Ben Sample

Prototyping Lead - Concept Development

2020 – Present

The Proto Lead - CD is a hands-on position responsible for execution of advanced concept prototyping, pushing the boundaries of performance fit and developing the future of BOA applications. In addition, the "Lead" has a leadership position within the department aiming to collaborate with and train new prototypers while improving department processes and resources. Proto Lead works with the CPD manager and Global Prototyping Manager to maintain a consistent concept development workload, self-regulate and define project timelines and expectations, and provide assistance to other areas within the prototyping department as needed.

Prototyping Lead - PBU

2019 – 2020

The Proto is a hands-on manager position responsible for the management of the Industry 2D/3D team, in addition to some regional overall management of Proto team as well as part time prototyping. Specifically, the Proto Lead is the point person for receiving, assigning and prioritizing prototype requests, determining if 2D or 3D is the best option for the project, as well as being responsible for coordinating and communicating status of prototype projects for the department. Proto Lead works with the CPD manager to determine yearly strategic plan and capacity by GBU/Segment and job type (2D or 3D). Proto Lead also manages the recruitment and development of staff through reviews and growth plans, striving to create a cohesive team with ever-increasing skill sets.

Senior Prototyper

2018 – 2019

Prototyper

2016 – 2018

Prototype Technician

2014 – 2016

Shift Supervisor

2013 – 2015

Shift Supervisor and part-time instructor at a large climbing-specific fitness gym. Daily duties include opening and closing of the gym, cashiering, lead and top-rope belay safety checks, programming, private instruction, customer safety and risk mitigation, with specialized tasks involving general gym maintenance and upkeep, equipment safety, and OSHA compliance. Managerial tasks include inventory, ordering, background operations, customer service, gym improvements and fabrication, and staff supervision.

Adopt-a-Peak Co-Leader

2013 – 2013

Assist the Adopt-a-Peak Coordinator in coordinating volunteer trail crews at high altitude on the Colorado Fourteeners. The position involves trail maintenance and building, LNT and alpine ecology education for volunteers, and providing information on environmental stewardship to trail users.

BA

2009 – 2013

BA

BOA PerformFit Wrap Snowboard

We set out with a simple goal: make the best fitting snowboard boot ever. Leveraging BOA's scientifically-validated performance benefits in low-cut footwear, our team developed a ground-up configuration strategy to bring snowboard boots into a new era. I am ecstatic to see Burton take the lead to market with the WaveRange X Pro BOA featuring the new PerformFit Wrap.

Ariat Pull-On Boot

Achieving micro-adjustable fit on a pull-on boot silhouette? Not as easy as it might sound. It took years of product development and testing to get a comfortable, reliable, high performance solution from concept to reality. The original "Workhog" has given way to multiple product lines over several generations offering a performance fit in a classically rugged package.

Rocky Snake Boot

From my days as Proto Lead for categories like workwear and hunt, this snake boot project presented unique challenges between fit, performance, and product limitations.

Warrior Lacrosse Helmet

Integrating a lightweight, high performance fit system into a heavy full-face helmet built for full-contact abuse. Helmets are a particularly challenging product category in which BOA strives to innovate and redefine the meaning of performance fit.