Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Drew Burns
Hustle, Optimism, Curiosity, Sincerity, Support
Ten days after arriving at Santa Clara University for my freshman cross-country pre-season training, I broke my right foot in a freak accident. It was a devastating setback, but I refused to give up on my athletic dreams. Three years later, I ran the third fastest 10,000m time in school history and earned the team's Most Improved Athlete award and captainship.
This experience helped form me into the leader I am today and helped me define my values. It also sparked my interest in footwear and the role it plays in performance and recovery. After graduating from Santa Clara with a Bachelor's in Finance, I moved to Portland, Oregon to pursue a Master's in Sports Product Management at the University of Oregon.
In my Master's program, I'm learning the end-to-end product creation cycle from industry veterans. I'm also working on a team to simulate a product and brand launch of a golf shoe designed to reduce slipping in the rain. Outside of class, I've continued my running through wear testing, providing detailed reports for fit, wear, and durability for future product lines. I've also gained retail experience at the Duck Store, where I've answered customer needs and assisted with purchasing.
Most recently, I interned with LaiYih Group in Vietnam to learn about mass manufacturing at two of their Adidas-specific plants. I spent every day on the factory floor, learning about the production process and identifying areas for improvement. The projects I worked on included a proposal to reduce machine downtime on the stitching floor, as well as manufacturing improvement recommendations in production on three models. I also had the opportunity to travel throughout Vietnam on weekends and explore Southeast Asia after my internship concluded.
As a footwear product manager, I will use my experience in Vietnam to become a better collaborator with brand and factory development teammates to deliver innovations that meet customer demand. I aspire to work with athletes at all levels to understand their pain points and can help them accomplish their goals. I'm grateful for where I've been and I'm excited for what's next.
My Process
Cultural Immersion
Cultural Immersion
Cultural Immersion
I step into the consumer's shoes and prioritize their needs in every project. By immersing myself in their culture and conducting extensive research, I gain valuable insights into their experiences, ensuring our product aligns with their desires and challenges.
Design Thinking
Cultural Immersion
Cultural Immersion
I empathize with my audience, brainstorm innovative ideas, create prototypes, and gather feedback, ensuring the product meets both functional and emotional needs. I embrace risks to deliver meaningful work.
Strategic Planning
Cultural Immersion
Strategic Planning
I prepare a business strategy that defines value proposition, target market, and competitive advantages. This leads to a comprehensive marketing plan for awareness and demand, financial estimates, an implementation timeline, and risk mitigation.