Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Ard Kessels is an experienced entrepreneur and product development professional with a strong focus on the cycling and outdoor gear industries. As the Founder of Kogel Bearings, he leverages his technical expertise and industry insights to drive innovation and champion sustainable solutions.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Founder of Kogel Bearings since 2014, Ard Kessels is responsible for the overall strategy, product development, and operational management of the company. Under his leadership, Kogel Bearings has established a reputation for manufacturing high-performance, eco-friendly bearings that cater to the needs of cycling enthusiasts and professional athletes alike. Kessels' ability to identify market trends and translate them into cutting-edge product designs has been instrumental in Kogel Bearings' growth and industry recognition.
Career Progression
Prior to founding Kogel Bearings, Kessels held various roles in the cycling and outdoor gear industries. He served as a "man on a mission" at Sprocket Scientist LLC, a position he has held since 2013, where he combines his technical expertise with his entrepreneurial spirit to drive innovative solutions. Kessels also co-founded Handske Gloves, a company focused on designing and manufacturing high-quality cycling gloves, from 2018 to 2019. Earlier in his career, he worked as a private business owner at Sprocket Scientist and as a product developer at VF Europe, where he gained valuable experience in product design, manufacturing, and project management.
Academic Background
Ard Kessels holds a degree in from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, where he specialized in relevant fields to his career.
Areas of Expertise
Kessels' areas of expertise include product development, material science, sustainability, and supply chain management. He has a deep understanding of the cycling and outdoor gear industries, allowing him to identify market needs and develop innovative solutions that cater to the evolving preferences of consumers. Kessels' technical expertise, combined with his entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skills, have been instrumental in driving the growth and success of Kogel Bearings.
Professional Impact
Under Kessels' leadership, Kogel Bearings has become a trusted brand in the cycling industry, known for its high-performance, eco-friendly bearings. The company's focus on sustainability and innovative product design has earned it recognition from industry peers and media outlets. Kessels' ongoing contributions to the industry through his work at Kogel Bearings and Sprocket Scientist have positioned him as a respected thought leader and champion of sustainable solutions in the cycling and outdoor gear sectors.
Conclusion
Ard Kessels is a passionate and accomplished entrepreneur with a proven track record of driving innovation and growth in the cycling and outdoor gear industries. As the Founder of Kogel Bearings, he continues to push the boundaries of product design and sustainability, leveraging his technical expertise and industry insights to deliver solutions that cater to the evolving needs of his customers.