Rob is an industrial designer with a passion for functional, durable, beautiful products that help make people’s lives better. He started his career as an intern at Whipsaw, working his way up through dozens of projects to become a senior designer, handling clients of all sizes, in fields ranging from consumer electronics to medical equipment.

After Whipsaw, he took a position doing ID and customer field research for a portable communications company servicing several major airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and fire departments.

His broad range of experience puts him in a great position to tackle any project.

Michelle has worked in various apparel design and development roles for emerging and established women, children, and menswear brands. In her current position at the Fashion Incubator, she manages all of the Gerber technology and equipment, and collaborates with emerging design businesses to launch products that are meeting design, market, and cost requirements. Her expertise in creating product development and production systems came from her experience managing and working with sewn goods manufacturers. Her passion for sustainability sparked her interest in Supply Chain Management, which gave her greater awareness for the journey her designs would take and their global impact – from the materials used, the people manufacturing them, the people wearing them, and their effect on the environment at the end of their lifecycle. Supply chain has allowed her to hone in on her ability to purposefully design and support product goals, seeing them through from concept to fulfillment.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Textiles and Apparel Design from the University of Texas at Austin and a Business Foundations Certificate from the McCombs School of Business. She is a member of APICS and is a Certified Supply Chain Professional.

With over 20 years of experience, Andy has spent time working with and for top Action Sports Brands and industry-leading designers, including brands such as Fox Racing, RockShox, O’Neill, and Bell Helmets. Andy’s background includes product CMF design and direction, creating communication presentations for marketing teams, and branding style guides. He is passionate about color, materials, and finishes as they range from fashion to architecture to consumer products, and he is extremely knowledgeable about the production processes for various textiles, paints, and plastics.

Andy has helped develop everything from early conceptual ideas to full season product launches. As a team oriented and collaborative individual, he excels at managing relationships with clients, sub-contractors and suppliers. And he has an in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing processes required to bring designs to life.

With his background and work ethic, Andy is an asset to any team.

Rachel is a part of the Trailside Creative Startup Support Team.

Rachel can assist with:

• Startup coaching
• Pitchdeck build and review
• Pitch Presentation coach and review
• Business Strategy consulting

Rachel coaches leaders and startup founders to business plan, negotiate contracts and equity positions, design for manufacturability, hack regulatory standards, increase team efficiency, lean operations, fundraising, emerging talent development and remediate low performance and team conflict. She combines her decade of professional coaching expertise with her experience as a CEO and founder to coach startups comprehensively. You need someone who can advise your startup team to avoid all of the major pitfalls and mistakes that founders make. As she puts it: “I have made many mistakes and still thrived. Learn from the missteps of those before you to set yourself up for success.”

Shawn McVey is an advisor, wilderness athlete, and product /brand builder. His approach is based on people and industry connections, both on the operative and athlete sides of the outdoor industry. With a degree in Business Management and as a strategic advisor Shawn provides insight to company founders, operations, and creatives. Shawn’s approach reviews capital investments, ROE in product, and evaluates long-term customer growth through product design, ambassador roles, and content strategy.  Specializing in operations, product, ambassador content, and scalability, Shawn brings a unique position to companies as a brand stakeholder. He and his teams are constantly field testing and can provide feedback on what works and what does not meet expectations in the field.  Shawn delivers vital insight on product development and design while bringing in teams to prototype, implement, and drive design in a variety of outdoor verticals. Land, sea, water, mountain, jungle.

With years of experience in the industry, as a brand builder, taking an athlete-first approach. He has a passion for family, sustainability, and developing the outdoors industry for American business. As an advisor, he brings a wealth of real-world knowledge and practical experience to all product development and business decisions. Shawn’s friends and community continue to push the narrative of what’s possible in the world of outdoor adventure. When he’s not in the office or planning his next expedition, Shawn enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids.

Jaimi can assist with:

• Startup coaching
• Business Systems Management
• Team Management Training
• Business Strategy consulting
• Health and Wellness Industry

Jaimi Jansen is Founder & CEO of Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab. As a result of a bike accident 10 years ago, she started as an early adopter of the integrative wellness model. She now runs 3 locations that have evolved into a medical company and practice management company. She provides business consulting, management education, marketing solutions, leadership skills, practitioner education, and workplace wellness services.

As a wellness advocate, Jaimi has been recognized nationally as Entrepreneur of the Year (2013 USASBE) and has started consulting, bringing her talents to the wellness industry and beyond. She is currently working with physicians, other medical and business professionals to improve their marketing, business development and organizational skills. Jaimi helps fellow visionaries leverage their time and talent to achieve their goals, and she finds that the greatest healing has come when individuals reach their highest potential.