Ryan Hetzel

Owner and lead designer, specializing in freelance design of softgoods. Collaborate with contract clients on wide ranging softgood projects. Investigate present opportunities for new or improved solutions, present design concepts to solve the challenges, in addition to creating build specs and assit in prototype development (on and off shore).

Design softgoods for professional and amateur photographers; discover market needs and opportunities, test concepts, develop samples and mock ups, and create technical sketches and design specifications for manufacturing. Specialize in developing products / improving company presence in new markets, such as outdoor / adventure travel and urban lifestyles.
• Actively contribute / partner with Product Manager to produce product briefs for product categories; create / support cohesion of product look and function within brand segmentations; describe design concepts using both 2nd and 3rd methods, including mock ups.
• Provide input to project benchmarks and milestones; schedule meetings with key personnel and present project status to the Product Manager, Design Manager and Product Director on a routine basis; conduct market, fabric, and construction research
• Support Development research and test new fabrics to develop findings; collaborate with Development to create comprehensive design information specification for offshore manufacture; collect / present fabrics and findings for seasonal product collections.

Manage hands on development process of products directly with overseas and domestic factory liaisons and Asia based operatives during direct development trips.
*Work with product managers on costing strategy & negotiations to meet cost targets.
*Coordinate specification packages and ongoing design updates between design team and Asia based development team.
*Travel to tradeshows, industry events, and partner with vendors to track market trends and innovative materials and constructions.
*Communicate status of projects at key milestone meetings and to senior leadership as needed.
*Contribute to sourcing new findings, materials and treatments.
*Offer support to the customer service team with detailed product info and repairs.
* Monitor and maintain material standards and quality control for finished products.

*Highly effective team member through initiation and collaboration of tasks.
*Successful ability to multitask in a stressful environment.
*Successful marketing growth and direction for business.
*Strong business strategy planning and implementation.
*Broad knowledge of highly technical equipment.
*Excellent customer service abilities.

*Spirited team member of product design, review and development department.
*Hands on development of products, from concept to sample to production.
*Design project management, following time lines, meeting deadlines.
*Set and achieve team and individual goals with minimal supervision.
*Tradeshows: Booth setup, product demonstrations, and facilitate additional distributors.
*Assist in sourcing materials and components.

*Design and development of Hyryz bags, taking bags from concept illustration to finished products through design, patterning, materials selection, and cut and sew manufacture.
*Costing for products, services, sales and marketing for both retail and wholesale.
*Sourcing of materials and components, from national and international suppliers.
*Processing, problem solving and completion of repairs.
*Developing relationships with manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of outdoor
equipment and materials, including Gore-Tex, Mountain Designs, Mustov, and One Planet.
*Development of branding for both businesses including all print and web needs.
*Proficient and knowledgeable about a range of equipment used in recreational outdoor equipment repairs.

*Participation in design reviews and scope for new products.
*Assist with prototyping constructions and modeling methods.
*Excellent technical knowledge of a large range of materials used in product lines.
*Relay customer product feedback to research and design departments.
*Assist with solutions for complex product repairs.
*Work closely with Quality Assurance department for data entry and reporting.
*Departmental project time line management.
*Answer technical inquiries from large customer base.
*Proficient and knowledgeable about a range of materials, techniques and equipment used in recreational outdoor equipment manufacture and repair.

*Contribute to a teamwork environment.
*Competent use of an industrial sewing machine.
*Intricate knowledge of manufacturing methods and materials/components used.
*Confidently answer any non/technical queries from end users at the door or on the phone.
*Assess work for the most efficient repair solution and complete with high standard and within allocated time.