Michael Cushionbury

Michael Cushionbury

Editor · MOUNTAIN FLYER MAGAZINE

Prescott, Arizona

In My Own Words

<p> I am a high level outdoor sports writer, editor, proofreader, marketing professional and social media creator with over 25 years of experience in my profession.</p><p><br></p><p>I'm an expert in editorial direction, copy writing, advertising ideas and words, public relations, marketing content, sourcing contributing writers and financial management along with a track record of leading strategy, direction and creativity resulting in expanded market share. I'm known for my journalistic integrity, deep knowledge of marketing writing and an ability to meet and exceed deadlines. My goal is to find new challenges and provide the content answers you're looking for. </p><p><br></p><p>So, let's chat.</p>

Work Experience

Editor in Chief current Editor at Large

MOUNTAIN FLYER MAGAZINE

2021 – 2023

Jeffersonville, VT 2021 - 2023 Privately held North American mountain bike magazine and online publication. Editor in Chief (current Editor at Large) Responsible for creating and editing entire editorial package for each issue including cover image selection, all sell lines, approving page layouts, checking off "blue lines" before print, crafting all run sheets, sourcing contributing writers, providing and posting website content along with a bi-monthly newsletter, assisting in bike and gear testing, representing the brand at events, budget and forecasting and leading a team comprised of a senior editor, art director and assistant editor. • Successfully lead a new editorial direction that included new columns, feature pages and the first ever Photo Annual. • Crafted unique storytelling and visualized new editorial concepts which increased readership. • Contributed to increasing market presence by interacting with manufactures, cycling enthusiasts and professional racers at the Sea Otter Classic and Flow State Vermont. • Met with and continued to build relationships with cycling manufacturers and small start-up brands.

Editor in Chief current Editor at Large

MOUNTAIN FLYER MAGAZINE

2021 – 2023

Jeffersonville, VT 2021 - 2023 Privately held North American mountain bike magazine and online publication. Editor in Chief (current Editor at Large) Responsible for creating and editing entire editorial package for each issue including cover image selection, all sell lines, approving page layouts, checking off "blue lines" before print, crafting all run sheets, sourcing contributing writers, providing and posting website content along with a bi-monthly newsletter, assisting in bike and gear testing, representing the brand at events, budget and forecasting and leading a team comprised of a senior editor, art director and assistant editor. • Successfully lead a new editorial direction that included new columns, feature pages and the first ever Photo Annual. • Crafted unique storytelling and visualized new editorial concepts which increased readership. • Contributed to increasing market presence by interacting with manufactures, cycling enthusiasts and professional racers at the Sea Otter Classic and Flow State Vermont. • Met with and continued to build relationships with cycling manufacturers and small start-up brands.

Editor in Chief

Mountain Flyer magazine

2021 – 2023

Responsible for creating and editing entire editorial package for each issue including cover image selection, all sell lines, approving page layouts, checking off “blue lines” before print, crafting all run sheets, sourcing contributing writers, providing and posting website content along with a bi-monthly newsletter, assisting in bike and gear testing, representing the brand at events, budget and forecasting and leading a team comprised of a senior editor, art director and assistant editor. • Successfully lead a new editorial direction that included new columns, feature pages and the first ever Photo Annual. • Crafted unique storytelling and visualized new editorial concepts which increased readership. • Contributed to increasing market presence by interacting with manufactures, cycling enthusiasts and professional racers at the Sea Otter Classic and Flow State Vermont. • Met with and continued to build relationships with cycling manufacturers and small start-up brands.

Marketing Manager

VEE TIRE

2019 – 2020

Responsible for brand management and corporate identity for VeeTire Co. and VeeMoto Tires including developing marketing strategies, content creation, editing all written materials as well as maintaining and creating new media relationships and athlete sponsorships. (Six-month contract). • Implemented a new marketing direction for the Vee brand. Including all new catalog design. • Created new vision for VeeTire and VeeMoto social media accounts. • Developed concepts, headlines and text for digital campaigns and tradeshow booths. • Athlete management and sponsorship.

Marketing Manager

VEE TIRE

2019 – 2020

Responsible for brand management and corporate identity for VeeTire Co. and VeeMoto Tires including developing marketing strategies, content creation, editing all written materials as well as maintaining and creating new media relationships and athlete sponsorships. (Six-month contract). • Implemented a new marketing direction for the Vee brand. Including all new catalog design. • Created new vision for VeeTire and VeeMoto social media accounts. • Developed concepts, headlines and text for digital campaigns and tradeshow booths. • Athlete management and sponsorship.

Marketing Manager

VeeTire Co.

2019 – 2019

Responsible for brand management and corporate identity for VeeTire Co. and VeeMoto Tires including developing marketing strategies, content creation, editing all written materials as well as maintaining and creating new media relationships and athlete sponsorships. • Working on new marketing direction for the brand. • Overseeing VeeTire and VeeMoto social media accounts. • Creating concepts, headlines and text for digital campaigns. • Maintaining and creating new media relationships. • Athlete management.

Communications Manager

Lezyne

2017 – 2019

Responsible for all North American media contacts and relationships as well as being the company journalist, writing all content for marketing and sales departments and also copy editing all written materials. • Successfully envisioned and executed all-new marketing direction for the brand. • Created new and unique marketing materials for 2018 product. • Created concepts, headlines and text for all new digital and print ad campaigns. • Wrote new catalog copy and delivered well before deadline. • Planned and directed U.S. media launch of 2018 product. • Involved in testing new products for the brand and providing feedback to engineers.

Communications Manager

LEZYNE USA

2017 – 2018

San Luis Obispo, CA 2017 - 2018 Multi-million dollar privately held North American and Taiwan based cycling product manufacturer. Communications Manager Responsible for all North American media contacts and relationships as well as being the company journalist, writing all content for marketing and sales departments and also copy editing all written materials. • Successfully envisioned and executed all-new marketing direction for the brand. • Created new and unique marketing materials for 2018 product. • Created concepts, headlines and text for all new digital and print ad campaigns. • Wrote new catalog copy and delivered well before deadline. • Planned and directed U.S. media launch of 2018 product. • Involved in testing new products for the brand and providing feedback to engineers.

Communications Manager

LEZYNE USA

2017 – 2018

San Luis Obispo, CA 2017 - 2018 Multi-million dollar privately held North American and Taiwan based cycling product manufacturer. Communications Manager Responsible for all North American media contacts and relationships as well as being the company journalist, writing all content for marketing and sales departments and also copy editing all written materials. • Successfully envisioned and executed all-new marketing direction for the brand. • Created new and unique marketing materials for 2018 product. • Created concepts, headlines and text for all new digital and print ad campaigns. • Wrote new catalog copy and delivered well before deadline. • Planned and directed U.S. media launch of 2018 product. • Involved in testing new products for the brand and providing feedback to engineers.

Editor in Chief

DIRT RAG MAGAZINE

2012 – 2017

Responsible for setting overall editorial direction during the magazine's highest circulation period with a new strategy and redesign. Creating all cover lines, approving cover images, crafting all run sheets, sourcing contributing writers, providing web content, assisting in bike and gear testing, public relations, representing the brand at trade shows, budget and forecasting and leading a team comprised of a gear editor, art director and web editor. • Successfully lead a new editorial strategy and redesign that resulted in an approximately 33% increase in circulation. • Designed the 25th Anniversary issue that led to the highest ad sales in over two years. • Created and led the 200th issue special edition. • Sourced over twenty-five new contributing writers and added four new monthly columnists that were instrumental in garnering new readership levels. • Wrote unique cycling features using a new, fresh and candid style that resonated positively with readership. • Contributed to increasing market presence by interacting with manufactures, cycling enthusiasts, professional racers at the Interbike trade show, Sea Otter Classic and Dirt Rag Dirt Fest. • Met with and to build relationships with cycling manufacturers.

Editor in Chief

DIRT RAG MAGAZINE

2012 – 2017

Responsible for setting overall editorial direction during the magazine's highest circulation period with a new strategy and redesign. Creating all cover lines, approving cover images, crafting all run sheets, sourcing contributing writers, providing web content, assisting in bike and gear testing, public relations, representing the brand at trade shows, budget and forecasting and leading a team comprised of a gear editor, art director and web editor. • Successfully lead a new editorial strategy and redesign that resulted in an approximately 33% increase in circulation. • Designed the 25th Anniversary issue that led to the highest ad sales in over two years. • Created and led the 200th issue special edition. • Sourced over twenty-five new contributing writers and added four new monthly columnists that were instrumental in garnering new readership levels. • Wrote unique cycling features using a new, fresh and candid style that resonated positively with readership. • Contributed to increasing market presence by interacting with manufactures, cycling enthusiasts, professional racers at the Interbike trade show, Sea Otter Classic and Dirt Rag Dirt Fest. • Met with and to build relationships with cycling manufacturers.

Editor-in-Chief

Dirt Rag Magazine LTD

2012 – 2017

Responsible for setting overall editorial direction during the magazine’s highest circulation period with a new strategy and redesign. Creating all cover lines, approving cover images, crafting all run sheets, sourcing contributing writers, providing web content, assisting in bike and gear testing, public relations, representing the brand at trade shows, budget and forecasting and leading a team comprised of a gear editor, art director and web editor. • Successfully lead a new editorial strategy and redesign that resulted in a current monthly circulation of 40,000 magazines or a 33% increase since 2012. • Successfully created and led the 25th Anniversary issue that led to the highest ad sales in the last 2 years. • Successfully created and led the 200th issue special edition. • Sourced twenty-five (25) new contributing writers and added four (4) new monthly columnists that were instrumental in garnering new readership levels. • Wrote unique cycling features using a new, fresh and candid style that resonated positively with the readership. • Contributed to increasing market presence by interacting with manufactures, cycling enthusiasts, professional racers at the Interbike trade show, Sea Otter Classic and Dirt Rag Dirt Fest. • Met with and continued to build relationships with cycling manufacturers.

Global Marketing Manager Mountain Bikes

CANNONDALE BICYCLES

2012 – 2012

Bethel, CT 2012 A publicly held manufacturer of road bikes, mountain bikes and recreation bikes. Global Marketing Manager, Mountain Bikes Responsible for creating dealer book content, the consumer catalog, sales presentations, attending major cycling events, advisor and participant in videos and provided cycling input into future designs. • Successfully wrote the content for the 2013 Global Dealer Book and Catalog • Created technical presentations used by sales team and the media. • Supported brand in video presentations and media launches.

EDITOR

MEDIA SERVICES

2010 – 2012

Provided media management, copy writing, web editing and freelance writing services. Media Manager (contracted by the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic Stage Race) • Created and provided weekly on-line content, wrote daily race reports for major media outlets, served as brand ambassador and rider/racer in events across the U.S. Copy Writer & Social Media Editor (contracted by Wilderness Trail Bikes - WTB) • Wrote and edited sections of company profile for investors, created PR copy for new products and worked exclusively for the brand President. Web Editor (contracted by Cannondale) • Provided daily race diaries and technical critiques of bike performance with videos and photos for the Cannondale OverMountain team including updates to Facebook from the BC Bike Race. Reported on the Cannondale Factory Race Team from the Leadville 100 and Breck-Epic events for Cannondale. Copy Writer (contracted by Specialized Bicycles) • Created format and wrote 2012 Specialized Cycleology global dealer book and 2012 Torrent water bottle advertising copy.

EDITOR

MEDIA SERVICES

2010 – 2012

Provided media management, copy writing, web editing and freelance writing services. Media Manager (contracted by the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic Stage Race) • Created and provided weekly on-line content, wrote daily race reports for major media outlets, served as brand ambassador and rider/racer in events across the U.S. Copy Writer & Social Media Editor (contracted by Wilderness Trail Bikes - WTB) • Wrote and edited sections of company profile for investors, created PR copy for new products and worked exclusively for the brand President. Web Editor (contracted by Cannondale) • Provided daily race diaries and technical critiques of bike performance with videos and photos for the Cannondale OverMountain team including updates to Facebook from the BC Bike Race. Reported on the Cannondale Factory Race Team from the Leadville 100 and Breck-Epic events for Cannondale. Copy Writer (contracted by Specialized Bicycles) • Created format and wrote 2012 Specialized Cycleology global dealer book and 2012 Torrent water bottle advertising copy.

Global Marketing Manager Mountain Bikes

CANNONDALE BICYCLES

2012 – 2012

Bethel, CT 2012 A publicly held manufacturer of road bikes, mountain bikes and recreation bikes. Global Marketing Manager, Mountain Bikes Responsible for creating dealer book content, the consumer catalog, sales presentations, attending major cycling events, advisor and participant in videos and provided cycling input into future designs. • Successfully wrote the content for the 2013 Global Dealer Book and Catalog • Created technical presentations used by sales team and the media. • Supported brand in video presentations and media launches.

Global Marketing Manager - Mountain Bikes

Cannondale Bicycles

2012 – 2012

Responsible for creating dealer book content, the consumer catalog, sales presentations, attending major cycling events, advisor and participant in videos and provided cycling input into future designs. • Successfully wrote the content for the 2013 Global Dealer Book and Catalog • Created five (5) highly technical sales presentations used by sales team and the media.

Editor And Media Services

Cushionbury, Inc.

2010 – 2012

Provided media management, copy writing, web editing and freelance writing services to the cycling industry on a contracting basis. Media Manager (contracted by the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic Stage Race) • Created and provided weekly on-line content, wrote daily race reports for major media outlets, served as brand ambassador and rider/racer in events across the U.S. Copy Writer & Social Media Editor (contracted by Wilderness Trail Bikes - WTB) • Wrote and edited sections of company profile for investors, created PR copy for new 2012 wheelset product and worked exclusively for the President. A two (2) month project. Web Editor (contracted by Cannondale) • Provided daily race diaries and technical critiques of bike performance with videos and photos for the Cannondale OverMountain team including updates to Facebook from the BC Bike Race. Reported on the Cannondale Factory Race Team from the Leadville 100 and Breck-Epic events for Cannondale. A two (2) month project. Copy Writer (contracted by Specialized Bicycles) • Created format and wrote 2012 Specialized Cycleology global dealer book and the 2012 Torrent water bottle advertising copy. A one (1) month project.

Deputy Test Director

MOUNTAIN BIKE MAGAZINES

2003 – 2010

Emmaus, PA 2003 - 2010 Privately owned magazines devoted to road and mountain bike features, videos and product testing. Deputy Test Director Responsible for writing detailed technical features and bike tests for both magazines, columnist for Ready To Wear section, wrote on-line features, product tests and personal blogs, contributor to the annual special issues, live personality for web based on-line videos, selected clothing lines and styles, provided input on fashion features and columns. • Reviewed, tested and wrote technical articles. • Selected the entire clothing line for all covers during a one-year period. • Wrote more than 30 columns for the Ready to Wear section of Bicycling. • Featured in and provided analysis for on-line bike test videos posted at Bicyling.com • Contributed to increasing market presence by identifying major new products, interacting with manufactures, cycling enthusiast and professional racers at Interbike trade shows and Sea Otter Classic events. • Met with and built relationships with cycling manufacturers. • Built over 50 bikes at a NATO base in Afghanistan and delivered them to children at an orphanage as part of the highly successful Bike Town project.

Deputy Test Director

MOUNTAIN BIKE MAGAZINES

2003 – 2010

Emmaus, PA 2003 - 2010 Privately owned magazines devoted to road and mountain bike features, videos and product testing. Deputy Test Director Responsible for writing detailed technical features and bike tests for both magazines, columnist for Ready To Wear section, wrote on-line features, product tests and personal blogs, contributor to the annual special issues, live personality for web based on-line videos, selected clothing lines and styles, provided input on fashion features and columns. • Reviewed, tested and wrote technical articles. • Selected the entire clothing line for all covers during a one-year period. • Wrote more than 30 columns for the Ready to Wear section of Bicycling. • Featured in and provided analysis for on-line bike test videos posted at Bicyling.com • Contributed to increasing market presence by identifying major new products, interacting with manufactures, cycling enthusiast and professional racers at Interbike trade shows and Sea Otter Classic events. • Met with and built relationships with cycling manufacturers. • Built over 50 bikes at a NATO base in Afghanistan and delivered them to children at an orphanage as part of the highly successful Bike Town project.

Test Director

Bicycling and Mountain Bike magazines

2003 – 2010

Privately owned magazines devoted to road and mountain bike features, videos and product testing. Test Director Responsible for writing detailed technical features and bike tests for both magazines, columnist for Ready To Wear section, wrote on-line features, product tests and personal blogs, contributor to the annual special issues, live personality for web based on-line videos, selected clothing lines and styles, provided input on fashion features and columns and represented firm at industry trade show events, manufacturer’s new product launches and cycling races. • Reviewed, tested and wrote technical articles for more than 95 new bike models and more than 300 parts and accessories from nearly every major global cycling brand. • Selected the entire clothing line for all covers for a one year period. • Wrote more than 30 columns for the Ready to Wear section of Bicycling. • Featured in and provided analysis for more than 10 on-line bike test videos posted at Bicycling.com • Contributed to increasing market presence by identifying major new products, interacting with manufactures, cycling enthusiast and professional racers at seven (7) Interbike trade shows and six (6) Sea Otter Classic events. • Met with and built relationships with cycling manufacturers. • Built over fifty (50) bikes at a NATO base in Afghanistan and delivered them to children at an orphanage as part of the highly successful Bike Town project.

Senior Editor Web Editor and Chief Technical Writer

BIKE MAGAZINE

2000 – 2002

Dana Point, CA 2000 - 2002 Mountain bike publication focused on imagery and feature length storytelling. Senior Editor, Web Editor and Chief Technical Writer Responsible for creating, managing and editing the front of book section, final editing and writing of feature articles, editorial articles, on-line blogs, identifying and creating daily content for target viewers, managing the on-line budget, coordinating contributing writers and photographers and assisting in overall page designs through its most successful period. • Reviewed, tested and wrote technical articles on bikes and accessories. • Successfully wrote and edited web articles. • Featured columnist in print and online.

Senior Editor Web Editor and Chief Technical Writer

BIKE MAGAZINE

2000 – 2002

Dana Point, CA 2000 - 2002 Mountain bike publication focused on imagery and feature length storytelling. Senior Editor, Web Editor and Chief Technical Writer Responsible for creating, managing and editing the front of book section, final editing and writing of feature articles, editorial articles, on-line blogs, identifying and creating daily content for target viewers, managing the on-line budget, coordinating contributing writers and photographers and assisting in overall page designs through its most successful period. • Reviewed, tested and wrote technical articles on bikes and accessories. • Successfully wrote and edited web articles. • Featured columnist in print and online.

Senior Editor, Web Editor and Chief Technical Writer

Bike Magazine

2000 – 2002

Responsible for creating, managing and editing the front of book section, final editing and writing of feature articles, editorial articles, on-line blogs, identifying and creating daily content for target viewers, managing the on-line budget, coordinating contributing writers and photographers and assisting in overall page designs through its most successful period when the magazine's independently-audited circulation reached 180,000. • Reviewed, tested and wrote technical articles for more than 10 new bike models and more than 50 parts and accessories. • Successfully wrote or edited more than 300 web articles.

Assistant Editor

BIKE MAGAZINE

1995 – 2000

Valencia, CA 1995 - 2000 Privately owned magazine devoted to mountain bike features and product testing. Assistant Editor Responsible for technical articles and bike testing, human interest stories and race reports, photography for features and race coverage and providing input on editorial run sheets. • Reviewed, tested and wrote technical articles on bikes and products. • Covered cycling events with photography and writing feature stories. • Met with and built relationships with cycling manufacturers.

Assistant Editor

BIKE MAGAZINE

1995 – 2000

Valencia, CA 1995 - 2000 Privately owned magazine devoted to mountain bike features and product testing. Assistant Editor Responsible for technical articles and bike testing, human interest stories and race reports, photography for features and race coverage and providing input on editorial run sheets. • Reviewed, tested and wrote technical articles on bikes and products. • Covered cycling events with photography and writing feature stories. • Met with and built relationships with cycling manufacturers.

Assistant Editor

Mountain Bike Action magazine

1995 – 2000

Responsible for technical articles and bike testing, human interest stories and race reports, photography for features and race coverage and providing input on editorial run sheets. • Reviewed, tested and wrote technical articles for more than 90 new bike models and more than 300 parts and accessories. • Covered more than 15 cycling events with photography and writing feature stories. • Met with and built relationships with cycling manufacturers.

Education

Bachelor of Arts

California State University Fullerton

1988 – 1993

Bachelor of Arts

Interests

CyclingMotorcyclesOutdoors

Skills

Industries

BikeOutdoor

Activity

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