Ryan Puntney

Business Development Director focused on the sports world through strategy, events, merchandise and networking.

Portland | US

Skills

No information

Interests

Skiing

Golf

Stand up paddleboarding

Industries

Creative Agencies

Lifestyle

Outdoor

Streetwear

Health & Fitness

Home Summary Activity Projects Work experience Education history Connections Companies

In my own words

— Ryan

With over two decades of experience in the sports industry, I’ve built a career at the intersection of product strategy, merchandising, and business development for leading brands, teams, and events.

From managing merchandise for professional teams like the LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers to launching youth lacrosse programs and driving national event partnerships, my work has consistently bridged performance, fan engagement, and business growth. Whether developing custom assortments, leading sales initiatives, or consulting with sports apparel brands, I bring a deep understanding of the sports market and a proven ability to drive results across grassroots and professional levels.

Trajectory

Jul 2025 — Now

Sales Executive · Capelli Sport

Responsible for driving revenue growth and achieving sales targets within a specific territory, primarily focused on multiple sports. This involves networking, prospecting, and building relationships with clubs, teams, and institutions to promote Capelli Sport products and services. The also includes maintaining customer data, collaborating with sales teams, staying updated on market trends, and participating in relevant events.

Feb 2024 — Now

North American Business Development Director · Fan Focus Sports Group

Fan Focus Sports Group - a new kind of "experiential agency", that creates a branded experience at Sporting Events, VIP Viewing Parties, Product Launches, and Tournament Showcases. Through the love of the game, we built success at retail, digital, events, and team uniform fulfillment in the sports industry by engaging deeply with true fans - play by play, and game by game. Our purpose is to put the spotlight on the fans - their energy, enthusiasm, and love of sport - and to bring this authentic engagement to top brands, creating lifelong relationships. Fan Focus Sports Group - a new kind of "experiential agency", that creates a branded experience at Sporting Events, VIP Viewing Parties, Product Launches, and Tournament Showcases. Through the love of the game, we built success at retail, digital, events, and team uniform fulfillment in the sports industry by engaging deeply with true fans - play by play, and game by game. Our purpose is to put the spotlight on the fans - their energy, enthusiasm, and love of sport - and to bring this authentic engagement to top brands, creating lifelong relationships. Business Management and Sports Marketing

Apr 2017 — Now

General Manager · Bolts Lacrosse

General Manager for Indoor/Box Lacrosse league in the Portland area Creating marketing content through social media Generates program outline for each season and looks for areas of opportunity Built team brands, uniform plans and retail merchandise through program partnerships Assigns coaches teams and creates full league and training schedules Outreach to local rec programs to build lacrosse community

Now

Oct 2023 — Jul 2025

President · The Sports Coterie

Parent company to Defy Lacrosse, Defy Football (expired 2019 with death of Cedric Benson), SXS Lacrosse, camps, leagues and training. Defy Lacrosse was organized to provide an environment for youth lacrosse players from all over the greater Portland Oregon area to continue to develop their skills and progress outside of the spring season.

Mar 2021 — Feb 2025

Retail Sales · REI

Drives sales through all channels by improving selling behaviors. Capitalizes on all promotional events through successful event execution Demonstrates strong interest and credible expertise in our product assortment; translates this knowledge into value for our customers. Guides Retail Sales Specialists to do the same Identifies areas of opportunity and acts on them as it relates to inventory accuracy, price accuracy, and product stock levels Trains and mentors new staff, provides direction to peers as necessary, coordinates service delivery, and task execution Demonstrates initiative and productivity and serves as a role model for Retail Sales Specialists Supports and partners with Retail Sales Managers through department communication of goals, daily expectations, task assignments, and feedback

Jan 2023 — Feb 2024

Product Support Consultant · Independent

Effectively disseminates and distributes product/product strategy to brands/companies in the sporting goods market. Assists/creates product presentations for new sporting goods products (Team apparel, equipment, accessories, etc.) Responsible for end-to-end product creation of identified styles from inception through buy ready Builds merchandise assortments teams or clubs looking to build their product portfolios. Finds/creates solutions for new products and product marketing for brands. Understanding of calendar dates associated to product creation. Adherence to key development dates deliverables.

Aug 2022 — Dec 2022

Product and Merchandise Consultant · Professional Box Lacrosse Association

I helped set the direction for the team logos and created a new team uniform that is specific to Box Lacrosse which will launch exclusively with the league. I continue to connect and work with partner brands and companies for league and team needs. Currently working on setting our ecommerce direction and planning out event merchandise for each team.

Jul 2020 — Oct 2021

Regional Sales · Verbero

Team Sales for the Verbero Hockey line. Custom team apparel and equipment. I worked with teams and clubs to create specific product assortments unique to each of their needs.

May 2017 — Nov 2019

Product /Business Manager · LEAN Athletics

Responsible for product creation of the LEAN Lacrosse line from Brief to Go-To-Market. Generated $150,000 in first year sales of the LEAN apparel line. Created team sales program to push additional traffic to retail resulting in 5,000 new customers. Partnered with Teams, Schools and Clubs to build individual product assortments based on their budget and needs.

Sep 2017 — Sep 2018

Product/Business Manager · Banner Athletics/Hystyk Lacrosse

Responsible for leading the product creation process for team apparel from brief to Go-to-Market and generated $75,000 in short first season in sales for the Hystyk Brand. Expanded the Adidas market share with teams and clubs by partnering with them on team apparel, footwear and equipment needs.