ERIN BORNSTEIN
Founder, Design Director & Principal Consultant
Erin is an experienced Design Leader specializing in both Men’s and Women’s footwear design. With extensive global travel experience, she has unique insight into consumer behaviors and trends. This allows her to craft products that not only meet market demands but exceed expectations. Her strength lies in translating brand identities into captivating designs that drive sales.
Her design philosophy is about striking a harmonious balance where tradition meets innovation, and comfort blends seamlessly with style. She has lead design teams within the VF and Wolverine portfolio, and brings collaboration to the forefront of her team.
Kyle Jenkins
Collaborator
Kyle, a RISD Grad and native New Englander based just outside of Boston, MA, is a seasoned veteran of the footwear industry with a design career spanning 20 years.
He has worked with brands like Timberland, Cole Haan, and Keen giving him a deep understanding of performance, outdoor, utility, rugged, dress, and casual product.
Kyle has a strong technical understanding of fabrication techniques which makes his designs not only innovative, but manufacturable.
He strives to create fresh captivating product that synchs with a brand’s DNA, resonates emotionally with the consumer and ultimately perpetuates their style and performance needs.
In his spare time he enjoys being active in the hockey rink or in the outdoors with his family.
exceptional design skills, attention to detail, and dedication to delivering outstanding results
Susan Li,
VP of Sourcing at Dansko
perfectly blends Brand DNA, Consumer Trends, & Functionality into her designs to deliver exceptional products to the end consumer
Paul Deering,
Director of PD at Sperry
a Design leader who brings not only talent and creativity but also organizational skills, a passion for growth, and a collaborative spirit
Meaghan Palardy,
Senior PLM at Sperry
Her proficiency in quickly iterating designs allowed us to refine our products efficiently and effectively, making the most of our timelines and budget
Walker Erekson.
Founder of Lani
Erin understood the unique requirements of our customers and was able to work remotely with our overseas factory and guided the development of the initial samples with great precision and eye for detail
Varun Sharma,
Founder JPC Equestrian Inc
PAUL DEERING
Lead Product Development Partner
Paul is an experienced Product Development professional with a passion for creating high-quality, comfortable, and innovative footwear. With a background working with leading brands like Sperry, Cole Haan, and New Balance, he has successfully improved product margins, streamlined processes, and led teams to deliver exceptional products.
He specializes in managing the entire product lifecycle—from concept to market—ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of engineering while also hitting target margins and on time delivery. His focus is on innovation, fit, quality, and meeting the needs of today’s consumers by crafting footwear that not only looks great but also feels fantastic.