Product Designer/Manager

Chris LeBlanc

Chicago, IL

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About

I am a versatile creative professional that can adjust to the needs of a company as they change - especially smaller and midsize companies that need individuals with multiple skill sets. These skills have allowed me to design, develop, and manage new product concepts through overseas vendors.

My experience includes developing "cut and sew" soft goods with molded components, and working with licensed products in both the athletic and fashion industries. From concept sketches to mass production, I am comfortable with working through the entire product lifecycle.
Education
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) Marketing
  
  Bryant University
  
  1999 - 2003
- BFA, AAS Industrial Design, Illustration
  
  Rochester Institute of Technology
  
  1991 - 1995
  
  Graduated With Honors
Experience
- Senior Merchandiser
  
  RANDA Accessories
  
  Rosemont, IL
  
  Jan 2015 - Present (11 years 5 months)
  
  o Report to the Director of Merchandising for the Wallets & Seasonal Division; managed two direct reports.
  o Create line plans for designers to build SLG product lines under licensed brands including Levi’s, Dockers, Columbia, Dickies, and private labels.
  o Travel overseas to China and India to develop product, negotiate costs, and resource projects as needed.
  o Merchandise and present product to customers and licensors.
  o Continuously working to increase margins, rationalize SKUs, and maintain data integrity through PLM
- Product Designer / Product Manager
  
  Heritage Travelware
  
  2006 - Present (20 years)
  
  • Product Life Cycle: Designer, Developer, and Manager of Kenneth Cole luggage product.
  • Overseas travel and communications.
  • Designer of bags and luggage for licensed brands.
- Letterer
  
  Advent Comics
  
  2012 - 2015 (3 years)
  
  Comic book lettering, and preparing files for production for both print and web.
- Illustrator
  
  Tales of the Dim Unknown
  
  2006 - 2007 (1 year)
  
  Illustrated the stories "Star Struck!" and "The Nudge" for issues 1 & 2.
- Product Design & Development Consultant
  
  Wilson Sporting Goods
  
  2005 - 2006 (1 year)
  
  • Designed and developed product for Wilson's 'Evolution' tennis footwear by finalizing one season of product and launching the next design cycle.
- Product Designer/Marketing Manager
  
  Mercury International
  
  1995 - 2005 (10 years)
  
  • Designed uppers and outsoles for low and mid price point footwear (outdoor, athletic, and work boots categories) with factories in Asia.
  • Designed packaging, trade show, and marketing support materials for footwear product with domestic and overseas partners.
  • Collaborated with licensors to expand their brand and image through footwear product.
Affiliations

National Association of Photoshop Professionals
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Elsewhere on the Web
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On Coroflot

@chrisleblanccreative, member since 2005
- Following 1
- Followers 2

Chris LeBlanc

Industrial Design Project Manager (Fractional / Part-Time)

Sr. Industrial Designer