Dale Manning

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT DALE MANNING

I am a technology executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of leadership across web technologies, print-on-demand manufacturing and services, creative agencies, record labels, SaaS, and eCommerce platforms. I have built and successfully exited four martech and digital services companies, and I specialize in helping organizations turn complex operational and customer challenges into scalable, technology-driven solutions.My career began in Hewlett-Packard’s Inkjet Division, where I gained firsthand experience in how disciplined operations, strong culture, and product innovation build world-class businesses. Five years into my time at HP, I received formal training in HTML—an inflection point that set the direction for my career in digital platforms and web systems.I founded my first web development company in 1994, delivering early digital experiences for organizations such as WWF and Kettle Foods. I later merged that firm into Koopman Ostbo and joined the agency as an executive, followed by serving as Vice President of Technology at CMD in Portland, leading a 50+ person digital team and multi-million-dollar programs for brands including United, Intel, Nike, and Dr. Martens.In I founded Idea Den, a digital and commerce partner to leading music and entertainment brands for more than a decade. In 2010, I sold the company to BPG and joined their executive team, supporting digital and commerce strategies for artists including The Doors, Imagine Dragons, Alice Cooper, Zac Brown Band, Tupac, Garth Brooks, & many others.My partner and I raised $12 million to build MasterChannel, a digital ecosystem for entertainment brands that was later licensed by Universal Music Group. I later served as Vice President of Print-on-Demand at OneLive, overseeing large-scale on-demand merchandise production for major music and sports brands.In 2021, I joined Gooten and quickly advanced into the role of EVP of Enterprise Growth, focused on enterprise partnerships, platform expansion, and operational scale.In 2023, I re-launched Idea Den and started a practice advising POD & decorated merchandise industry.My passion is building scalable platforms, modernizing production and fulfillment ecosystems, and creating partnerships that connect technology, creativity, and manufacturing at scale.Domain KnowledgeMusic/Entertainment | Creators & Influencers | Print On Demand | Decorated Merchandise | Web Development | AdTech/Marcom | eCommerce | Online Product Strategy | SaaS Product Development | Music & Sports Business | Integrated Marketing | Marketplaces