NANCIE WESTON
Seattle, WA | - |-| www.linkedin.com/in/nancieweston
Product Management & Development Leader
Creative, market-savvy product leader with a demonstrated track record helping envision/launch new products
from the ground up and close deals with global retail and online distributors. Reputation throughout career for a
practical, can-do attitude and commitment to designing elegant, cost-competitive products that meet unmet market
needs and foster passionate customer loyalty. Strategic thinker with experience leading the entire end-to-end
product development and management cycle—in addition to managing a wide mix of tactical sales, marketing,
packaging, and branding responsibilities. Background includes roles in both startups and well-established industry
players, as well as a history of product awards/recognition and driving steep revenue growth.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
New Product Design & Development
Innovation & Customer Experience
Sales / Key Account Management
Marketing, Branding & Collateral
Supply Chain & Distribution Strategy
Team Hiring, Mentoring & Leadership
Budgeting & Financial Analysis
Product Roadmap & Lifecycle Management
Market Research & Focus Groups
Product Packaging, Pricing & Positioning
IP Development & Monetization
Consumer Insights & Advocacy
Vendor Management & Outsourcing
Manufacturing & Quality Control
Cross-Functional Collaboration
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
NANCIE WESTON DESIGNS | Product Design/Strategy/Management Consultant
Seattle, WA: 4/2017 – Present
Currently leveraging startup, retail, distributor and manufacturing hard goods experience as a consultant to aspiring
entrepreneurs and growth companies — in addition to exploring/developing new product ideas for potential market entry
• Meet with founders and startup executives to review potential product concepts and evaluate market potential
• Conduct market, competitor, and consumer needs research/analysis to help position products for maximum success
• Advise leaders on effective sales channel development, manufacturing, cost control, quality, and scaling practices
• Personally designed/developed a new home water filter pitcher (Raiin) and launched it via Kickstarter campaign
GRAYL | Founder, CEO & Chief Product Designer & Manager
Seattle, WA: 4/2012 – 4/2017
Launched a startup to introduce a breakthrough new water filter/purification bottle into the backpacking and travel space
• Managed all initial product R&D, market research, and design steps to validate the concept and begin production
• Handled all end-to-end business formation and operations management steps, including recruiting a corporate board
• Led all marketing, branding, sales, and business development efforts—providing forecasts to outside investors
• Secured distribution agreements with top dealers such as REI, Cabela’s, Evo, Backcountry.com, and Amazon.com
• Left company to pursue new challenges, but continue to maintain an equity stake in the firm (www.grayl.com)
METALTEST | Director of Sales
Kent, WA: 9/2010 – 12/2011
Took on brief role leading the sales function for this provider of industrial metal testing and certification services
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Engaged in heavy outreach to new aerospace industry prospects, in addition to managing existing client relationships
Reported to President and worked with engineering, operations, and other staff on proposal development/delivery
ULTIMATE SURVIVAL TECHNOLOGIES | Director of Sales & Product Design
Monroe, WA: 6/2007 – 8/2010
Recruited to turn around this failing outdoor/survival gear organization—rebranding the firm, analyzing its competitive
positioning, and implementing a series of innovative new sales and marketing programs to restore it to profitability
• Turned around the bankrupt organization from a mere $32K a year in revenue to $3M within a two-year period
• Invented a successful new fire starter product and redesigned other existing products for greater market appeal
• Rebranded the firm (including new logo, color, font, packaging) to increase the company’s presence and drive sales
• Efforts played a pivotal role in the company’s subsequent successful acquisition by Smith & Wesson for $32M
MCNETT (now GEAR AID) | Sales Director
Bellingham, WA: 7/2001 – 6/2007
Gained an extensive understanding of B2B/B2G sales processes working with this outdoor/survival gear and accessories firm
• Led a team of 32 sales reps, providing them with the tools, mentoring, and training needed to quadruple sales
• Managed relationships with numerous top accounts such as REI, Cabela’s, Bass Pro, Sportsman’s Warehouse, etc.
• Set up tradeshows and cultivated extremely solid relationships with military/defense procurement staff
EDUCATION & ADDITIONAL DATA
BA Degree in Parks/Recreation & Art | Western Washington University
Software Proficiency | MS Office, Trello, Salesforce, Sugar CRM, Web design Squarespace, Shopify
Product Awards (full details on request) | Red Dot; Geekwire; Intl. Housewares; 50 Campfires; Carlton Ball
