Bill Best

Product design, development, sourcing and marketing executive with 25+ years of brand building experience creating market-leading, innovative products and category introductions. A continuously evolving, successful and focused management career in the sporting goods industry, recognized for achievements in a broad range of performance-oriented products. An effective communicator who emphasizes leadership with team effort.

Expertise in complete concept-to-market process: strategic planning, visionary conceptual thinking, innovation, directing product design/development, material applications, tooling development, manufacturing processes, product testing, diverse international sourcing, cost negotiation/margin analysis, budget planning, packaging/merchandising creative, production planning, product marketing, category management and operations/sales support.

A life-long interest in product performance grew out of the many years competing at an elite level in ski racing, at the Stratton Mtn. School, with the U.S. Ski Team and the University of Vermont. A product oriented career started as the USA Product Manager with Fischer Skis, progressed to Franklin Sports as a Product Division Manager and Director of New Business Development. This led to the position of VP Product Design & Development at United Sports Brands. The career experience combined with being an avid cyclist throughout life generated a position on the Board of Directors with Project Bike Tech, a non-profit organization.

International Manufacturing & Sourcing Experience
100+ trips to Asia / Worldwide factories, including: China, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Canada, El Salvador, Mexico, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Slovakia, United Kingdom and Ukraine

Manufacturing Experience: Advanced Molding Processes, Composites, Circular Knitting, Cut & Stitch, Foam Bonding, Heat Transfer, High Frequency, Flat Knitting, Lamination, Laser Cutting, Metal Fabrication, Neoprene, Pattern Making, PU Bonding, Rapid Prototyping, Size Scaling, Sublimation and Warp Knitting

Molding Experience: Blow molding, Composite, Compression, EPP/EPS, Expanded PU, Injection, Insert/Dual, Lasting, Mandrel, Micro Injection, Rotation, Thermal, Vacuum and Tooling Design/Development

Primary Category Experience: Base Layer Apparel/Protective, Braces/Sports Therapy, Core/Primary Protective, Gloves, Helmets, Goalie Masks, Hockey Sticks & Skates, Performance Insoles & Socks, Ski Boots & Skis, Sport Gear Bags and Sport Trainers/Goals