I am an accomplished and results-driven Director of Product Design with 15+ years of experience leading and mentoring design teams from concept to manufacturing. I have driven strategic product offerings and growth with major retailers such as Lowe's, Costco, Target, and Walmart. I excel at developing high-volume product categories, expanding market presence, and launching licensed products that contribute to company growth. I collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, sourcing, and marketing to deliver manufacturable, innovative solutions. My hands-on approach includes prototyping, woodworking, and rapid iteration to meet quality, schedule, and cost targets. I enjoy mentoring teams and helping colleagues grow while delivering exceptional results in fast-paced, consumer-focused environments.

Jake Warren

I am an accomplished and results-driven Director of Product Design with 15+ years of experience leading and mentoring design teams from concept to manufacturing. I have driven strategic product offerings and growth with major retailers such as Lowe's, Costco, Target, and Walmart. I excel at developing high-volume product categories, expanding market presence, and launching licensed products that contribute to company growth. I collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, sourcing, and marketing to deliver manufacturable, innovative solutions. My hands-on approach includes prototyping, woodworking, and rapid iteration to meet quality, schedule, and cost targets. I enjoy mentoring teams and helping colleagues grow while delivering exceptional results in fast-paced, consumer-focused environments.

Available to hire

I am an accomplished and results-driven Director of Product Design with 15+ years of experience leading and mentoring design teams from concept to manufacturing. I have driven strategic product offerings and growth with major retailers such as Lowe’s, Costco, Target, and Walmart. I excel at developing high-volume product categories, expanding market presence, and launching licensed products that contribute to company growth.

I collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, sourcing, and marketing to deliver manufacturable, innovative solutions. My hands-on approach includes prototyping, woodworking, and rapid iteration to meet quality, schedule, and cost targets. I enjoy mentoring teams and helping colleagues grow while delivering exceptional results in fast-paced, consumer-focused environments.

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Work Experience

Director Of Product Design at Yotrio
May 1, 2025 - September 11, 2025
Directed the development of new product categories, including the Origin 21 Edda closet system at Lowe's and the outdoor camping brand Outsider. Spearheaded and presented selling strategies to major retail buyers, securing approximately $10 million in new business from Lowe's for indoor storage furniture, which included a full in-store bay and additional online SKUs.
Senior Industrial Designer at Melissa & Doug
August 1, 2020 - September 11, 2025
Created and executed a strategic plan to develop new product lines, expanding the company's presence in untapped markets. Successfully launched a new kids' furniture offering and expanded the brand's footprint in the play structure space. Expanded on current product designs and manufacturing to support business growth.
Senior Industrial Designer at KidKraft
May 1, 2018 - September 11, 2025
Managed the development of high-volume product lines for major retailers, including Costco, Sam's Club, Target, and Walmart. Oversaw the entire design process from concept to manufacturing handoff, providing critiques and guidance to junior designers. Key contributor to licensed products for Disney, Pixar, and Nickelodeon, which led to company-wide growth. Collaborated with the senior design team to approve final product designs and presented to the executive team and retail buyers.
Industrial Designer at KidKraft
May 1, 2018 - September 11, 2025
Worked under senior design direction, developing toy and furniture concepts. Conducted market research, hand sketches, and Solidworks models, and prototyped every concept.
Director Of Product Design at Yotrio
May 1, 2025 - September 11, 2025
Directed the development of new product categories and led selling strategies to major retail buyers, securing approximately $10 million in new business from Lowe's for indoor storage furniture, including in-store bays and online SKUs. Launched Origin 21 Edda closet system and the Outsider outdoor camping brand.
Senior Industrial Designer at Melissa & Doug
August 1, 2020 - September 11, 2025
Created and executed a strategic plan to develop new product lines, expanding the company's presence in untapped markets. Launched a new kids' furniture offering and expanded the brand's footprint in the play structures space. Supported business growth by refining designs and manufacturing to scale.
Senior Industrial Designer at KidKraft
May 1, 2018 - September 11, 2025
Managed the development of high-volume product lines for major retailers (Costco, Sam's Club, Target, Walmart). Oversaw the entire design process from concept to manufacturing handoff, guiding junior designers and contributing to licensed products for Disney, Pixar, and Nickelodeon. Presented final designs to the executive team and retail buyers.

Education

Bachelor of Industrial Design at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
June 1, 2011 - April 1, 2015
Bachelor of Industrial Design at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
June 1, 2011 - April 1, 2015

Qualifications

High School Diploma
August 1, 2007 - May 1, 2011

Industry Experience

Retail, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment