Garry Goncalves, 31

Purchasing manager
Viking Spas
Wyoming, Michigan

Garry Goncalves began his career at Viking Spas in 2017 in production. Within a year, his skills and attention to detail earned him a move into the purchasing and inventory management department as an assistant. There, he supported vendor ordering, tracked inventory counts and led production scheduling. By early 2022, he was promoted to purchasing manager — a role that puts him at the center of Viking’s procurement strategy and vendor relationships.

For Goncalves, the role is about more than numbers and purchase orders. “I truly enjoy building strong professional relationships with our vendor representatives,” he says. He also finds satisfaction in sourcing new products and materials, seeing it as an opportunity to “continuously enhance the quality and performance of our spas.” 

One standout accomplishment was spearheading the implementation of a bin location system across all warehouse racking. The change, he explains, “significantly enhanced our inventory control and first in, first out management,” leading to more accurate counts and faster fulfillment. In a manufacturing environment where efficiency is critical, the project delivered lasting benefits across departments.

Obstacles are part of the job — particularly in inventory management, where global supply chain disruptions, shortages and delayed shipments are ongoing. “The best way to navigate these issues is through proactive planning and clear communication,” Goncalves says. Anticipating potential disruptions and collaborating closely with the team allows Viking to maintain high service levels even under pressure.

Goncalves is focused on leadership growth and having a broader influence in the hot tub industry. He advocates for mentoring up-and-coming supply chain professionals and believes the industry can benefit from more open communication between suppliers and manufacturers. “If we can improve transparency and data sharing across the supply chain, we can reduce lead times, minimize waste and enhance product availability,” Goncalves says. He wants to leave his mark by promoting smarter, agile procurement strategies that make the industry more resilient.

Away from work, Goncalves savors time with his wife and their energetic 2 1/2-year-old son. He’s also an active supporter — and participant — in his wife’s group fitness gym.