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Michael Tam

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Product Development Manager
San Diego | United States

Skills

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Interests

Painting
Basketball
Running
Snowboarding
Swimming
Reading
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Industries

Bike
Lifestyle
Moto & Powersports
Outdoor
Run
Snow
HomeSummaryActivityProjectsWork experienceEducation historyConnectionsCompanies

In my own words

Michael

Energetic and inspired Product Design & Development professional that strives to push products to the next level.

Brought products to life for industry-leading brands through commitment to creative leadership, partnerships with suppliers, sourcing strategy, proficiency in design tools, passion for inspiration, willingness to immerse myself in new subject matter, and the ability to communicate cross-functionally in an efficient manner to meet project goals.

Trajectory

Jul 2023 — Now
Product Development Manager · THOR Motocross
Apr 2021 — Jul 2023
Product Developer - R&D Hard Goods · 100%
• Conducted development and design (new products and SMU) for mountain bike helmets, motocross goggles, snow goggles, and body protection equipment • Supported product design throughout product development cycle by utilizing industrial design skillsets to refine aesthetic and functionality • Worked closely with soft goods development team on protective garments, knee guards, and elbow guards to optimize comfort, fit, design aesthetic, and coverage • Tracked progress of projects to ensure that important milestones are met and relevant information is communicated cross functionally • Drove use of 3D printing parts during concept development phase by preparing CAD files, utilizing in-house 3D printer, and outsourcing prototyping from local vendor • Provided packaging items to suppliers and compliance testing facilities by arranging labels, user manuals, hang tags, inserts cards, and retail boxes with graphic design competency
Mar 2019 — Apr 2021
Product Developer - Global Accessories · Callaway Golf | OGIO
• Oversaw multiple categories of large wheeled travel equipment, lifestyle bags, golf gloves, and accessories from concept design phase through commercialization • Collaborated with designers to maintain design intent and ensure production feasibility • Traveled to Asia factories as needed to complete important project phases • Analyzed factory BOMs to optimize negotiations for meeting cost targets and margins • Initiated counter sourcing of materials and trims by working with overseas sourcing teams and directly with suppliers to find the most cost-effective and innovative options • Instituted new quality inspection processes for golf gloves by identifying fit issues; evaluating sizing and features; applying design solutions; and working cross functionally with quality engineers, designers, quality assurance, and factories
Oct 2016 — Mar 2019
Product Designer - Body Armor · The Safariland Group
• Applied data collected from trade shows, focus groups, vendor meetings, SWAT competitions, and product research to new body armor and accessory development • Managed Centric PLM workflow, design, bill of materials, product inspection documents, and colorways to support processes cross functionally from concept to production • Engaged in major design decisions and customer communications as lead designer of Aardvark Tactical's Project 7 body armor carriers and accessories
Mar 2010 — Oct 2016
Product Designer & Developer · Thor Motocross
• Accomplished design goals through extensive research, sketching, rendering, mock ups, and tech packs to create award-winning Sentry Vest (2016 Powersports Business "Nifty 50") • Utilized communication with vendors to determine costs, schedules, efficient usage of materials, and improvements for all new products • Discussed direction of current and future products with purchasing team while considering unit costs, profit margins, inventory, and sales forecasts in decision making • Displayed leadership by mentoring new product development staff, initiating feedback discussions on product samples with designers, providing constructive observations to product and graphic design solutions, and fully managing design direction for the 2011 Slippery Wetsuits product line • Interacted with professional racers and consumers to develop innovative solutions based on understanding of user needs and industry trends
Sep 2008 — Oct 2009
Industrial Designer · WowWee USA, Inc.
• Presented creative insight to conceptualize innovative products for WowWee’s diverse award-winning line of toys and consumer electronics • Visualized design ideas through sketches, 3-D modeling, mockups, and renderings • Developed concepts for various licensed products for Disney and 20th Century Fox (James Cameron’s Avatar) • Compiled presentation material for meetings with design team, buyers, and clients
Aug 2007 — Dec 2007
Footwear Design Intern · K-Swiss, Inc.
• Utilized skills and knowledge of creative process to design unique footwear concepts in various categories • Conceptualized design, and created tech packs and outsole blueprint for Nitehawk Limited Edition shoe (released in 2009) • Devised shoe upper concepts for Ultranatural Run II (inspired upper designs for various future running shoes) • Enabled efficient communication between product development and vendors by providing detailed specifications of products through technical drawings

Activity

Education history

Art Center College of Design logo

Art Center College of Design

Bachelor of Science | 2005 - 2008

Connections

Seara Fernandez profile background
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Seara Fernandez

Production Designer
100%

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