Professional Product Management
Explore product strategy and innovation that drives brand success.
TJ's Portfolio
Welcome to a brief portfolio highlighting my skills and experience in strategic product planning for premium brands. Market insights and product innovations described here are examples of my ability to find authentic stories that provide a competitive advantage and drive consumer buying.
Product Line Manager, Alpine Apparel
Tasked with making Patagonia relevant in the technical outerwear market, I envisioned the Nano Puff Hoody to recapture the attention of professional climbers. Far superior at trapping warmth, ultra-light puffies replaced fleece as a mid-layer and fundamentally transformed how Americans dress. The family of Nano Puff jackets generates an estimated $50M per year for the brand. The success of the Patagonia Nano Puff inspired other leading brands to develop and market their own synthetic insulated pieces, such as The North Face Thermoball.
Product Manager & Merchandiser
At 5 pounds and un-packable, Canada Goose parkas require their own roller bag for travel. Broader-thinking in line planning allowed me to bring concepts for lightweight down styles, stretch down, softshells, and premium Schoeller rainwear. As a result of new product introductions and specialized distribution partners in cold weather cities across the globe, the brand grew to over $100M and went public. Today, the Canada Goose Brand has expanded to represent luxury and authentic fashion in many categories of apparel and accessories and sells over $1B in product per year.
Product Manager
U.S. Naval Aviation issued a request for solutions to the problems of the Vietnam-era Nomex flight suit. The Navy wanted something more comfortable and easier to take off. The big challenge was to pass the Pyroman Test, a simulation of fire on an aircraft. I conceived of a solution based on snowboarding outfits that connect the top to the bottom. This novel, patented design was later approved by all branches of the US military, obsoleting the 50-year old jumpsuit. With increased comfort and convenience, especially for women pilots, the Massif 2-piece flight suit protects pilots and aircrews in the Navy, Army and Air Force today.
Product Manager, Sportswear
The original 60/40 Parka, legendary as the only water-resistant jacket in the 1970's other than a rubber raincoat, made Sierra Designs a venerable brand. Under new leadership with aspirations to re-create the brand, the freedom to design unique sportswear, outerwear and gear was the true gift of my experience with Sierra Designs. While not gaining appreciable market share, we did gain some recognition; including Editors Choice for the first water-repellent down jackets in the Outdoor Industry, and Gear of the Year for the Mobile Mummy sleeping bag.
Product Director
For 150 years, denim and cotton canvas were the highest performing workwear materials in the world. But, market leaders in the U.S. have not kept up with advancements in fabric technology since. As the disruptor in the workwear market, Truewerk represents the convergence of technical fabrics from the outdoor industry and truly functional pocketing for trades people. As the Product Director, I sourced new fabrics and guided design to meet the demands of today's consumer. I helped to introduce stretchwoven pants for carpenters and mechanics, and fast-drying hoodies and flannels. Today, Truewerk fundamentally changes the conversation in the workwear market to "what's next for the American worker".
Product Manager, Workwear & Lifestyle Apparel
Taking responsibility for major growth categories, I provided a comprehensive overview of current markets, identifying strategic opportunities for product differentiation and market entry. I used creative product line planning to meet the stakeholders plans to access customers under-served by the brand. I shepherded the introduction of new, purpose-built products with planned revenue over $100M in 5 years. Sourced advanced fabrics to create a point of differentiation in the industrial trades, building a specialized FR supply chain to suit.
