Ryan Taylor
Independent Commercial Leader & Brand Builder at Black Crows Skis | Argonaut Cycles
Former GoPro | Fox | Ducati
Bend | US
Interests
No information
In my own words
— RyanDriven, focused, and creative brand builder and business manager with a solid history of building brands.
Artful negotiator who thrives under pressure and self-direction. Excel at growing and managing lasting and profitable business relationships. Intimately familiar with premium lifestyle brands, and the retail culture surrounding them.
Specialties: Sales & Marketing management. Brand development. Product line management and development. Business development & Client/ Account services.
Trajectory
Sep 2024 — Now
North American Field Sales Manager · blackcrows
Return to action supporting the growth in specialty retail, resort and key account sales channels.
Aug 2023 — Now
Global Wholesale Sales Director · Argonaut Cycles
Jun 2020 — Sep 2022
Director of Sales - North America · black crows
Sep 2018 — Jun 2019
National Sales Manager - Lifestraw · Vestergaard
Oct 2017 — May 2018
Director of Sales · DrinkTanks®
May 2016 — Mar 2017
National Sales Manager- Specialty Retail · GoPro
Supported and grew the specialty retail sales channel including outdoor, snow, action sports, consumer electronics, and pro photo/video retailers. Developed deep and profitable relationships with tastemaker accounts large and small. Led a team of 70+ reps, and provided tactical support to meet company objectives.
Jun 2014 — May 2016
Western Regional Sales Manager - Specialty Retail · GoPro
Direct and manage a team of 30+ independent reps covering the western region (from the Rocky Mountains West)
Apr 2012 — Jun 2014
Strategic Account Manager- Powersports · GoPro
Managed national distributor, and key accounts in the powersports sales channel. Established and implemented sales and distribution strategies for the channel, focused on strategic growth and strong partnerships.
Jan 2011 — Apr 2012
Outside Sales- MX · Fox Head, Inc.
Provide tactical, in-the-field sales and marketing support for the Oregon MX sales channel. Account manager for two national online retailers.
Apr 2010 — Jan 2011
General Manager · MotoCzysz
Returned to help to re-tool company from gasoline engines to electric vehicles, and launch the Digital Drive-- the first fully integrated electric drive solution for automotive manufacturers looking to enter the EV market.
Key member of the team that brought the MotoCzysz E1 to 4 Isle of Mann Championship wins, world land speed records, and deputing e-racing at exhibition MotoGP races.
Nov 2007 — Sep 2009
Operations Manager · MotoCorsa
Reorganized and re-focused the Northwest’s premier European motorcycle dealership, which is affiliated with exclusive global brands and respected in the industry for bucking the trends and raising the bar.
Jan 2005 — Dec 2007
Team Manager · MotoCzysz
Worked with engineering/design division to source the production of engine, chassis, and bodywork components. Managed the preparation of prototype motorcycles for track testing. Responsible for all scheduling, logistics, staffing, and coordinating track tests all over the west coast. Communicated with professional athletes and their agents, setting up private meetings and negotiating contracts.
Jan 2005 — Dec 2007
Director of Communications · MotoCzysz
I was selected to lead an elite, international team launching this American motorcycle brand, founded on bold entrepreneurship, technical innovation, and design prowess.
Achievements
- Negotiated and managed production of a feature length documentary for Discovery Channel HD Theater, titled “Birth of a Racer”.
- Struck sponsorship and partnership deals with over 20 companies.
Jan 2003 — Dec 2005
Performance Parts and Apparel Manager · Ducati North America
Managed the sales, marketing, and technical support of the Ducati Performance Parts and Apparel line in North America.
Jan 2001 — Dec 2003
Parts and Service Manager · MotoCorsa
Recruited to a new management team that successfully turned this failing European motorcycle dealership into a profitable business, and built the MotoCorsa brand in the Northwest.
Jan 1998 — Dec 2001
General Manager · Mountainspeed/ Fastway
Launched my career with a general management role at this mountain bike and off-road motorcycle performance parts company.
- Built worldwide team of distributors and managed OE sales.
- Identified a market need and launched the Fastway brand into the off-road motorcycle industry.
- Built key relationships inside the mountain bike and motocross racing community and signed sponsorship agreements with professional athletes/ teams.
- Provided trackside technical product support to professional mountain bike and motocross race teams.
- Communicated directly with sector press for product launches, tests, and reviews.
- Key contributor to product development, including line planning, innovation, and technical design.
Activity
Education history
Marylhurst University
Business | 2009 - 2010
University of Colorado Boulder
Architecture | 1995 - 1997


