Kent V. Bogdan
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About
Product Designer with 15+ years designing hard line and soft line product programs and partnering with global factories. Deep-rooted passion for design and a keen eye for detail, I bring a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and practical knowledge to every project.
Having worked in both hard goods and apparel industries, I understand different materials, production techniques, and manufacturing processes. My firsthand experience of traveling to factories in Asia has provided me with insights into the intricacies of manufacturing, including quality control, production timelines, and cost considerations. This practical knowledge enables me to create designs that are not only visually captivating but also optimized for efficient production.
I constantly seek inspiration from various sources and industries, staying updated with the latest design trends, and exploring new design methodologies. Their creativity and innovative thinking are reflected in their ability to develop unique and impactful designs that stand out in the competitive design landscape.
I build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, including engineers, manufacturers, and suppliers, and possess excellent communication skills to effectively convey design concepts and ideas. I collaborate seamlessly with stakeholders at every stage of the product development process ensuring smooth coordination and successful execution of design projects. -
Education
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Bachelor of Fine ArtsUX/UI University of Minnesota2021
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BFA DESIGNCollege for Creative Studies1996 - 1999
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Experience
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Product Design ConsultantKVB DesignMinneapolis, MNSep 2020 - Present (5 years 9 months)Design development consultant for U.S. retailers' overseas' vendors and manufacturers. Coordinate with manufacturing representatives on product design and development, manufacturing materials, and processes. Identify sourcing solutions, and manage development documentation including tech packs and BOMs. * Strategically manage PD&D to drive growth in large-scale global businesses. * Develop strong supplier and manufacturer relationships and matrix to ensure uninterrupted workflow and continuous product delivery.
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Senior Technical DeveloperXenith SportsDetroit, MIJan 2019 - Apr 2020 (1 year 3 months)Led PD&D of more than 10 hardline and softline products of women's and men's athletic and athleisure sportswear including fitness apparel, sportswear, accessories, protective equipment, duffle and equipment bags, sporting goods luggage. Delivered on strategic sales goals of more than $4m revenue from new headgear product line, $1m revenue in new apparel products, and $2m revenue in new gloves product line. * Mentored a team of three industrial designers in product construction and manufacturing, and aligned with CFT's to ensure quality consistency of each product. * Managed manufacturing, and specified material options and sustainability of the materials through recurring travel to Asia and building strong relationships with Asian manufacturers.
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Industrial Designer ContractorTarget CorporationMinneapolis, MN2020 - 2020Led the product design and development for Home Gym Concept program with the sporting goods team. Defined the trend and demand for an innovative in-home gym solution in response to trends in consumers' shift to exercise from home needs. * Researched quantitative and qualitative guest data, and created user personas that identified customer needs in order to best inform strategic PD&D. * Led CFT's in executing trend direction, competitor strategy, sourcing partnership options, and overall product offerings for the sporting goods team. * Presented product proposal and strategy, with merchandising, to senior management and key stakeholders.
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Bogdan DesignProduct Design & DevelopmentMinneapolis, MN2016 - 2019 (3 years)Led product design and technical development for hardline and softline products. * Created print and pattern development for textiles for children's furniture, and indoor/outdoor home furnishings including sofas, chairs, stools, and accessories. Sourced new vendor partners and fabric mills, and developed an effective vendor matrix. * Created and managed timelines for product development and production, and researched market trends to inform the direction for all owned brand product categories. * Grew overall profit margins in the product lines by 3% to 5% YOY.
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Design ManagerREVO Brand GroupMinneapolis, MNJan 2015 - Oct 2016 (1 year 9 months)Led product development and design for Zippo's new product line of camping stoves, 'fire-starting' products, and accessories for outdoor living. * Specified and managed sourcing of material substrates and technical specifications, and sourced manufacturers and vendor partners through a streamlined vendor matrix to achieve best pricing and uninterrupted production. * Achieved testing certifications with ANSI, NOCSAE, CSA, and UL. * Exceeded revenue expectations by 25% in the first year.
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Senior Industrial DesignerDick's Sporting GoodsPittsburgh, PA2012 - 2015 (3 years)Led PD&D and management of hardline and softline products, and a team of five designers, for owned brands including hunting, fishing, and camping products. * Concepted with merchandising on new products, and quantified ideas and scope based on trend analysis to ensure complete market coverage. Led technical product development, and expanded product and merchandising strategies to align with business goals. * Integrated design thinking strategies, defined seasonal guest trends, and identified new product opportunities to develop a strong new product line for Dick's. Strengthened merchant team relationships that resulted in strategic product line plans while significantly decreasing sample ratios.
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Design Director, Product Design & DevelopmentSagittarius Sports Inc.2006 - 2012 (6 years)Led PD&D for brand product programs for Lowe's, Home Depot, Costco, Walmart, Academy Sports, Adidas, and others. Led the design and technical teams in the U.S. and Asia. Developed the Outdoor Living product line for large national retailers that included outdoor furniture, grills, and outdoor heaters. For Adidas, led PD&D for a line of lacrosse protective equipment, lacrosse sticks, and sports luggage. * Achieved all testing and safety certifications through UL, ANSI, and CSA organizations.
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Senior Industrial DesignerNew BalanceDetroit, MI2004 - 2006 (2 years)Led the development of hardline and softline apparel, hats, beanies, protective equipment, multiple lines of gloves, luggage, and lifestyle and competitive footwear. * Managed design and manufacturing teams from product concept to product launch. * Developed new women's equipment and apparel lines to increase product offering by conducting ethnographic research and athlete interviews.
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Skills
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Elsewhere on the Web
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On Coroflot@kbogdan, member since 2011
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Following 11
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Followers 4
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