Ryan Puntney

Sales Executive · Capelli Sport

Portland, OR

In My Own Words

With over two decades of experience in the sports industry, I’ve built a career at the intersection of product strategy, merchandising, and business development for leading brands, teams, and events. From managing merchandise for professional teams like the LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers to launching youth lacrosse programs and driving national event partnerships, my work has consistently bridged performance, fan engagement, and business growth. Whether developing custom assortments, leading sales initiatives, or consulting with sports apparel brands, I bring a deep understanding of the sports market and a proven ability to drive results across grassroots and professional levels.

Work Experience

Sales Executive

Capelli Sport

2025 – Present

Responsible for driving revenue growth and achieving sales targets within a specific territory, primarily focused on multiple sports. This involves networking, prospecting, and building relationships with clubs, teams, and institutions to promote Capelli Sport products and services. The also includes maintaining customer data, collaborating with sales teams, staying updated on market trends, and participating in relevant events.

General Manager

Bolts Lacrosse

2017 – Present

General Manager for Indoor/Box Lacrosse league in the Portland area Creating marketing content through social media Generates program outline for each season and looks for areas of opportunity Built team brands, uniform plans and retail merchandise through program partnerships Assigns coaches teams and creates full league and training schedules Outreach to local rec programs to build lacrosse community

Present

North American Business Development Director

Fan Focus Sports Group

2024 – Present

Fan Focus Sports Group - a new kind of "experiential agency", that creates a branded experience at Sporting Events, VIP Viewing Parties, Product Launches, and Tournament Showcases. Through the love of the game, we built success at retail, digital, events, and team uniform fulfillment in the sports industry by engaging deeply with true fans - play by play, and game by game. Our purpose is to put the spotlight on the fans - their energy, enthusiasm, and love of sport - and to bring this authentic engagement to top brands, creating lifelong relationships. Fan Focus Sports Group - a new kind of "experiential agency", that creates a branded experience at Sporting Events, VIP Viewing Parties, Product Launches, and Tournament Showcases. Through the love of the game, we built success at retail, digital, events, and team uniform fulfillment in the sports industry by engaging deeply with true fans - play by play, and game by game. Our purpose is to put the spotlight on the fans - their energy, enthusiasm, and love of sport - and to bring this authentic engagement to top brands, creating lifelong relationships. Business Management and Sports Marketing

President

The Sports Coterie

2023 – 2025

Parent company to Defy Lacrosse, Defy Football (expired 2019 with death of Cedric Benson), SXS Lacrosse, camps, leagues and training.

Defy Lacrosse was organized to provide an environment for youth lacrosse players from all over the greater Portland Oregon area to continue to develop their skills and progress outside of the spring season.

Retail Sales

REI

2021 – 2025

Drives sales through all channels by improving selling behaviors. Capitalizes on all promotional events through successful event execution Demonstrates strong interest and credible expertise in our product assortment; translates this knowledge into value for our customers. Guides Retail Sales Specialists to do the same Identifies areas of opportunity and acts on them as it relates to inventory accuracy, price accuracy, and product stock levels Trains and mentors new staff, provides direction to peers as necessary, coordinates service delivery, and task execution Demonstrates initiative and productivity and serves as a role model for Retail Sales Specialists Supports and partners with Retail Sales Managers through department communication of goals, daily expectations, task assignments, and feedback

Product Support Consultant

Independent

2023 – 2024

Effectively disseminates and distributes product/product strategy to brands/companies in the sporting goods market. Assists/creates product presentations for new sporting goods products (Team apparel, equipment, accessories, etc.) Responsible for end-to-end product creation of identified styles from inception through buy ready Builds merchandise assortments teams or clubs looking to build their product portfolios. Finds/creates solutions for new products and product marketing for brands. Understanding of calendar dates associated to product creation. Adherence to key development dates deliverables.

Product and Merchandise Consultant

Professional Box Lacrosse Association

2022 – 2022

I helped set the direction for the team logos and created a new team uniform that is specific to Box Lacrosse which will launch exclusively with the league. I continue to connect and work with partner brands and companies for league and team needs. Currently working on setting our ecommerce direction and planning out event merchandise for each team.

Regional Sales

Verbero

2020 – 2021

Team Sales for the Verbero Hockey line. Custom team apparel and equipment. I worked with teams and clubs to create specific product assortments unique to each of their needs.

Product /Business Manager

LEAN Athletics

2017 – 2019

Responsible for product creation of the LEAN Lacrosse line from Brief to Go-To-Market. Generated $150,000 in first year sales of the LEAN apparel line. Created team sales program to push additional traffic to retail resulting in 5,000 new customers. Partnered with Teams, Schools and Clubs to build individual product assortments based on their budget and needs.

Product/Business Manager

Banner Athletics/Hystyk Lacrosse

2017 – 2018

Responsible for leading the product creation process for team apparel from brief to Go-to-Market and generated $75,000 in short first season in sales for the Hystyk Brand. Expanded the Adidas market share with teams and clubs by partnering with them on team apparel, footwear and equipment needs.