Ty Borrell

Hello, my name is Ty Borrell, and I’m a product geek. I’m currently based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and work remotely as a software product manager for a global automotive OEM.

I've been fascinated by products for as long as I can remember. My journey into the product world started early - I received my first paycheck from Rollerblade Inc. for product testing in 2nd grade. My career has spanned various industries and disciplines, enriching me with experiences that allow me to connect with technical and creative professionals.

On the technical side, my 15 years in the Air Force (Air National Guard) have significantly shaped my technical and leadership skills. During my service, I focused on IT infrastructure strategy, design, and project/program management while tackling challenges for various US Department of Defense customers. I have also worked in a small IT bullpen for a medical device startup that scaled quickly and taught me a lot in a short amount of time.

On the creative side, I have also spent time in UX and in the footwear industry as a Field Marketing Specialist for adidas. While in Field marketing, I learned about the go-to-market cycles for some of the most beloved footwear products. I learned about product discovery by speaking to customers face-to-face and hearing their problems and preferences. I met designers, marketers, and engineers who demonstrated the collaborative efforts necessary to make a killer product in a highly competitive industry. I was eventually inspired to pursue experience in Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) Design, where I was selected to attend a 3-week masterclass at New Balance thanks to what is now Pensole Lewis College. I met many incredible people there and spent three weeks assembling CMF packages for a signature New Balance athlete. The most important thing I have learned on the creative side is the value of good storytelling- it can have a massive difference in your business outcomes, but it isn't easy to quantify.

This blend of retail passion, design interest, and IT expertise eventually steered me toward a career as a software product manager.

I created this website to voice my thoughts and analyses on the evolving Product landscape. And, well, because I accidentally let my Squarespace subscription lapse... oops?

Industries and Areas that excite Ty:

Industries:

• Automotive

• Retail

• Software / Big Tech

Knowledge Areas:

• Software Product Management

• Design

  • User Experience (UX) Design

  • Brand Design

  • Color Material Finish Design

• Leadership

• Merchandising

• Product Marketing

• Product Line Management

• Project and Program Management