Dale Foster: in Sarasota, FL

Responsible for identifying new opportunities and managing Innovation development through market, including creating and validating ideas, leading prototype development, formulating and validating business cases and executing initiatives through launch.

Validate consumer product concepts by the use of consumer panels and other voice of the customer techniques. Collaborate with internal stake holders and external creative agencies to develop new product lines, including Boar’s Head’s latest product line-Boar’s Head Bold®. Provide Sales & Distributor support for all new Marketing campaigns. Develop innovation in retail POS merchandising, including patented new retail case merchandising tools. Lead the execution for all corporate sponsorships including the Miami Dolphins, New York Yankees and the Kentucky Derby.

Brands: FITS Sock Co, World’s Softest Sock, Life is good®, and Omni Wool. Drove to achieve overall business results in rapidly growing company with entrepreneurial mindset focused on launching quality consumer products that reinforce an exceptional brand experience. Directed category strategies throughout the product life cycle, launch management planning and support activities including go-to-market plans, design statements and packaging design. Strategic guidance into the development of internal and external resources to enhance new product designs, quality, regulatory compliance, cost, and delivery.

Brands: HEAD®, Columbia Sportswear® Active hands on approach with directing the design & development team to create market ready products. Product life cycle management and performance analysis including cost and sales measures of new product launches. Leveraged strengths in market research to identify & build new market opportunities. Extensive experience in new project management, defining key new product characteristics and determining product testing and regulatory requirements. Produced new brand briefs that provided overviews of market segmentation, product analysis, and detailed new opportunities. These efforts resulted in the launch of 4 new business segments. Managed a team of 4 marketing and R&D members that served as the foundation for Crescent’s licensed brands. Attended trade shows including Magic, Project, Outdoor Retailer, and ISPA. International travel to major sourcing partners in Hong Kong, Zhuji in Zhejiang Province, China, and Medellin, Columbia.

Brands: Sara Lee & Smartwool® Served as the primary customer service contact for all product support, replenishment orders, and inventory tracking. Created inventory reporting tools to link manufacturing time frames with customer demand. Developed product specs & guidelines that enhanced our customer’s understanding of complex manufacturing processes.