Brad Saarela Email Address

Director Apparel Sourcing

Brooks? Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of high-performance running shoes, apparel and accessories in more than 80 countries worldwide. The global company is entirely focused on the run. Brooks is recognized as the product of choice among runners of all levels. The company is dedicated to inspiring people to run and be active and creates innovative equipment that keeps them running longer, farther and faster. The company is known for engineering footwear that provides the best possible fit for runners. Sports medical professionals, industry magazines, top runners and retailers worldwide praise Brooks for offering a full line of performance footwear that caters to the needs of every running profile. Brooks? proprietary platforms ? Linear, Universal and Curved ? combined with width offerings up to 4E meet a wide variety of runners? needs.

• Resourceful, innovative apparel professional with expertise in global sourcing, production planning, material and apparel development • Ability to accomplish results through others by establishing strong internal and external relationships • Outstanding risk management skills and ability to deal with highly ambiguous situations • Proven negotiation and influencing skills • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex ideas in easy to understand business terms to senior leaders • Experienced in indirect management; managing by influence as opposed to positional authority • Exceptional customer service and problem resolution track record • Proven multi-cultural management and communication skills Specialties: • Apparel manufacturing and imports • Strategic planning • Product development • Textile commercialization • Production planning • Cost negotiation • Buying and scheduling • System requirements and process refinement