Michael Reedy, Idsa Email & Phone Number

Racine, Wisconsin, United States

Innovation Process Leadership: Spearheads the implementation of a standardized innovation process across the enterprise, ensuring balance between speed and rigor.Innovation Metrics and Reporting: Develops and manages a system for tracking and reporting innovation projects, providing real-time dashboards and recommendations for resource allocation and project prioritization.Opportunity Landscaping: Collaborates with consumer insights and brand marketing teams to understand consumer needs, business strategy, and competitive environment, supporting the development of opportunity landscapes for innovation.Innovation Catalyst: Collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation using design thinking, advocating for resource allocation and championing experimentation and prototyping.Design Leadership: Leads design sprints, provides feedback on product development, and ensures design intent and consumer benefits are maintained.Strategic Planning: Ensures design and innovation efforts align with business strategy, staying updated on industry trends and advocating for changes to strategy based on emerging trends and competitive threats or opportunities.

Industrial design and innovation consulting

Kalamazoo, Michigan Area

Led industrial design team to create break through products for brands including Coleman, Marmot, Contigo, Rubbermaid, and PaperMate. Collaborated closely with marketing and R&D partners to develop brand strategies and innovation roadmaps. Partnered with consumer insights and usability teams to ensure consumer driven feedback was integral to the design iteration process. Set the strategic direction of the enterprise-wide design team as a key member of the design leadership team. Focused efforts on team development and fostering creative and collaborative environment for designers and researchers.Designed and launched award winning outdoor and recreation products for Coleman; gained placement in new channels with over $100M in annual sales at accretive marginsLaunched 17 Coleman OneSource products with new proprietary battery system within 18 months of project kickoff resulting in new distribution and recognition as IDEA Finalist in 2021Designed full line of X-ACTO sharpeners with new VBL and improved performance; achieved $20M+ in annual revenue and recognition as IDEA Finalist in 2021Developed custom project management database for design team to improve efficiency and communication; saved $50k a year compared to alternate softwareTracked and analyzed project metrics to demonstrate team performance and resource allocation were effective and aligned with business strategy.

Kalamazoo, Michigan Area

Led the design team to develop impactful products for brands including IRWIN, Parker, PaperMate and Sharpie. Actively worked hands-on from the initial design research phase through CAD development on many projects. Built strong relationships with key partners in marketing, R&D, and consumer insights.Designed and launched 150+ products for Tools division with updated VBLs and measurable performance improvements; Newell sold the Tools division in 2016 for $1.95BRedesigned classic PaperMate Write Bros pen adding significant functional benefits to reverse contracting sales trends while holding cost neutral; expanded production to nearly 1 billion pens/year

Greater Chicago Area

Developed proposal for dedicated Arrow Fastener studio; oversaw its creation, including hiring designers. Collaborated with marketing on brand strategy and product roadmap. Designed full range of products for brand.Designed and launched new platforms of staple guns for DIY users based on in-depth usability and ethnography research; products continue to be top sellers at Home Depot after 11 years with 10K 4.7+ reviews each

Greater Chicago Area

Design lead for Arrow Fastener staple guns and Verve Living Systems home controls. Also designed a wide range of products for Masco business units, including Masco Bath, Liberty Hardware, Brasscraft, Cobra, and Masterchem.Design lead for Arrow Fastener RED and Elite products for Home Depot and Lowe’s which re-established Arrow as the category leader and substantially boosted sales.

Provided the creative direction for design team on a wide variety of product development projects, emphasizing innovative functionality, quality results, and client satisfaction. Conducted client presentations, managed client relationships, and secured new business. Directed design research, brainstorming and concept exploration phases.Substantially grew key client business; projects for which I was lead designer and account manager contributed nearly 45% of company revenue by 2008Designed and developed a revolutionary wet tile saw for Husqvarna with a patented water system that earned a 2012 Bronze IDEA and is still selling strong after 12 years

Bachelor Of Fine Arts (Bfa), Industrial Design

Ma, Business

Distinguished Graduate