I am a design and product development executive with 15+ years of experience leading cross-category apparel creation across outdoor, lifestyle, and performance markets. I specialize in building design DNA, guiding seasonal vision, and aligning product development with brand identity and evolving consumer needs. I excel at concept-to-commercialization execution, color and material strategy, and cross-functional leadership that accelerates innovation and business growth. I thrive in fast-paced environments, mentoring teams and delivering results that balance creativity with practical business outcomes.

Rebecca Arellano

I am a design and product development executive with 15+ years of experience leading cross-category apparel creation across outdoor, lifestyle, and performance markets. I specialize in building design DNA, guiding seasonal vision, and aligning product development with brand identity and evolving consumer needs. I excel at concept-to-commercialization execution, color and material strategy, and cross-functional leadership that accelerates innovation and business growth. I thrive in fast-paced environments, mentoring teams and delivering results that balance creativity with practical business outcomes.

Available to hire

I am a design and product development executive with 15+ years of experience leading cross-category apparel creation across outdoor, lifestyle, and performance markets. I specialize in building design DNA, guiding seasonal vision, and aligning product development with brand identity and evolving consumer needs.

I excel at concept-to-commercialization execution, color and material strategy, and cross-functional leadership that accelerates innovation and business growth. I thrive in fast-paced environments, mentoring teams and delivering results that balance creativity with practical business outcomes.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Owner at Valtera Boutique
November 1, 2024 - October 29, 2025
Spearheaded full launch of retail business, overseeing lease negotiations and contractor management. Recruited, trained, and managed team of employees for optimal operational performance. Oversaw budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting while maintaining strict cost controls. Led trend-driven buying and visual merchandising to create a compelling in-store and digital customer experience. Adapted swiftly to changing market conditions, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.
Strategic Advisor at SourceEazy
June 1, 2022 - October 29, 2025
Developed and implemented processes for promotional goods development and delivery. Established quality and inspection standards to ensure compliance with government regulations. Cultivated strong customer relationships to drive repeat orders. Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives for SourceEazy technology platform.
Vice President of Design and Development at Nexus Outdoors
September 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024
Led creative direction and product design strategy across 5 outdoor and hunting apparel categories, ensuring brand consistency and performance functionality. Directed product design and development across multiple categories to enhance brand integrity and accelerate speed-to-market. Oversaw the development of new fabrics and finishes as well as continuing to monitor the IP of Scentlok and Scent Blocker proprietary materials, partnering with legal counsel when appropriate. Directed the seasonal design process from concept through commercialization, driving cohesive assortments aligned with market trends and customer insights. Established technical and aesthetic standards to define the brand's design DNA, elevating product storytelling across all categories. Partnered with merchandising and marketing teams to inform GTM strategies and visual merchandising direction. Led vendor alignment and sourcing strategies to improve cost efficiency and material innovation.
Owner at CleverTees
May 1, 2022 - May 1, 2022
Established custom printing company catering to schools, clubs, and businesses. Directed operations and digital marketing strategies to enhance visibility. Managed order fulfillment processes, increasing efficiency with online ordering technology. Scaled production capabilities, resulting in improved customized product output.
Owner at Sidney Foundry
May 1, 2022 - May 1, 2022
Established and managed 24-hour fitness facility, overseeing finances, compliance, marketing, and membership expansion.
Technical Services Manager at Cabela's
March 1, 2018 - March 1, 2018
Directed a 23-member design and development team across apparel, hardlines and footwear, integrating functional innovation with brand identity. Led development and production calendar, reducing development cycle time by 33%. Drove $1.6M cost reduction through cross-functional collaboration, sourcing efficiencies, and refined design processes. Oversaw specifications, fit standards, field testing, and quality assurance for customer-ready performance. Contributed to trend and color direction reviews for visual consistency across product lines.
Consultant-Product Development at QB'd Inc. Consulting Services
June 1, 2014 - June 1, 2014
Collaborated with retailers and brands to address short-term staffing needs and manage critical product launch projects. Oversaw technical development, sampling, and fit processes to ensure quality standards. Supported leadership teams in optimizing processes that reduced costs and enhanced operational efficiency.
Product Development Manager at Sports Authority
May 1, 2011 - May 1, 2011
Directed product development and QA for five private brands, ensuring timely deliveries. Coordinated over 300 styles annually with third-party design houses and global vendors. Managed logistics providers to optimize delivery timelines and streamline operations.
Senior CAD Designer at Cabela's
August 1, 2008 - August 1, 2008
Established CAD development processes as the company's first CAD designer. Integrated CAD tools into workflow in collaboration with Buying and Quality teams. Facilitated communication with vendors to enhance project outcomes.
Quality Assurance at Cabela's
March 1, 2007 - March 1, 2007
Created technical specifications, including illustrations and bill of materials for vendor partners. Evaluated products for compliance with established standards and specifications. Collaborated with third-party testing labs to verify quality and safety of all components.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at University of Northern Iowa
August 18, 1997 - May 11, 2001

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Retail, Professional Services, Wholesale & Distribution