Gary Ludwig

Head of Product Development @ Alpinestars

About

Experienced Director Of Merchandising & Product Development with a demonstrated history working in the apparel, hardgoods and action sports industry. Team leader skilled in Trend Analysis, Fashion Illustration, Textiles, Creative & Art Direction, and Brand Development.

Country

United States

City

Huntington Beach

Industry

Apparel & Fashion

Skill

Domestic production, Cost Management, Manufacturing Operations, Production Planning, Garment Fitting, Product Cost Analysis, Product Sourcing, Communication, Inventory Management, Logistics Management, Production Management, Project Management, Product Design, Merchandise Planning, Planning Budgeting & Forecasting, Catalog Development, Team Management, Strategic Sourcing, Art Direction, Product Management

Experience

Head of Product Development

Alpinestars

2023-2 - Present · 3 yrs 8 mos

Torrance, California, United States

Line Planning, Merchandising and Development of Casual Sportswear category. Product Development for MTB (Cycling), Moto Technical (Domestic) and MX Gear (Soft Lines) categories. Manage a team of 4 Product Developers.

(Freelance) Hustle Manager / Carpenter / Gopher / Design / Graphic Design / Consulting

Destruction Construction - DxC Est. 1971

2015-9 - 2023-2 · 7 yrs 6 mos

Southern California

Freelance in the creative process whether in products or houses.

Senior Director of Hardgoods (Hardlines)

Maui and Sons

2022-1 - 2022-9 · 9 mos

Pacific Palisades, CA

Line Planning, Merchandising and development of multiple hardgood categories including aquatics, water activity products and skateboards.

Sr. Skateboard & Protective Category Manager - Mass Retail (Hardlines)

Bravo Sports

2018-7 - 2022-1 · 3 yrs 7 mos

Greater Los Angeles Area

Creative Direction, Merchandising and Development of multiple skate brands (Kryptonics, Vision, Darkstar, Speed Demon, Maple & Variflex)

Director of Manufacturing Sales (Softlines)

Matrix Sourcing

2016-8 - 2017-8 · 1 yr 1 mo

United States

Import Sourcing, Development, Production & Tracking. Knits - (Tops & Bottoms) Fleece, Jersey, Pique. Wovens - (Bottoms) Denim, Chinos, Twill, Canvas. Socks - Technical & Price Point. Quality Assurance Platform (QUONDA) by Triple Tree - Real Time Product Tracking.

Director of Product - Americas (Softlines)

DC Shoes

2015-2 - 2015-9 · 8 mos

Huntington Beach, CA

Managed a team of Designers, Graphic Designers and Merchandisers to create the correct mix of product for the Americas regions (America, Canada and Latin America). Worked with Americas and Global Merchandisers to create and adopt a global range that would maximize global efficiencies. Created seasonal slot plans and bucket lists from allocated budgets. Reviewed and analyzed data from current and previous selling seasons to justify colors, trends, graphics and silhouettes. Presented seasonal lines during sales meetings and key account pre lines. *NYSE - ZQK

Sr. Global Brand Director (Tony Hawk -Softlines)

Apex Global Brands

2014-5 - 2015-2 · 10 mos

Cypress, CA

Brand Director for Tony Hawk, Hawk 900 brands. Managed a team of Designers, Graphic Designers and Merchandisers. *NASDAQ - CHKE

Director of Mens & Youth Apparel Merchandising (Softlines)

DC Shoes

2010-6 - 2013-10 · 3 yrs 5 mos

Huntington Beach, CA

Merchandised Mens and Youth cut & sew categories, printables, bags and accessories. Managed a team of up to 5 Merchant/Developers. (Import & Domestic) *NYSE - ZQK

Sr. Merchandise Manager (Softlines)

Element Brand

2005-1 - 2010-5 · 5 yrs 5 mos

Irvine, CA

100% Import Management Managed a team of up to 3 Merchant/Developers. (Import & Domestic) *ASE - BLLAY

Surf Class Teacher & Surf Team Coach

Fountain Valley High School

2003-9 - 2008-6 · 4 yrs 10 mos

Fountain Valley High School & Huntington State Beach

Was one of two teachers that instructed 70+ students ranging from grade 9-12. I also coached the competitive surf team that consisted of 25+ students. This was 0-1 period P.E. class for the students held at Huntigton State Beach 3 out of 5 days, and a 1st period classroom for the remaining 2 days.