Scott Neilson: in Erie, CO

• Set the strategy and defined the marketing angle for the sleeping bag, sleeping pad, blanket, and backpack extension of the SP 2021 KELTY product line. • Analyzed market conditions and competitors to determine market opportunities and what products should be developed. • Collaborated with Development, Marketing and Operations to develop sample and production timeline lines and oversaw the creation on the product. • Assisted development to bring the product to market.

•9+ years as Senior Product Designer for Exxel Outdoors overseeing the design process from concept to manufacture. •Lead designer for Walmart’s private label sleeping bag collection; a $14M/year business for Exxel. •Designed complete concept to manufacture for Hydration Packs placed in Sam’s Club store over the last two years, placing over 20,000 units annually. •Designed Cabela’s best-selling Advanced Angler Fishing Pack Program and the successful XPG pack collection for Cabela’s generating approximately $2M in annual sales for Exxel Outdoor. •Designed backpack for Sierra Designs in 2012, earning Backpacker Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award for “Best Snow-Sports Pack”. •Serving in a leadership capacity, oversee the aesthetic design and future direction for the re-branding of one of Exxel’s leading portfolio collections. •Using working models and conforming to customer specifications, currently modify and refine designs for retail stores including Cabala’s, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart and for brands including Kelty, Sierra Designs, Wenzel, SJK Tactical Hunting Gear, and X2O for outdoor products including packs, sleeping bags, tents, life jackets for watersports, airbeds, and furniture. •Perform an integral role in market research, including studying the potential need for new products by working directly with buyers, conducting market research, evaluating competitive landscape, and preparing cost analysis for pricing. •Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, and artwork, using computer-aided design equipment and Adobe Illustrator. •Collaborate with global cross-functional teams to source textiles, trims, and accessories. •Work closely with international offshore vendors/suppliers in throughout Asia, and traveled overseas when necessary. •Collaborate with Product Line Managers, Designers, Materials Development, Sourcing, Quality Assurance, Prototyping, and Supply Chain from design to the production to ensure the goals of the project.