Roger Kulak: Apparel Designer & Product Developer (Creative, Technical & Packaging) in Overland Park, Kansas
Work experience
Self Employed
PD&D Consultant & Author | 01/2011 - Current
• Authored the conspiratorial high-concept political thriller, "The Inconceivable Plan"
• Carlos Santana – designed “Universal Tone” identity and soft-goods.
• Louis Rafael – created “Lou’s Originals” name and all branding.
• Full Turn Direct – designed Spring 2014 line sold to over 1,500 retail shops worldwide & the Augusta National Golf Course tops.
• Cut Throat Golf – created corporate brand identity, designed 2013 line and am designing their 2014 line.
• Wolfgang’s Vault - proposed and designed “Limited Release” branding and product line.
• Waghearted – launched company’s first product line that has been and continues to sell in Target, PetSmart, Petco, Walmart, etc.
• Simply SmartGirl, - designed brand identity and product line.
• The Justus Clothing Company – designed brand identity and product line.
• American Eagle Outfitters – designed product.
• Fila – designed product.
MS Apparel/Global Action Group
Director - Apparel Design & Product Development | 01/2018 - Current
• Reinvented product categories/classifications for Men's, Women's, Boy & Girl product
• Unified apparel, accessories, branding, packaging, and technical design for brand coherence.
• Led effective management, development, and implementation of designs for licensor needs.
• Boosted outdoor wear with thermo-regulating, sun-blocking and technically designed outdoor apparel.
• Spearheaded pitches for Yellowstone, Eddie Bauer & Nautica's new product lines.
• Innovated apparel with the concept, design, & TD of a multi-purpose "safety" mask hoodie
• Designed all the packaging for Rural King (Lincoln Outfitters, Rural King Brand & Real Work) as well as Yellowstone, Eddie Bauer Workwear, Menards, Mack Truck, and many others
• Rebranded Nautica Angler to Nautica OTF
• Partnered with Oceana for Nautica OTF line to showcase its Eco-friendly fabrications
MorBrands
Director Apparel Design & Product Development (Design, Tech, Branding, Merchandising & Packaging) | 03/2015 - 12/2018
• Executed licensor needs through effective design management, development, and implementation.
• Elevated the brand via innovative design of apparel, accessories, and technical packaging.
• Launched domestic nursing school scrubs/uniform programs to meet industry needs.
• Propelled mid-tier apparel manufacturing with strategic planning and execution.
• Effectively managed costs while preserving GM goals for financial stability.
• Spearheaded a successful product line of sustainable UAE government scrubs.
• Developed outdoor classifications such as auto, grill, boat, and patio covers.
GAP, Inc.
PD&D - Design/Technical Services | 01/2011 - 12/2014
• Collaborated with merchandisers to efficiently determine costs while preserving GM goals.
• Supervised factories, achieving reduced lead times and enhanced quality control.
• Championed innovative technical and package design for premium apparel products.
• Guided the successful transition to a unified "Global" product strategy
• Conceptualized and developed products through PLM for global markets.
SimplyShe, Inc.
PD&D Director - Design, Tech, Graphics, Branding, Merchandising & Packaging | 01/2008 - 12/2011
• Contributed to major retail partnerships including Walmart (USA, Mexico & Canada), Petco, Target, Ross Pets at Home and Pet Supplies Plus.
• Orchestrated design of apparel, accessories, branding, packaging, and technical aspects.
• Developed POS materials, corporate trade show collateral, and directed photo shoots.
• Crafted detailed T&A calendar, system flows, budgets and "How To" manuals.
• Supervised the management of design, packaging and branding departments.
• Enforced quality control measures in factories to reduce lead times.
• Negotiated with merchandisers to define costs and sustain GM goals.
Mervyns
Manager - Apparel & Technical Design | 01/2003 - 12/2008
• Hybrid Designer – Tech Design Juniors, Boy/Gir & Mens + Designer Vendor Apparel.
• “Most Improved IMU” awarded every year for reducing manufacturing expenditures by streamlining concept to production processes helping Mervyns achieve its EBITDA goals.
• Awarded “Highest Placement over Previous Year” for years; 2003, 2005 & 2007.
• Developed internal “Fast-Track” process for reducing lead times on new product launches.
• Streamlined concept to production – awarded “Most Improved IMU” all years.
• Partnered with Merchandisers, Sales, Internal & External Buyers & Vendors to formulate line launch strategies, define costs, brainstorm additional revenue avenues, and maintain Gross Margin goals (GM).
• Partner with sourcing agents and factories to develop products around the world.
• Design & develop creative product campaigns through:
Merchandising, Branding, Graphics, Technical & Packaging.
• Worked daily w/factory representatives to meet calendar objectives & traveled to factories to
oversee production
• Designed / Developed technical sketches, specs and managed all fittings.
• Conducted market research analysis for fit evaluation.
• Assisted in fabric development and testing.
• Negotiated costing and sourcing through domestic and international vendors.
• Managed assistants, sample-rooms and fittings.
• Created system flows from development through production.
• Conducted factory visits to optimize relationship and train personnel.
• Held training seminar for factory representatives.
• Taught designers embellishment techniques.