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Hometown: Bellevue, Washington
Education:
Bellevue Community College, AA Biomedical Photography
Experience:
Product Development Manager, Non-Apparel, CYRK
Import Program Manager, Consumer Plastics, CURVER
Department Head, Footwear, Eddie Bauer
Why @ eBags: I was looking for an environment where I could apply my "tool box of skills" and where people were passionate about their careers, able to speak freely about their ideas, and fun to work with. It had to be a leading-edge, major player in its category, located in a great place to raise a family, and of course, have something to do with bags. In my past job, I was nicknamed "the bagman" because my office was always full of prototypes. I love product; the whole process of it. eBags had all of the above and allowed me to use every tool that I've acquired over the previous 19 years. Except maybe the Anatomy & Physiology classes I took in school.
Favorite Childhood Trip: Prince Edward Island, Canada. My first trip was as an eight-year-old when our family went to visit my mother's homestead, built by my grandfather for his soon-to-be-wife, by way of propeller-powered plane. On this trip, it still had a hand-crank telephone and we cooked on a fantastic old cast iron beast that would heat the whole house. The nearest town was so small, the main street didn't even have a stop sign. This trip introduced me to outhouses, tractors, sulkies, dirt roads, manned lighthouses, and 1,000+ lb. tuna caught offshore. In August of 99, I had the pleasure of re-visiting the island, only this time with my eight-year-old son. There was a rotary phone in the homestead, most roads were paved, and the lighthouse was automatic, but the town still had no stop sign and the tuna was just under 900 lbs.
Favorite City: I've been to so many great cities, I couldn't pick just one: The Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong at night is an experience for all of the senses; Paris, having breakfast in a small café (you just can't find bread, jam, and coffee like that any place else); Manhattan for its late night dinners in the garden level of a brownstone; Chicago anytime other than Jan/Feb (no one can beat the stuffed spinach pizza from Giordano's); and Seattle on those rare awe-inspiring days when the mountain is out in all its glory.
Favorite eBags Feature: The See More Products Like This feature. Perhaps the best kept secret on the site. When you think you've found the perfect bag, but are not 100% sure, click the button and BANG! A spreadsheet appears with similar styles across the top, and feature boxes down to the ground. Specs, specs, and more specs.
Favorite Product: First is the eBags Firewall Brief (EB2066-17). Huge capacity, full-featured organizer and pocket layout, great laptop protection, and super-comfortable handles. I travel a lot and continue to be amazed that I can get everything I need into this bag. Second, the eBags Professional 22" Carry-on. I spent about 18 months developing this bag and all the great features are too numerous to list here. If you are a road warrior, this is your Carry-on. | 