Sign In

Robert Yasutoshi Skinner

I’ll insert something inspirational and catchy here someday, like everyone else.

Robert Yasutoshi Skinner is a versatile individual with a background in Industrial and Product Design, Business, and Automotive enthusiast.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Product Design from San Francisco State University, an Associate of Arts in Science, Math, & Engineering from De Anza College, and has studied Business at San Jose State University.

With a passion for cycling as a Cat-1/Pro racer, Robert is also known for his innovation in designing human-powered machines and his love for cats.

He embraces challenges and views the impossible as opportunities and has a multilingual proficiency in English and Japanese.

Robert has held various roles including Industrial Design/CAD Specialist at Inspire Gold, Account Manager at Oxford Global Resources, and Supply Chain Lead at Specialized Bicycle Components.

Highlights

Nov 11 · linkedin

I was chatting with a client of mine on a Tuesday morning in October. he told me about an opportunity he/his company had, which could utilize my company's services. it came with a caveat, which was that the project is destined to fail in 8 months, but would be highly profitable for the next 6 to 8. He cautiously asked if I would be interested. I replied to him "no." "why?" "Because it's not fair to either company or the people working the project. sure they'll get paid, and paid well, but I'm not going to be the one setting people up to fail. It's just not right." My client paused for a moment and said "It's not all about the money for you, now is it?" I thought about that statement for a sec and remembered how I first started as a kid (16) at a bike shop. "it never was, and it never will be."

I do things because I'm passionate about them, but I seemed to have lost passion in what I'm doing. Maybe it's time for a career change. Maybe I need to go back to school.

That same Tuesday afternoon I reflected on my Job, and asked myself "is this (sales) what i want to do for the next 20 to 30 years?" Wednesday, I decided on my game plan. Thursday I picked up the phone. "Two weeks, Boss. I'm going back to school. I'm gonna go design rocket ships." (abbreviated)

Sep 9 · linkedin

This ride I did is a few years ago now, but I always go back to it, because it really changed and shaped who I've become, and who I am today. Since then, I've done even bigger rides, but it all started here.

https://lnkd.in/geUht6V

"I want to ride to Yosemite." 200+ miles? I can do that in a day... but what do i do when i get there? do i bother someone to come pick me up? do i camp and ride home the next day? what if i dont really want to carry camping gear? or find a camping spot....

i woke up saturday morning, hopped on my bike, rode over to yosemite, got there, snapped a photo, and rode home. sunday morning, i passed out in my own bed, and slept like a rock

up until this point 100 miles was a big ride. i've done a double century (200 miles) and that felt monumental. but knocking out 400 miles in a sitting? it put an entirely new perspective on the world. the world felt smaller. everyone felt closer. It still amazes how different the world can be just a bike ride away. some good, some bad.

I cant put all my thoughts in to a single post, but i guess what i want to say is "just because you think it might be impossible, doesnt mean you should give it a shot... it'll change your life either way."

Related Questions

What projects has Robert Yasutoshi Skinner worked on at Inspire Gold?
How did Robert Yasutoshi Skinner transition into industrial design?
What skills does Robert Yasutoshi Skinner bring to his role at Inspire Gold?
Can you provide examples of Robert Yasutoshi Skinner's work in CAD?
What inspired Robert Yasutoshi Skinner to pursue a career in industrial design?
Robert Yasutoshi Skinner
Robert Yasutoshi Skinner, photo 1
Add to my network

Location

San Francisco Bay Area