Apparel Advisory Board Member Spotlight: Karen Swanson

Mar 29

Mar 29 Apparel Advisory Board Member Spotlight: Karen Swanson

Six questions answered by our featured Apparel Advisory Board Member of the Month, Karen Swanson.

#1 Briefly summarize your career path and your current position.

I started out which seems like a century ago, at a company called Munsingwear/Penguin. This was a vertical mill so it was the yarn to knitting to dyeing and finishing, cut and sew and on to the warehouse. I was the assistant to the head Designer/Merchandiser. He taught me a lot about manufacturing, design, and product development. The Golf business was so interesting and filled with me learning about what I wanted to do in my career and what I engaged and inspired me for many years to come.

I then went on to a startup company called Zubaz. Wild and Crazy pants that the athletes wore. We had many licenses including the NFL, NBA, MLB, Colleges, Super Bowls, The Final Four….and many more. I learned how to be scrappy with a shoestring budget, and working with people that had never been in the apparel business before. I brought my learnings from Penguin to drive the business process and timing to release a line to the market. I again was inspired by the business, what I was able to do with my talents, and with my teams. SO FUN!

After that company went out of business, I went to Target Corporation when they were just starting to build a Product Design and Development team. . I started in kids and then went on to Men’s where I lead the Men’s Technical Team to build quality, fit consistency, and build a STRONG Technical team for Target and the guest. I know lead the RTW Technical team which includes the brands A New Day, Ava and Viv, Ingrid and Isabel Maternity. I also lead the overseas Global Technical Team out of Hong Kong and Shanghai. Both HQ and overseas are a team of engaged team members that are talented, does the best for the guest and Target.

#2 What are the “primary” responsibilities of your current position?

My primary responsibilities are: Leading the team through product development each cycle, remove roadblocks, and engage and inspire my team to be their best.

#3 What are the major challenges of your current position?

Current Market state. Retailers going out of business, how do we capture some of those businesses, and also how do we stay current with technology and speed to market.

#4 What competencies are necessary for success in your current position?

Expert in Product Development, know how to lead a team with the right amount of “head and heart”. How to remove roadblocks that are in their way to success. Keeping the team engaged and inspired.

#5 What advice would you offer a student interested in a career in this industry?

Go after what you love, want to learn, and be open to change. The business changes every day. Don’t take everything personally. It is not personal. Be Bold. Be One Team.