Ryan Flynn
Hard Goods Development Manager at Primitive Skateboarding
Long Beach | US
In my own words
— RyanFootwear and Accessory design/development leader with over a decade of real work experience from top lifestyle brands.
Tenured in overseas as well as domestic production, licensed goods, manufacturing, story-telling, presentation, and department management. Classically trained with a design degree, and involved in the execution of thousands of thoughtful lifestyle products. A lifelong skateboarder, and sustainable accessory brand co-founder. My passion for product has allowed me to work with leading lifestyle brands such as; Primitive, Umbro, Vans, Huf, Off-White, Supra, Boost Mobile, Opening Ceremony, JBL by Harman, Tommy Hilfiger, and countless licenses.
Trajectory
Aug 2020 — Now
Hardgoods Development Manager · Primitive Apparel
-Develop seasonal merch plan / sku count along with new art and application treatments
-Travel for overseas development, costing, and production supervision
-Design/Develop inline and licensed products (Disney/Marvel/Dragon Ball Z/Bob Marley)
-Work closely with sales / marketing / executive teamsConsult on all footwear collab smu projects (Nike/New Balance/Vans)
-Collaborate with pro rider athletes on custom shapes and molds, & managed requests
May 2018 — Now
Designer/Co-Founder · Chops Mfg
Chops is a sustainable accessory brand dedicated to recycling used and broken skateboards, as well as skateboard factory waste. Founded by lifelong skateboarders, they strive to bridge the gap between the maker movement and scalable crafted goods. Chops keeps the skateboard purist and nostalgic enthusiasts in mind with thoughtful designs, and its overall green ethos.
Rather than seeing this beautiful maple hit the landfill, Chops collects these decks internationally, and turns them into functional art. Find out more at www.chopsmfg.com or @chopsmfg.
Dec 2016 — May 2018
Design Director - Printables/Graphics · Tango Hotel Collection
-Established, designed, and managed USA seasonal printables category
-Produced print/digital graphics, and tech pack creation
-Traveled overseas for sourcing, development, costing, and production supervision
-Exhibited with Tango hotel Brand at all current Agenda trade shows
-Mentored by Tommy Hilfiger to further the brand image and overall brand strategy
-Maintained great working relationships with all brand owners, ambassadors, and talent
Sep 2015 — Dec 2016
Design Director - USA Footwear Division · Umbro
-Designed A/W 2016’ and S/S 2017’ lifestyle footwear lines.
-Traveled extensively to China for development, costing, and production supervision
-Managed a team of 3 people in the design & development departments
-Attended big box sales meetings to promote our line & brand direction-(Foot Locker, Zappos, Amazon, etc.)
-Exhibited with Umbro at all relevant industry trade shows
-Worked closely with Merchandising & Marketing teams
-Maintained great working relationships with all suppliers, sales team, and licensor.
-Assembled thoughtful product collaborations to further brand presence-(Packer, Huf, Off-White, CLSC)
Apr 2014 — Aug 2015
Footwear Designer · Opening Ceremony
-Analyzed design brief & conceptualized s/s 16’ athletic footwear line
-Prepared outsole & upper sketches for approved silhouettes
-Developed smu outsoles while maintaining proper foot ergonomics
-Created highly detailed tech packs for each mold
-Collaborated with factory partners to develop custom textures
-Completed photo-realstic renderings for visual presentation
Activity
Education history
Fashion Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
