andy simonds: Capitalist @ Sabot Hill Group | Corporate Advisory, Consumer Product Expertise

Starting, building, and growing a business is fundamental to progress and prosperity. A company that delivers exceptional products, fosters purpose, and creates lasting value is one worth building. I bring a results-driven approach and strategic insight to the boardrooms and leadership teams I advise. My career is defined by a track record of success, built on product innovation, financial discipline, and operational excellence.

As the strategic spearhead at DRD Partners, I was at the forefront of transforming our business model from a traditional service provider to a partner vested in our clients’ success. Our expertise in the design, development, and sourcing of footwear, sporting goods, hard goods, and accessories is now leveraged through equity-based partnerships. This paradigm shift not only aligns our goals with those of our clients but also fosters a deeper collaboration that transcends conventional client-service dynamics. Under my leadership, DRD Partners is not just a consultant; we are collaborators, innovators, and co-creators. We invest in our clients’ visions, ensuring that every project benefits from our comprehensive design and development capabilities. Our commitment to this partnership model is a testament to our belief in the products we bring to life and the relationships we nurture along the way.

COO/Controller at Sports Engineering Inc. Spearheaded a successful turnaround of a footwear technology company, enhancing operational efficiency and market positioning. Strategic Advisor for Finance & Fundraising at Juris Partners Guided a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) startup through the intricacies of Private Equity (PE) investment, securing the necessary capital for growth. Consultant for USA Launch Plan at Alpina d.o.o. Footwear (Slovenia) Developed and executed a comprehensive launch strategy for Alpina’s entry into the U.S. market, focusing on outdoor and fashion segments. Company Acquisition & PE Liaison at pw minor & son Facilitated the acquisition and served as the liaison to potential investors & PE firms, ensuring a smooth transition from family ownership to commercial entity.

As a leader and strategist, I orchestrated the renaissance of p.w.minor, a venerable 150-year-old family business. My holistic approach to brand management encompassed every facet of the business, from product design to sales and marketing, sourcing, and beyond. Selected Accomplishments: Repositioning the Brand: I spearheaded the brand’s revitalization by adopting a “Health and Heritage” stance, honoring its storied past while forging a connection with contemporary consumers. E-commerce Launch: Under my direction, p.w.minor launched its inaugural e-commerce platform, embracing a new brand ethos and driving profitable direct-to-consumer sales through strategic SEO/SEM/PPC and direct marketing initiatives. Product Line Overhaul: I led a comprehensive overhaul of the footwear line, infusing it with modern trends while staying true to the brand’s identity. This resulted in a 35% increase in sales over three years, propelled by a new design philosophy, updated components, and the introduction of a USA-made Heritage collection that serves as a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. In my role, I not only directed the brand’s resurgence but also laid the groundwork for policies and programs that maximized sales potential and profitability. My leadership in marketing communications and product planning was pivotal in navigating the company through changing market conditions, ensuring tactical agility and policy relevance.

Selected Accomplishments: • Successfully negotiated the license of game-changing air filtration technology for the Bionaire brand for 2008. Built the business plan - sales and marketing go-to-market model. • Successfully built category-busting product, marketing and distribution program for 2008 go-to-market that exploits a $1m consumer research and product development program. • Direction of $4m mar/com budget, $500k industrial design budget and 2 PM direct reports. • Direction of cross-functional team that includes product management, industrial design, project engineering, finance, purchasing, manufacturing, sourcing, mar/com and sales.

Selected Accomplishments: • Successfully negotiated the license of game-changing air filtration technology for the Bionaire brand for 2008. Built the business plan - sales and marketing go-to-market model. • Successfully built category-busting product, marketing and distribution program for 2008 go-to-market that exploits a $1m consumer research and product development program. • Direction of $4m mar/com budget, $500k industrial design budget and 2 PM direct reports. • Direction of cross-functional team that includes product management, industrial design, project engineering, finance, purchasing, manufacturing, sourcing, mar/com and sales.

FotoStick is a start-up online personal publishing, photo printing and sharing service being run by Spinglass Management Group. • Successfully leveraged a proprietary supplier agreement into a ‘branded component’ strategy, using the ‘Intel Inside’ model. • Successfully lead redesign of website to enhance navigation and greatly improve user experience.

Andy purchased the brand IP and patents as a turnaround challenge and worked with angel and private equity investors to finance operations while adding equity partners with specific expertise as needed. We launched the brand as after-ski/board winter shoe in 1994, I successfully re-energized JiBS to capture the after-sports category and broadened the line, offering an innovative materials technology story. US sales increased 30% in the first 6 months. Sales coverage was expanded to 75% of the USA and distribution agreements negotiated in Korea and Japan.

Andy purchased the brand IP and patents as a turnaround challenge and worked with angel and private equity investors to finance operations while adding equity partners with specific expertise as needed. We launched the brand as after-ski/board winter shoe in 1994, I successfully re-energized JiBS to capture the after-sports category and broadened the line, offering an innovative materials technology story. US sales increased 30% in the first 6 months. Sales coverage was expanded to 75% of the USA and distribution agreements negotiated in Korea and Japan.

Selected Accomplishments: - Prepared and executed international brand licensing plan, shifting international sales strategy from product distribution to brand management oriented, and local production of in-country product. a much more profitable business model. - Directed product management of Saucony brand apparel line that supported the technical running shoe program. Championed the apparel program with footwear sales reps that were largely unfamiliar with apparel selling issues.

Selected Accomplishments: - Prepared and executed international brand licensing plan, shifting international sales strategy from product distribution to brand management oriented, and local production of in-country product. a much more profitable business model. - Directed product management of Saucony brand apparel line that supported the technical running shoe program. Championed the apparel program with footwear sales reps that were largely unfamiliar with apparel selling issues.

Selected Accomplishments: - Led client engagements to evaluate business practices, recommend & execute brand building including mar/com, manufacturing, sourcing and financial models. - Developed and executed business plans for client companies resulting in new product introductions, performed acquisition analysis and built an innovative floor traffic program for “big box” retailer.

Selected Accomplishments: - Led client engagements to evaluate business practices, recommend & execute brand building including mar/com, manufacturing, sourcing and financial models. - Developed and executed business plans for client companies resulting in new product introductions, performed acquisition analysis and built an innovative floor traffic program for “big box” retailer.

Selected Accomplishments: - Created “Boron Certified(tm)” & “Hybor(tm)” brand composite materials using "Intel Inside" branded component marketing model. - Grew sales from $8 to $13 million. - Built international sales network of distributors & sales agents throughout Europe.

Selected Accomplishments: - Created “Boron Certified(tm)” & “Hybor(tm)” brand composite materials using "Intel Inside" branded component marketing model. - Grew sales from $8 to $13 million. - Built international sales network of distributors & sales agents throughout Europe.

Selected Accomplishments: Responsible for 80% of product distributed ($7m in sales). Managed multiple line including: * UVEX ski goggles * Toko brand ski wax’s and ski tuning accessories * Invicta brand gloves and bags.

Selected Accomplishments: Responsible for 80% of product distributed ($7m in sales). Managed multiple line including: * UVEX ski goggles * Toko brand ski wax’s and ski tuning accessories * Invicta brand gloves and bags.

PSIA Examiner and Clinician @ Intermountain and Western Regions

PSIA Examiner and Clinician @ Intermountain and Western Regions