Kenneth Bontje
Sr Product Designer and Developer · Ruffwear
Victoria, BC
In My Own Words
<p>Product Design Lead with 16+ years’ experience implementing innovative designs from cradle to grave. Extensive experience in Product Line Management, Sourcing, Design and Development, Testing, Data Analysis, Project Management and Leadership Skills. I currently hold; Design Patent with John Hopkins APL/NAVSEA, the 2023 Outside Business Journal Top 50 award, four Testers Choice Awards from Scuba Magazine, the first "Above the Fold" member spotlight on Coroflot and four gold medals from Plongeur Inter Magazine for my SOLAFX 8 design.</p>
Work Experience
Sr Product Designer and Developer
Ruffwear2023 – 2024
- The creation of OEM designs working with tier 1 suppliers, and stakeholders - Work with textile/coated fabrics/leather for apparel, harness and bed applications - Create OEM documentation required to assist the Account Managers and Program Managers - Excellent understanding and implementation of design processes and procedures - Work with key departments for the purpose of promoting new products, design, developments, and future materials - Worked closely with internal departments to achieve mutual goals - Provide strategic input for planning development and budgets - Respond to customer inquiries and communications - Provide information on market trends, customer needs and competitors - Present weekly with stakeholders using exceptional presentation, written and verbal communication skills - Organizational skills showing attention to detail, accuracy, and focus - Manage timelines and prioritize seasonal launch schedules - Flexibility
Apparel and Gear Designer
Mustang Survival Corporation2021 – 2023
- Manage the design of dry suits, PFD’s and apparel for recreation, military and professional marine markets - Work with the creative team and give constructive feedback - Highly involved in the hiring and training of creative staff - Launch global product lines on time to a seasonal calendar - Develop creative strategies aligning with consumer trends and company goals
Sr Product Design Manager
AquaLung Group2017 – 2021
- Oversaw the work of the creative department to ensure seasonal product goals were met - Developed 5yr plans and budgeting to support company growth through creativity, innovation and focus on excellence - Reviewed the work of the creative team, provided constructive feedback and participated in development process - Highly involved in the hiring and training of creative staff - Launched seasonal global product lines that reduce total SKU’s and increase margin - Developed and implemented creative strategies aligning with consumer trends and company goals - Developed licensed brands with Michael Phelps and Phillipe Cousteau Jr.
Industrial Designer
Aqua Lung America2012 – 2017
- Designed, developed and launch boots, gloves, bags knives and wetsuits for Aqua Lung - Advanced material research and concept ideation with a focus on trim and construction - Implemented Scuba marketplace trend and consumer analysis with a focus on SKU reduction and consistency - Development of technical specifications for communication with foreign factories -Strategized design with manufacturing to drive retail price targets -Presented seasonal product launches with global affiliates
CAD Designer
Town and Country Living2010 – 2012
- Designed and illustrate unique textile constructions - Successfully expanded over 397 designs for merchandising in Costco, Target and Walmart generating over $4,000,000.00 in revenue - Worked directly with factories in China and India - Developed trend and brand analysis for Keurig, Corelle, Kitchen-Aid, Ralph Lauren, Fiestaware, Guy Fieri, Calvin Klein, Vera & Farberware - Presented concepts and sales presentations for kitchen textile license agreements
Hardlines Technical Designer & Consultant
5.11 Tactical2008 – 2010
Hardlines Technical Designer & Consultant, 5.11 Tactical Surplus: Modesto, CA - Develop new camouflage pattern for SWAT and other Law enforcement teams - Draft new soft goods for designer at full scale in Illustrator for production - Develop T-shirt graphics designed for 5.11 Tactical’s target market - Developed the hardlines technical library including all bags, pouches, holsters, belts, pads, watches, glasses, knives and hats using reference sheets in Microsoft Excell - Draft all products in Illustrator at full scale for factory production in China - Collect a bill of materials and pricing for each product - Communicate prototype changes to factories in China to ensure the product is mass-produced to the designer’s specifications
Design Intern
Crye Associates2007 – 2008
Design Intern Crye Associates: Brooklyn, NY - Work closely with the US Special Forces to assist in design and develop of new technology including heating systems/masks for high altitude low deploy (HALO) diving suits, CAGE armor chassis, Airframe helmet & chops and gear pouch sets. - Prototype concepts for field testing from patterns built in PAD for manufacturing, casting bullet proof plates for testing, build HALO dive masks from CAD plans, prototype temperature control circulatory systems.
Education
Industrial Design Study Abroad Program
Glasgow School of the Art2007 – 2007
Industrial Design Study Abroad Program
BID (Bachelors of Industrial Design)
Pratt Institute of Design2004 – 2008
BID (Bachelors of Industrial Design)
Industries
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