Principal Product Manager

18+ years building world-class products and platforms at Fortune 5 companies — from streaming media and cloud-native 5G to enterprise Physical AI and Digital Twin. Passionate about creating user-centered solutions that drive measurable business impact at scale.

James Venrick

About Me

I'm a product and technology executive whose career has been defined by building businesses in emerging and disruptive markets. I began as an entrepreneur before the 2008 financial crisis, then spent thirteen years at DISH Network repeatedly selected to launch new platforms, services, and networks — from Hopper and Sling TV to satellite broadband, IoT, and cloud-native 5G.

Today I lead Physical AI, Digital Twin, and predictive analytics initiatives at Walmart, and advise select clients through Karamazov Group. My expertise spans product strategy, behavioral science, enterprise IoT, telecommunications infrastructure, and go-to-market execution at national scale.

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

Core Expertise

Product Strategy
Digital Twin
Physical AI
IoT Platforms
5G & Open RAN
Data Analytics
Behavioral Science
OTT & Streaming
Telecommunications
Leadership

Featured Work

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

Lead Walmart Launch of Digital Twin & Physical AI
2024-5

Lead Walmart Launch of Digital Twin & Physical AI

As Principal Product Manager for Physical AI, Digital Twin, and spatial intelligence, led the end-to-end strategy and launch of a massive-scale Digital Twin ecosystem. Integrated real-time IoT sensor data into high-fidelity 2D and 3D environments that map the physical enterprise into a digital layer — enabling predictive maintenance, virtual walkthroughs, simulation modeling, and optimized spatial planning across the Walmart global footprint. The platform serves as a single source of truth for physical operations, bridging field-level hardware and executive strategic analysis.

Key Results

Enterprise-Scale Visualization
Spatial Intelligence
Real-Time IoT Integration
Digital Twin
Physical AI
3D Visualization
IoT
Predictive Analytics
Deployed Real-Time IoT Monitoring & Alerting Application
2023

Deployed Real-Time IoT Monitoring & Alerting Application

Led the complete redesign of Walmart's enterprise IoT alerting and monitoring platform. Built predictive failure detection across refrigeration and HVAC systems, dramatically reducing product loss and operational waste through real-time telemetry, intelligent alerting, and cross-functional operational workflows.

Key Results

Predictive Failure Detection
Enterprise IoT Scale
Operational Waste Reduction
IoT
Predictive Analytics
Product Strategy
UX Research
Delivered Walmart's First Indoor Positioning (mGPS) Solution
2023

Delivered Walmart's First Indoor Positioning (mGPS) Solution

Launched Walmart's first indoor positioning platform (mGPS), enabling spatial awareness and location intelligence inside retail facilities. Connected physical store environments to digital operational systems — a foundational capability for downstream Physical AI and Digital Twin initiatives.

Key Results

First-to-Market at Walmart
In-Store Spatial Awareness
Physical-Digital Integration
Indoor Positioning
Spatial Intelligence
IoT
Enterprise Platforms
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 Walmart's enterprise CMMS and single-point-of-entry ticketing platform. Unified technician, facilities, and IT escalation workflows into one system supporting nationwide store operations at massive scale.

Key Results

1.2M Associates
15M+ Work Orders/Year
Single-Point Escalation
CMMS
Machine Learning
Data Analytics
Enterprise Operations
Founded Karamazov Group — Executive Advisory & Technical Consulting
2021

Founded Karamazov Group — Executive Advisory & Technical Consulting

Founded Karamazov Group as Principal Consultant, providing executive advisory on product strategy, enterprise architecture, digital transformation, IoT platforms, AI systems, computer vision, and Physical AI — including hands-on technical validation and model fine-tuning for select clients.

Key Results

Founder & Principal Consultant
IoT & AI Systems
Ongoing Practice
Executive Advisory
Physical AI
Enterprise Architecture
Digital Transformation
Launched Frontier's 10M-Home Fiber Expansion Strategy
2021

Launched Frontier's 10M-Home Fiber Expansion Strategy

In four months as Senior Engineering Manager, stood up the team, mission, and full network transformation framework for Frontier Communications — covering nationwide fiber deployment, greenfield expansion, and DSL-to-fiber migration. Used advanced analytics to secure board-level approval for major infrastructure investments. The 10M-home fiber buildout and accelerated revenue outcomes that followed were executed from the direction and strategy set during this engagement before transitioning to the next opportunity.

Key Results

10M-Home Buildout Target
$689M Annual Revenue Increase
Board-Level Approval
Fiber Strategy
Network Transformation
Analytics
Greenfield Expansion
Delivered Industry-First 5G SA Open RAN Network to Production
2021

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

Played a key leadership role in DISH's greenfield 5G NR Standalone network following the Boost Mobile acquisition. Drove core network architecture, hybrid-cloud data center strategy, and multi-vendor Open RAN integration — delivering the world's first containerized, fully software-based 5G Core/IMS in production and the industry's first Voice-over-New-Radio (VoNR) call. Designed predictive fault detection systems that materially reduced network operating costs while managing portions of a major infrastructure portfolio.

Key Results

First Containerized 5G Core/IMS
First VoNR Call
0–7.2M Customers in 3 Years
Predictive Fault Detection
5G SA
Open RAN
Cloud-Native Core
Network Architecture
Led DISH MVDDS Spectrum Preservation Program
2021

Led DISH MVDDS Spectrum Preservation Program

Led DISH Network's nationwide MVDDS (Multichannel Video and Data Distribution Service) spectrum preservation deployment. Directed end-to-end strategy across site acquisition, rooftop lease negotiations, equipment provisioning, and partner coordination — protecting billions in strategic spectrum value and enabling scalable access across urban and suburban footprints.

Key Results

Billions in Spectrum Value Preserved
Nationwide Deployment
Multi-Year Partner Agreements
Spectrum Strategy
Network Deployment
Contract Negotiations
Infrastructure
Founded OnTech Smart Services — Smart-Home Installation Business
2019

Founded OnTech Smart Services — Smart-Home Installation Business

Helped found and scale OnTech Smart Services, DISH Network's internal smart-home installation business. Built the service from zero — defining product strategy, service catalog, installation and support models, customer experience standards, and nationwide operational processes for TV mounting, device setup, and home technology services.

Key Results

Built from Zero
Nationwide Service Model
Installation & Support Operations
Smart Home
Service Business
Operations
Customer Experience
Built Narrowband IoT / LoRaWAN Network for Enterprise Scale
2018

Built Narrowband IoT / LoRaWAN Network for Enterprise Scale

Directed the Narrowband IoT and LoRaWAN network build-out at DISH Network to support massive-scale IoT deployments across agriculture, industrial, and enterprise environments — including site infrastructure, hardware, manufacturing partnerships, analytics integrations, and third-party platform connectivity.

Key Results

Massive-Scale IoT Deployments
Agriculture & Industrial
End-to-End Network Build
NB-IoT
LoRaWAN
IoT Infrastructure
M2M Communications
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.

Fixed Wireless
MVNO
LTE
Product Launch
DISH International & Sling TV
2014

DISH International & Sling TV

Chosen to lead the full vertical stand-up of DISH International, an OTT IPTV service delivering content in more than 190 languages — owning product architecture, hardware design, billing, CRM, tax compliance, IT infrastructure, training, and operations. The same foundation powered the launch of Sling TV, one of the first major U.S. OTT streaming platforms. Contributed to award-winning innovation recognized by a Technology & Engineering Emmy®.

Key Results

190+ Languages
Technology & Engineering Emmy®
10M Downloads
OTT Streaming
IPTV
Product Architecture
International Media
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.

Payments
Blockchain
Product Launch
FinTech
Launched dishNET Wireline — DSL Broadband Across 26 States
2014

Launched dishNET Wireline — DSL Broadband Across 26 States

Led the full operational and technical launch of dishNET Wireline, DISH Network's DSL broadband service spanning 26 states. Owned end-to-end product delivery including network integration, customer provisioning, installation workflows, and nationwide support frameworks for a new wireline connectivity business built from scratch.

Key Results

26-State Launch
End-to-End Ownership
New Connectivity Business
DSL Broadband
Wireline
Product Launch
Nationwide Operations
Launched Hopper with Sling – DISH's Award-Winning Whole-Home DVR
2013

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

Played a central role in launching the Hopper family of set-top boxes — introducing whole-home DVR with simultaneous recording of up to six live programs, multi-room viewing, and integrated Slingbox technology for remote streaming on any device. Owned product specifications, user experience, documentation, training, and operational readiness. The platform won multiple Best of CES awards and helped drive a major increase in shareholder value during the launch period.

Key Results

Multiple Best of CES Awards
Six Simultaneous Recordings
Multi-Room & Remote Streaming
Consumer Electronics
Whole-Home DVR
Product Launch
CES Innovation
Launched DISH Anywhere (DISHOnline.com)
2013

Launched DISH Anywhere (DISHOnline.com)

Led the operationalization of DISH Anywhere and DISHOnline.com — integrating live streaming, video-on-demand, Blockbuster early-release content, and Sling capabilities into a unified customer experience accessible across devices. Connected the Hopper platform to the cloud and defined the end-to-end product and operations model for place-shifted television.

Key Results

Live + On-Demand Integration
Multi-Device Access
Unified Streaming Experience
OTT
Live Streaming
VOD
Cross-Platform
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 — including ground station integrations, custom modem and router strategies, NOC telemetry, and nationwide support systems built in partnership with HughesNet, WildBlue, and ViaSat. Prioritized features for scalability and reliability while driving user acquisition and long-term product viability.

Key Results

0–1M Customers in 1 Year
HughesNet / ViaSat Integration
Nationwide VSAT Launch
Satellite Internet
VSAT
Rural Broadband
Product Launch

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