Taylor Ruckh
About Taylor Ruckh
Taylor Ruckh is a Product Development Manager at Boll & Branch, overseeing the bedding category from design to production since 2023. With a background in merchandising and product development, Ruckh has held various roles in the fashion industry, including positions at Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors.
Work at Boll & Branch
Taylor Ruckh serves as the Product Development Manager at Boll & Branch, a position held since 2023. In this role, Ruckh oversees the product development process for the bedding category, which includes sheeting, top of bed items, and pillows/inserts. Responsibilities encompass managing the product lifecycle from initial design sketches through to production pass-off. Ruckh collaborates closely with the supply chain team to ensure all certification, compliance, and product claims are upheld. Additionally, Ruckh manages product testing, including wear trials and lab testing, to maintain the company's standards.
Previous Experience in Fashion Industry
Prior to joining Boll & Branch, Taylor Ruckh accumulated extensive experience in the fashion industry. Ruckh worked at Michael Kors as a Fashion Designer from 2017 to 2019 and later as a Product Developer from 2019 to 2021. Before that, Ruckh served as a Buyer & Product Developer at Proper Cloth from 2021 to 2023. Ruckh's career also includes roles at Ralph Lauren as an Assistant Merchandiser for Lauren Activewear and internships at Gant AB and Robert Graham Designs.
Education and Expertise
Taylor Ruckh studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where Ruckh earned a Bachelor's degree in Merchandising and Management, Product Development, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2012. This educational background provided Ruckh with a strong foundation in product development and merchandising, which is applied in current professional responsibilities. Ruckh's expertise includes adopting and working within a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system to streamline processes in product development.
Background in Retail and Merchandising
Ruckh's background includes various roles in retail and merchandising, starting with a position as a Sales Associate at Gant AB in 2012. Ruckh also worked as a Merchandising Intern at Gant AB for four months in the same year. Additionally, Ruckh held a position as a Resident Assistant at the Fashion Institute of Technology from 2010 to 2011. These experiences contributed to Ruckh's understanding of the retail landscape and product development.
Communication and Team Collaboration
In the role at Boll & Branch, Taylor Ruckh emphasizes effective communication and collaboration. Ruckh represents the company in daily communications with factories and mills, focusing on kindness, patience, and fairness. This approach fosters positive relationships within the supply chain and contributes to a collaborative work environment.