associate of Applied Science - EMT Paramedic
Central Oregon Community College
08.2008 - 08.2010
Associate | Forensic Accounting Consultant
LECG, LLC (formerly Bates Group, LLC)
08.2006 - 08.2008
Senior Analyst
Bates Group, LLC
06.2004 - 08.2006
Bachelor of Science - Finance And Economics
Linfield University
09.2000 - 06.2004