Meet an Expert: Angie Cahoy

Angie Cahoy, Director of Product Management

Zip’s AW Direct carries thousands of products from more than 400 vendors on its e-commerce site. Chances are Angie Cahoy had a hand in getting most of them listed online. She also likely shook the hand of the sales rep from the company that supplied them. As a true crime buff, she knows she’s guilty of being a hands-on boss. Her fingerprints are everywhere.

Cahoy serves as the Director of Product Management at Zip’s. In her role, she and her team are responsible for uploading all of the products shown on Zips.com. They accurately describe and depict each item and reorder and restock supplies when inventory levels drop to a certain level. She calls it a “team effort,” nurtured by the culture of a family-owned business like Zip’s.

“A key part of my role here is developing strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers and fostering partnerships that support long-term success for both of us,” she explained. “I work closely with my team to strategize for future growth, support product development efforts and continuously improve our digital shopping experience. All of this is done within a collaborative, family-oriented environment where daily communication and teamwork drive our success.”

As our latest ‘Meet an Expert’ employee profile, Cahoy manages a team of nine employees, including five product managers who are responsible for designated categories of products. Those departments cover lighting, apparel, rigging and several other product lines which are critical to the success of our customers, many of whom are involved in towing, transportation and various related industries.

“We oversee the full product lifecycle within the Marketing Department at Zip’s,” Cahoy said. “That ranges from initial supplier research and onboarding to ongoing product evaluation and optimization. We continuously work to ensure our products remain competitive, profitable and aligned with customer expectations. I work extensively with our suppliers and manufacturers, and I’ve built strong relationships with many of them, knowing several on a first-name basis.”

A native of southern Iowa, Cahoy has worked her way up in her nearly two decades with the company in New Hampton, IA. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Product Manager herself and held several positions in Sales Support, Accounts Payable and Warranty Claims, all of which she says have contributed to her success in her current leadership position.

“I initially started out in the office to process truck sales orders, purchase large equipment for our truck builds and work directly with the sales team to ensure each customer’s needs were met,” Cahoy said. “Shortly thereafter, I began cross-training throughout the organization, which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how our departments connect, overlap and operate efficiently.”

Learning what she could from her various office positions, Cahoy moved into Product Management in 2018 following the acquisition of AW Direct by Zip’s. Zip’s had always maintained a small parts inventory and a limited catalog of products to support their customer base, but those offerings grew exponentially with the purchase of AW Direct.

The acquisition not only involved the transfer of inventory from Wisconsin to Iowa but also precipitated several facility expansions, a five-fold increase in employees—from 50 to 250—a new computer system and in-house customer support. The growth does not appear to be letting up, and Cahoy said her team is on the front lines of bringing more new and innovative products to the marketplace.

“The most significant changes since my first years here have been the tremendous growth of Zip’s and the evolution of my own responsibilities,” Cahoy acknowledged. “Witnessing and contributing to this level of growth has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. We work very closely with one another, and I feel I can continue to help shape the department’s direction and support the expansion of our product offerings.”

Cahoy said her many responsibilities include maintaining accurate information on new and discontinued products, reviewing backorders and inventory levels and communicating with both customer service teams and suppliers to align expectations on lead times. She also researches products to optimize merchandising and analyze sales reports to determine product performance and opportunities for growth.

“We regularly review products, pricing, categories and website content to ensure accuracy and identify areas for improvement,” she said. “I also make sure each product manager has the support, data and tools needed to succeed. Along with other department heads, we strive to execute effective marketing campaigns, support product research initiatives and provide insights essential to driving sales and engagement.”

Cahoy moved to northeast Iowa in 2000, and prior to joining Zip’s in 2007, she worked in the health care field. Her husband, Jason, also works at Zip’s as a Technical Assistant in the Product Sales Department, where he manages customer inquiries and recommends appropriate solutions and parts. They have three children: Carter and Marissa are in college, and Aleigha is in high school in New Hampton.

“Even though I started my career in health care, my path has taught me the same valuable lessons: Building relationships and effective communication are keys to success in any environment,” Cahoy said. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is being able to support and collaborate with my team—whether it’s offering guidance, sharing ideas or simply being an ear to listen. I love knowing that I can help my colleagues succeed while still staying focused on my own responsibilities.”