Furman O'Dell
Senior Designer · Boutique
Denver, CO
In My Own Words
An experienced design professional with a deep understanding of design processes and production methods. Producer of world class product lines through team building, positivity, creativity, and empowerment. Confident, persuasive, and effective communicator with strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Expert at quickly and successfully responding to ever-changing environments and situations, known for strong customer focus and insight. Adept at developing exceptional working relationships through actively listening, building trust, and delivering quality product for the customer and company.
Work Experience
Senior Designer
Boutique2018 – Present
Owner of a design consultancy, full management of projects, including budgets, timelines, and design scope. Serve as a design manager and consultant to the high tech, consumer, and sporting goods markets. • Creating a porch-top box which allows packages to be delivered on customers’ premises, which can be locked and unlocked remotely. This is a project that combines multiple technologies including electro-mechanical systems and plastic parts.
Senior Designer
Boa Technology2006 – 2018
Created and managed the full design, development, and production process including product brief refinement, user and market research, concept brainstorming, 3D CAD development, preparation for production, marketing asset creation, and final design sign-off. Designed and developed innovative mechanical reel-based closure systems used on performance footwear made by K2, Vans, Burton, FootJoy, Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Timberland, and Red Wing. Specialized in designing for running, hiking, cycling, and golf shoes. Traveled to work with manufacturing in Asia, submitting tech packages, providing 3D CAD for plastic injection molding tooling, reviewing parts being made, and checking the assembly steps to assure the appropriate product was shipped. • Created new innovations and market insights to provide customers with new features and technology, creating marketing excitement. • Researched customer and market needs, lifestyle trends, price points, and product segmentation that uncovered areas of innovation including improved grip and better product integration, resulting in wide acceptance across a range of footwear categories. • Collaborated with all stakeholders throughout the process including Engineering, Project Management, Sales, and Marketing to ensure quick decision-making and full team buy-in. • Managed, mentored, and inspired junior designers and engineers, empowering them to excel and deliver great work. Fostered enthusiasm and employee confidence, achieving project goals and team success.
Designer
Woodstream / Perky Pet Brand2002 – 2005
Designed outdoor garden products and worked with marketing and sales to provide products to companies like Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart. Performed market research, created concepts, presented to the executive team, built 3D CAD, and coordinated with Asian manufacturers. • Designed and developed bird feeder collections based on market research, customer needs, manufacturing requirements, and cost targets, resulting in unique products that are still sold to major retailers, today. • Generated product tech packages specifying design intent, manufacturing requirements, and decoration techniques. Reviewed with overseas manufacturing representative, ensuring ease of assembly.
Product Developer
Airwalk1999 – 2000
Developed tech-packs (drawings, Bill of Materials, material callouts, suppliers, colors, etc.) and sent to manufacturers in China. Communicating and collaborating with the China development team throughout the process. • Responsible for the development of the snowboard boot line, producing a multiple SKU collection that utilized variations of flex, grip, fit, and feel to meet the demands of a variety of users, from professional athletes to casual participants.
