PRODUCT MANAGEMENT | CREATIVE STRATEGY | DESIGN LEADERSHIP
Former Disney brand and consumer goods professional, acclaimed for a deep-seated expertise in innovation, storytelling, and customer-centric product design, refined at The Walt Disney Company. Excels in transforming creative insights into strategic product visions that catalyze profitable sales growth and market resonance. Renowned for a visionary approach and solid track record in steering product management and marketing initiatives from concept to impactful realization, anchored by a dedication to collaborative success and meaningful industry contributions.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CONSULTING
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Specializing in innovative product development, digital transformation strategies, and process optimization to enhance market competitiveness and operational efficiency.
Utilized ethnographic research to streamline a college math exam process, enhancing grading efficiency by 40% and improving student engagement and academic outcomes.
Resolved logistics challenges for a high-volume retailer, reducing errors and improving customer delivery processes through strategic data analysis and problem-solving.
Led up to 30 concurrent CPG packaging and print projects, ensuring high quality and adherence to customer and regulatory standards, resulting in flawless execution and zero recalls.
Integrated AI technology for personal project, conducting in-depth research and analysis of professional history, iteratively refining personal branding materials to align with target job markets. Implemented strategic adjustments based on detailed insights, significantly enhancing online presence and job market engagement.
JOHN B. SANFILIPPO & SON, INC
MARKETING CREATIVE PROJECT MANAGER
John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc. is a processor, packager, and marketer of a wide variety of nut and snack products that are sold under the Fisher Nuts brand, as well as under private-label brands for major retailers.
Led up to 30 concurrent CPG packaging and print projects, ensuring high quality and adherence to customer and regulatory standards, resulting in flawless execution and zero recalls.
Revitalized the Amazon private label account, earning direct praise from the Amazon team through strategic rapport building and proactive problem-solving.
Implemented a new Digital Asset Management system, reducing file requests by 80% and streamlining interdepartmental workflows.
Managed a critical design refresh under tight deadlines, ensuring brand consistency and regulatory compliance for a seamless product launch.
Identified a market opportunity for a premium nut-based breakfast product, aligning with consumer trends and the company’s strategic roadmap.
ReTHINC CREATIVE CONSULTING
CO-FOUNDER; SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER
CO-FOUNDER; SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER
ReThinc Creative Consulting advises clients on brand building, offering themed and licensed product design and development, merchandising, and style guide development.
Transitioned the company from a design-focused firm to a leader in product development, managing high-profile projects relating to Disney, Universal Studios, HBO, the Kentucky Derby, and other clients, both domestic and international.
Managed a team of creative professionals and freelancers, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business through effective project management and design leadership.
Spearheaded the development of Swatchphoria, an Adobe Illustrator plugin, through comprehensive market research and agile design.
Introduced refillable dry-erase markers using ethnographic research to understand user needs, designed on a limited budget to extend the product life cycle and reduce costs. Achieved market success through innovative packaging and product design.
Negotiated and won the contract with ZN Animation, a Chinese animation company. The success of the partnership boosted the studio's brand recognition and product sales, resulting in a multi-year relationship to develop various product lines based on the studio’s various IPs.
WALT DISNEY COMPANY: PARKS AND RESORTS MERCHANDISE - DISNEY DESIGN GROUP
PRODUCT DESIGNER
PRODUCT DESIGNER
Disney Design Group is the internal product design and development department for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise.
Developed character illustrations, graphic designs, and industrial designs for Disney Parks, Resorts, and Cruise Line retail product development. Consumer goods included souvenirs, apparel, housewares, figurines, and more, generating over $1B in annual merchandise revenue.
Spearheaded design innovation initiatives for Disney collectible pins, leading to a 10x increase in sales and significant category growth, contributing to over $1 billion in annual merchandise revenue for Disney Parks, Resorts, and Cruise Line.
Directed the development of the Mickey Mouse balloon and derivative plush for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Both items enhanced customer engagement and brand promotion for the Disney Cruise Line.
Collaborated with international teams to develop trend-right products for markets like Hong Kong Disneyland, ensuring alignment with local consumer preferences.
Visited overseas factories to learn about the restrictions and manufacturing processes for goods made of metal, plastic, PVC, silicone, ceramic, glass, fabric, and printing techniques. This knowledge aided in the creative development of lean product designs, and helped to reduce the need for adjustments, resulting in shorter lead times and eliminating costly revisions.
EDUCATION
MASTER OF PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Master of Science in Product Design and Development Management (MPD2) is a blend of education from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business, Medill School of Journalism, and the McCormick School of Engineering. The program marries a traditional MBA with professional courses focusing on whole-brain design thinking in human-centered design to produce leaders in product design and development.
BACHELOR OF ARTS - FINE ART AND DESIGN
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
SKILLS
Research:
Qualitative Research, Competitive Market Product Research, Ethnography, Distillation, Analysis
Ideation:
Brainstorming, Concept Development, Innovation, Storytelling, Storyboarding, Customer Journey
Design:
Lean Design, IP, Intellectual Property, Graphic Design, Illustration, Brand Guides, Style Guides, Sell Sheets, Catalogs, Packaging, Presentations, Presenting
Project Management:
Scope Development, Timelines, Scheduling, Staffing, Budget, Risk Assessment, Risk Mitigation, Negotiation, Customer Service, Communication
Manufacturing Process:
Sourcing, Vendor Relations, Supply Chain, Fulfillment, Asset Management, Metal, Plastic, PVC, Silicone, Ceramic, Glass, Fabric, Leather, Textiles, and Printing
Operating Systems:
Mac, Windows
Adobe Creative Suite:
Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, Adobe Portfolio
eCommerce Marketplaces:
Amazon, eBay, Houzz, Shopify
SaaS Platforms:
Airtable, ClickUp, Workfront exposure, Mural, Canva, Slack, G-Suite, Google Workspace, Box.com, Dropbox, OneDrive, BrandComply, Quickbooks, Shopify