Michael Tam
Product Development Manager · THOR Motocross
San Diego, CA
In My Own Words
Energetic and inspired Product Design & Development professional that strives to push products to the next level. Brought products to life for industry-leading brands through commitment to creative leadership, partnerships with suppliers, sourcing strategy, proficiency in design tools, passion for inspiration, willingness to immerse myself in new subject matter, and the ability to communicate cross-functionally in an efficient manner to meet project goals.
Work Experience
Product Developer - R&D Hard Goods
100%2021 – 2023
• Conducted development and design (new products and SMU) for mountain bike helmets, motocross goggles, snow goggles, and body protection equipment • Supported product design throughout product development cycle by utilizing industrial design skillsets to refine aesthetic and functionality • Worked closely with soft goods development team on protective garments, knee guards, and elbow guards to optimize comfort, fit, design aesthetic, and coverage • Tracked progress of projects to ensure that important milestones are met and relevant information is communicated cross functionally • Drove use of 3D printing parts during concept development phase by preparing CAD files, utilizing in-house 3D printer, and outsourcing prototyping from local vendor • Provided packaging items to suppliers and compliance testing facilities by arranging labels, user manuals, hang tags, inserts cards, and retail boxes with graphic design competency
Product Developer - Global Accessories
Callaway Golf | OGIO2019 – 2021
• Oversaw multiple categories of large wheeled travel equipment, lifestyle bags, golf gloves, and accessories from concept design phase through commercialization • Collaborated with designers to maintain design intent and ensure production feasibility • Traveled to Asia factories as needed to complete important project phases • Analyzed factory BOMs to optimize negotiations for meeting cost targets and margins • Initiated counter sourcing of materials and trims by working with overseas sourcing teams and directly with suppliers to find the most cost-effective and innovative options • Instituted new quality inspection processes for golf gloves by identifying fit issues; evaluating sizing and features; applying design solutions; and working cross functionally with quality engineers, designers, quality assurance, and factories
Product Designer - Body Armor
The Safariland Group2016 – 2019
• Applied data collected from trade shows, focus groups, vendor meetings, SWAT competitions, and product research to new body armor and accessory development • Managed Centric PLM workflow, design, bill of materials, product inspection documents, and colorways to support processes cross functionally from concept to production • Engaged in major design decisions and customer communications as lead designer of Aardvark Tactical's Project 7 body armor carriers and accessories
Product Designer & Developer
Thor Motocross2010 – 2016
• Accomplished design goals through extensive research, sketching, rendering, mock ups, and tech packs to create award-winning Sentry Vest (2016 Powersports Business "Nifty 50") • Utilized communication with vendors to determine costs, schedules, efficient usage of materials, and improvements for all new products • Discussed direction of current and future products with purchasing team while considering unit costs, profit margins, inventory, and sales forecasts in decision making • Displayed leadership by mentoring new product development staff, initiating feedback discussions on product samples with designers, providing constructive observations to product and graphic design solutions, and fully managing design direction for the 2011 Slippery Wetsuits product line • Interacted with professional racers and consumers to develop innovative solutions based on understanding of user needs and industry trends
Industrial Designer
WowWee USA, Inc.2008 – 2009
• Presented creative insight to conceptualize innovative products for WowWee’s diverse award-winning line of toys and consumer electronics • Visualized design ideas through sketches, 3-D modeling, mockups, and renderings • Developed concepts for various licensed products for Disney and 20th Century Fox (James Cameron’s Avatar) • Compiled presentation material for meetings with design team, buyers, and clients
Footwear Design Intern
K-Swiss, Inc.2007 – 2007
• Utilized skills and knowledge of creative process to design unique footwear concepts in various categories • Conceptualized design, and created tech packs and outsole blueprint for Nitehawk Limited Edition shoe (released in 2009) • Devised shoe upper concepts for Ultranatural Run II (inspired upper designs for various future running shoes) • Enabled efficient communication between product development and vendors by providing detailed specifications of products through technical drawings
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