Richard Avis Email & Phone Number

Mueller Sports Medicine, Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin

Chicago

Responsible for the development of aspiring keepers, ages 7 to 17

Woodridge, Il

Conceived and invented multiple industry-first styles, launched mid-2014.Initiated and oversaw organization of the company's first physical test/QC lab.Began the division's first formal best practices system, including the building of technical files for every style SportMed style.

Portland, Oregon

BrainThrust provided counsel to grow and sustain brands via unparalleled product innovation and development knowledge and expertise within the sporting goods equipment and accessories sector. A-Z management of the product cycle.

NikePublic Company; NKE; Sporting Goods Senior Advanced Innovation Engineer, Advanced Innovation Group 2006-2007Guided advancements in sport ball architecture. Managed concurrent projects at two research universities, resulting in I.P. and patents pending.Worked with external consultants; I.P. realized and patents applied for.Directed transition of complex multi-cultural manufacturing best practices to new factory partners.Advanced R & D Director, Equipment Division1999-2006Oversaw all phases of development cycle; including research, industrial design, material development, manufacturing, insights, testing and regulatory certifications. Consistently developed and delivered industry best invention, innovation, I.P. and multiple global patents.Managed staff across significantly diverse product silos.Conceived, commercialized and evolved some of Nike's most iconic products (Nike soccer balls, footballs & gloves).Planned & executed global 5 year sequenced deployment of three of the most significant sport ball innovations ever; Geo Merlin, Geo T-90 Aerow, & T-90 Hi-Vis soccer balls.Initiated & managed the first wind tunnel testing for soccer ball research; co-invented worlds first instrumented wind tunnel apparatus for soccer balls. Commissioned & collaborated in the invention of unique proprietary test devices.Achieved groundbreaking advances through innovative research in disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, vision, aerodynamics, product architecture, materials, manufacturing and field research.Introduced multiple innovations in manufacturing & material applications.Pivotal team member in 8 figure international licensing negotiations.Personally built equipment for world’s highest profile athletes.Global voice of category. Service on FIFA and ASTM sub-committees.Veteran - U.S. Armed Services.Multiple U.S. and International Patents.Recipient of Nike’s three highest Awards -The Bowerman Award, Global Maxim’s Award & Salazar Award

Beaverton, Oregon

Recruited to build ground floor category for gloves, inflatables, protective equipment and accessories. Beginning with zero product & zero revenue, guided category to over $100 million.Directed all phases of management & marketing from conceptualization, industrial design, development & commercialization.Conceived & co-invented Nike's first ever application of 'Air' technology outside of footwear.Conceived & co-invented Nike's first hybridized formatting of Nike 'Air'. Managed 'GEO' Ball licensing negotiations and Introduced globally exclusive and industry leading 'GEO' ball collection.Invented pioneering approaches in laser applications for goalkeeping gloves.Provided technical performance training to Global Sales.Brand spokesmanship, via domestic and international media appearances and product launches.

Recruited to re-build declining global hard goods category. Drove turnaround in global product performance and retail confidence, resulting in 40% growth and capturing # 1 world share. Performed worldwide associative benchmarking analysis, interfacing with consumers, retailers, athletes, suppliers and factory partners.Developed the original 'Finger Save' glove platform, which created a global sub-category; became the # 1 glove in industry history.Designed & developed the first adidas gloves worn at a FIFA World Cup.Managed the design, development and marketing of the highest profile brand project; Match Ball of 1994 FIFA World Cup.Presided as adidas' Chicago site manager at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Greenville, South Carolina

First holder of position to manage development & marketing for Umbro hard goods and accessories.Product silos included bags, gloves, hats, hosiery, inflatables, protective equipment, and accessories.Built and launched Umbro's first protective equipment collection.Co-Invented world's first consumer friendly, custom fitted composite protective equipment which spawned a global sub-category.Developed and launched proprietary 'Webb Collection', which became Umbro's most successful family of goalkeeping gloves.Drove the design, development & commercialization of the first Umbro products used in a FIFA World Cup.Pioneered the concept of heat and moisture management in hard goods, which became an industry mainstay.Co-invented precedent setting, 'Ultra Sock'; then the world's most advanced soccer sock, which broke through price barriers and established hosiery's technical role as part of the soccer uniform.Corporate revenue's grew from $37 to $138 million during tenure.

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Soccer apparel, footwear, and equipment buyer and merchandiser.Technical adviser; provided training to sales team.Moderator for National Sporting Goods Association Dealer Roundtable at the World Sports Expo, Chicago.'The Voice', for Gazelle Sports. Wrote, produced and voiced radio commercials.

Managed all aspects of acute trauma care, rehabilitation and fitness.