Michael Smith
Newton
Summary
Results-driven Senior Director of Product Development with expertise in collaborative leadership and team management. Proven track record in enhancing brand positioning and optimizing product development processes in the furniture industry.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Director of Product Development
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.
Bassett, VA/Newton, NC
02.2026 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance brand positioning and market share within furniture industry.
- Directed cross-functional teams to streamline product development processes and reduce time-to-market.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to define long-term vision and execute corporate strategies effectively.
- Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.
- Creating style direction by building a cohesive plan, establishing a design anchor, and using practical guidelines to to build a foolproof vision.
- Executing the direction of style form from start to finish. With an overall upholstery merchandizing strategy.
- Overseeing and managing of product development of new goods incorporating new ideas and technology.
- Overseeing import leather motion program with 25 million dollars in sales. Responsible for the style direction, inventory, and quality control.
- Responsible for merchandising all domestic leather, inventory, styles, and creative direction. This program that I have overseen has had 5 consecutive years of double digit growth.
Director of Product Development
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.
Bassett, VA/Newton, NC
01.2020 - 02.2026
- Oversaw product lifecycle management, ensuring alignment from concept through production and launch.
- In this role I oversaw all product development including cost savings, execution of style, and developed strategies for cost effective manufacturing of goods.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure quality materials and adherence to production timelines. Managed an import product line that consisted of high end stationary goods and motion upholstery.
- Prepared upholstery goods for 2 markets per year
- Oversaw the purchase and growth of two outdoor divisions equaling 30 million.
Product Development Manager
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.
Newton, NC
06.2015 - 01.2020
- Collaborated with design and engineering teams to ensure alignment on product vision and execution.
- Managed project timelines and deliverables, ensuring adherence to budget and resource allocation.
- Responsible for all frame engineering and component sourcing.
- Developed strategic partnerships with suppliers to optimize material sourcing and production capabilities.
- Oversaw development of more than 50 new products each year.
- Reviewed all final costings before being submitted to retail.
- Responsible for developing a custom upholstery program consisting of over 4000 SKUS and options with continuous sustained growth of upwards of 50 million.
Assistant Manager - Product Development
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.
Newton, NC
01.2015 - 06.2015
- Developed innovative solutions for industry challenges, resulting in a stronger competitive edge for the company.
- Assisted int he execution of daily product development function.
- Responsible for converting all frames over to interlock plywood frames and cutting layouts.
- Responsible for sourcing poly and fiber components
Product Development Engineer
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.
Newton, NC
07.2007 - 01.2015
- Implemented new 3d drawing technology
- Incorporated high yield cutting software to maximize labor efficiencies.
- Programmed routers, ran time and costa analysis on router time and plywood use.
- Began doing quality control on import goods.
- Responsible for all plant layout and manufacturing floor placement adjustments.
Router Programmer
Studio Q Furniture
Hickory, NC
11.2006 - 06.2007
- Operated CNC routers to ensure precise cuts and finishes on furniture components.
- Implemented new cutting software for routers
- Maintained routers
- Managed a mini shift rough end
- Implemented new components designed for the healthcare industry.
- Conducted routine maintenance checks on equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety compliance.
- Converted all wood frames over to plywood.
Education
Associate of Arts - Production And Design
Catawba Valley Community College
Hickory, NC12-2006
Skills
- Collaborative leadership
- Autocad
- Team management
- Solid Edge
- Solidworks
- Product design
- Engineering
- Rendering
- Sourcing
- Creative development
- Manufacturing processes
Certification
- ASTM board member
- EFEC original seat
Timeline
Senior Director of Product Development
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.
02.2026 - Current
Director of Product Development
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.
01.2020 - 02.2026
Product Development Manager
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.
06.2015 - 01.2020
Assistant Manager - Product Development
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.
01.2015 - 06.2015
Product Development Engineer
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.
07.2007 - 01.2015
Router Programmer
Studio Q Furniture
11.2006 - 06.2007
Associate of Arts - Production And Design
Catawba Valley Community College