Have worked at top-tier marquee brands as well as contract work for industry leaders. -Coach -Tumi -Samsonite -Keen Footwear -Hoka Actively teach a 3d Modeling class at PRATT Institute

Michael Stefan Leoniak

Have worked at top-tier marquee brands as well as contract work for industry leaders. -Coach -Tumi -Samsonite -Keen Footwear -Hoka Actively teach a 3d Modeling class at PRATT Institute

Available to hire

Have worked at top-tier marquee brands as well as contract work for industry leaders.
-Coach
-Tumi
-Samsonite
-Keen Footwear
-Hoka
Actively teach a 3d Modeling class at PRATT Institute

Work Experience

Consultant/Entrepreneur
May 1, 2019 - Present
Independent consultant and entrepreneur leading design strategy, research, and product development. Managed multiple design-innovation projects for clients, created design briefs, and delivered best-in-class solutions while collaborating with manufacturers worldwide. Built and mentored design teams and established best practices to drive business growth.
Design Director at FIL lab: Fuerst Group
May 1, 2019 - September 10, 2025
Led FIL lab, Fuerst Group's design-innovation unit, directing multidisciplinary teams in the discovery, development, and manufacturing of hardware products. Drove concept exploration, prototyping, and production readiness while ensuring brand consistency and strategic alignment across collections.
Director, Advanced Hardware Development at Coach Leatherware
October 1, 2014 - September 10, 2025
Directed advanced hardware development for luxury leather goods, overseeing product architecture, materials selection, prototyping, and collaboration with supply chains. Shaped new product platforms and improved manufacturing efficiency.
Design Lead Luggage at Ghurka, LeSportSac, Calvin Klein
July 1, 2010 - September 10, 2025
Led luggage design initiatives across multiple premium brands, translating consumer insights into on-brand product concepts, coordinating with factories, and delivering market-ready collections.
Design Director at Design and Innovation Consultant
September 1, 2009 - September 10, 2025
Provided design direction and innovation consulting for diverse clients, developing new product concepts, design briefs, and strategic design programs; facilitated cross-functional collaboration to execute ideas from concept to production.
Senior Designer at Tumi Inc., New York, NY
April 1, 2008 - September 10, 2025
Senior designer contributing to product design for premium luggage and accessories; collaborated with engineering, sourcing, and marketing to deliver on-brand solutions across global markets.
Senior Product Designer at Samsonite Corporation, Warren, RI
April 1, 2004 - September 10, 2025
Developed product concepts and specifications for Samsonite, focusing on performance, materials, and manufacturability; partnered with global teams to bring ideas to mass production.
3D Instructor at Pratt Institute
November 30, 2024 - Present
Teaching 3D modeling and design visualization in the design program, supervising studio projects and mentoring students.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design at Art Center College of Design
January 11, 2030 - September 10, 2025
Bachelor of Science at Art Center College of Design
January 11, 2030 - August 1, 1999

Qualifications

IDSA gold/ Bebo: furniture
September 10, 1999 - September 10, 1999
IDSA Bronze / RISK: rescue kayak
September 10, 2025 - September 10, 1999

Industry Experience

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