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Engineering and Product Development Manager

Engineering & Production

Complex problem solver with the ability to bridge the gap between product, marketing and sales through excellent
communication and product creation. Proven success in brand building and sustainable growth through
authenticity, careful study of consumer, design, and industry trends, and mindfulness to the brand's core values
and ideals.

Responsible for overseeing the concept, design, development and go to market direction for DC snowboard
boots, snowboards and winter footwear
•   Grew the existing business 20% year over year for five straight years by staying true to the DC brand's
values, implementing an evergreen market research and consumer feedback loop, and adding unique value to the consumer in a crowded market
•   Researched, sourced, and tested new materials and manufacturing processes resulting in the development
of industry-leading technologies and processes
•   Created a collaborative, domestic and international environment to provide a competitive product line year
over year
•   Constant communication with European and Asian manufacturing factories
•   Presented the product to internal teams at sales meetings in addition to presenting the product to media at regional and international trade shows
•   Built a partnership with DC Shoes and Snow Park Technologies creating a purpose built collection of products with a pro user focus
•   Collaborated with Auburn Ale House to create the DC Hoppy Workplace IPA. A sessionable IPA
commercially distributed

Global Merchandising Director - DC Shoes

2 years 9 months
•   Responsible for managing and developing plastic injection molded eyewear along with all decorative
components involved in the finished product
•   Drove product through all phases of development, interfacing with major stakeholders from design through final manufacturing
•   Ensured that fit and finish of product was signed off at the mold, sale sample model, and finished good
•   Acted as Program Manager for the Fox Head Eyewear Category
o Worked as the conduit between the responsible parties at Fox Head and Oakley
o Delivered Fox Eyewear on time and budget during my involvement with the relationship between Fox Head and Oakley
•   Managed and sustained the Oakley Hockey Visor category

Product Development Engineer - Oakley 

2 years 2 months
•   Worked with sales, marketing, and team of professional athletes to create yearly product line plans
•   Responsible for all engineering and technical design details for new models as well as any design changes
to existing models using Solidworks and Excel
•   Rebuilt the brand's product image through increased quality control systems, timely product delivery, and improved product design
•   In depth work to select woods, composites and plastics
•   Conducted daily communication with overseas factories and suppliers to ensure timely delivery and accurate product
•   Extensive overseas travel and on-site factory work discussing future projects, price negotiations and solidifying strong working relationships
•   Presented the product at annual sales meetings to the international sales force

 Product Manager - Forum Snowboards

1 year 6 months
•   Managed teams of 5-25 members on machine builds and testing projects using MS Project
•   Designed and detailed automated food packaging equipment using Solidworks
•   Outsourced part manufacturing to local vendors to expedite project timelines and ensure on time delivery
•   Oversaw final production and coordination of materials
•   Managed controls over inspection, sorting and shipping for high capacity production line
•   Oversaw finished machine installation at customer's factory and signed off on functioning equipment
•   Conducted project status meetings with senior management and customers

Project Manager

David Appel is an Engineering and Product Development Manager at f'real in San Anselmo, CA.

David Appel

David Appel

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