Experienced in production in Korea, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico, Macao, Spain, Italy, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Ran all footwear operations, including opening an R&D department, sourcing production in China and Vietnam, and establishing and managing a Logistics Team. Managed inventory demand, warehousing, and inbound products.

Selected Contributions:

  • Increased revenue growth from under $100M to over $300M.       
  • Improved productivity and performance by spearheading a demand analysis buying process, maintaining an excellent delivery track record, and developing successful SMU, (special make up) programs.   
  • Maximized efficiency and accuracy by developing a net-based software for development, purchasing, and production.                    
  • Opened the first Biomechanics Laboratory for action sports, including skate, snowboarding, and BMX.
  • Enhanced water-based adhesion and material sustainability by leading green production efforts.
  • Researched and advocated domestic production processes in order to maintain quality and reduce production costs. 

2001 - 2011

LMH FOOTWEAR CONSULTING, INC.

FAN PLM, Principal 


Types of Footwear Experience:
Skate Shoes, Basketball, Cross Training, Running, Tennis, Hiking, Sandals, Womens dress footwear, Mens Casual footwear, Golf, Kids shoes down to crib sizes, Snowboard Boots, Vulcanized, Cold Process, Injection molding.

RESUME

Litigation Support Experience (Expert Witness)


Case: Ugg vs. Bearpaw, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, 2011. Status: Settled
Project: Dissected numerous Ugg and Bearpaw products to point out material, design, and manufacturing differences.         

Case: Skechers vs. Converse, Irell & Manella LLP, 2015, Status: Won by Skechers
Project: Wrote a document on the history of vulcanized shoe production, two declarations, and gave a deposition in Washington DC, testifying at the International Trade Commission (ITC).      

Case: Adidas vs. Nike, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, 2016, Status: Pending
Project: Wrote a declaration on patent claims being disputed regarding circular stitching. Deposition in Atlanta.

Case: Skechers vs. Nike design patents, Irell & Manella LLP, 2016, Status: Pending
Project: Searched for prior art, LA Downtown Library, catalog collector in Connecticut

Case: Salas, Dina v. J And A Shoe Co., Inc.

(product liability)
Status: Won by Salas, Dina
Project: Reviewed shoe in dispute and wrote a report


Case: Stride Rite vs. Firebug, lighted shoe patent, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, 2017 

Status: Won by Stride Rite
Project: Participated in preparation of a declaration.

​My comments and opinions were cited 6 times in the final decision by the court


Case: Bauer Hockey Ltd. v. Sport Maska Inc. (CCM Hockey), Gowling WLG, 2019 - 2020
Status: Won by Bauer Hockey
Project: Participated in writing of two declarations and testified in the Montreal Federal Court

​My comments and opinions were cited 3 times in the final decision by the court



​

2011 - Present

Additional Experience



CONVERSE, INC.,

General Manager Footwear R&D Asian Operations | Director of Footwear R&D Operations | Senior Developer Basketball


  • Oversaw US sample making, budgets, and R&D operations.


Selected Contributions:

  • Increased revenue by developing a technology used in 40% of footwear sales.
  • Member of the three-person development team that launched the All-Star 2000.




PONY USA, INC. 

Director of Footwear SMU Development & Sales


  • Supervised development and sales for SMUs




LA GEAR, INC. 

Director of Footwear SMU Development & Sales | PLM Running/Tennis/Cross-Training


  • Ran a $100M SMU program and designed software to streamline the development process.




AIRWALK, INC.

Director of FW Operations

Original member of the Airwalk brand who developed the first Airwalk prototypes, set up an Asian office, designed the first cold process skate shoe, and developed the first snowboots made in Asia.

An accomplished Executive with significant experience in global product development, sales and marketing, and supply chain for the footwear and apparel industries. A skilled relationship builder who has traveled the world and lived in Asia for 10 years to develop key alliances with industry partners in order to meet production and supply demands in constantly changing markets.  A strategic planner skilled at developing solutions to resolve potential issues in order to reduce costs, increase productivity, ensure quality, and maximize profitability. An articulate professional and respected leader who relates well with people from diverse backgrounds and motivates team members to improve performance, boost potential sales, and exceed personal and professional goals.       

SOLE TECHNOLOGY, INC.

VP of Footwear Dev & Prod

​Lenny M. Holden - Footwear Professional

Experience

Patents

#8640291            (Issued 2/4/14)              “The sole may include a bladder which extends an entire length of a foot.”

#7832118            (Issued 11/16/10)           “Footwear providing enhanced protection against extreme landing impacts.”

#8276296            (Issued 7/6/09)              “Dynamically responsive shock attenuation system for footwear.”

#7278226            (Issued 10/9/07)            “Footwear providing enhanced protection against extreme landing impacts.”

#7020988            (Issued 4/4/06)              “Footwear providing enhanced protection against extreme landing impacts.”

#8640291            (Pending)                      “A vulc style and cupsole style footwear and a method for manufacturing.”

LMH FOOTWEAR CONSULTING, INC., FAN PLM, Principal (2011 to Present)

Offer development and sourcing consulting services for apparel and footwear merchandising and provide expert witness services for litigation. PLM Sales and Installation - Oversee all operations, including sales, marketing, product research and development, merchandising, and quality assurance. Assisted in the design and development of software that manages the development, merchandising, product line management, production, material library, pricing, and quality processes.  

Consulting:

Instrumental in the successful launch of Quiksilver/Roxy’s apparel management software.
Installed PLM with a men’s suit manufacturer and wholesaler in the United States  
Consulted with a large manufacturer and wholesaler to set-up a testing lab in China.
Advised a client regarding injection moulding sourcing for a surf bootie company.   
Developed, introduced, and launched successful new products for international markets, including Equestrian products resourced in Mexico, Taiwan, and Korea.        
Worked with several tech companies to develop prototypes for concept sales.

Selected Contributions:

Resolved fitting and technical issues for a Canadian shoe company.
Expert vulcanized footwear witness for a high-profile case, testifying before the International Trade Commission (ITC) in Washington, DC.
Maximized efficiency and profitability by identifying areas of deficiency and implementing solutions to optimize processes.


Areas of Expertise                               

  • Footwear & Apparel Operations
  • Global Product Development
  • Cost & Margin Optimization
  • Diverse Footwear Experience
  • Environmental Initiatives
  • Production & Supply Chain
  • Purchasing & Demand Analysis
  • Strategic Planning
  • Team Building and Leadership
  • Success Tracking & Metrics
  • Quality Assurance
  • Research & Development
  • Marketing & Competitor Analysis
  • Warehouse & Inventory Mgmt.
  • Timeline Establishment & Mgmt.