Ian Starnes was a star quarterback in high school, and he knew his career path would lead him into business. His father, Rodger, was vice president of marketing and customer development for Tyson Foods, and his mother, Christine, worked in the O’Reilly Auto Parts corporate office.
Little did he know that he would learn a lot in college that had nothing to do with classwork. He had to switch positions and play wide receiver. He had to build his mind and body and learn how to play this new role.
Starnes eventually became a starter, and his teammates could trust him to perform when called upon. After college he worked for several companies including Tyson Foods and Campbell Soup Co. before becoming the director of sales, Walmart, at SharkNinja.
“I definitely saw myself working in business. I saw myself being a leader of people. I’m living my dream,” he said. “Sports helped me prepare for the work I do now. It built in me a competitive edge. I hate losing. At SharkNinja, we hate losing.”
Starnes leads a sales staff of five, he said. During the past several years he’s watched markets morph and customers’ habits change.
One of the main issues recently has been the macroeconomic policies on a global scale, he said. Navigating issues such as supply chain disruptions and tariffs have been a challenge for him and his team, but he said he likes the challenge.
Consumers have changed in the past several years, as well, he said. Many want more convenient ways to shop, such as online, and the challenge is to meet those customers “where they are at,” he added.
“There’s always something new to learn,” he said. “At SharkNinja, we are always trying to find innovative ways to fulfill our customers’ expectations.”