{"id":53282,"date":"2023-10-20T09:55:19","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T13:55:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/?p=53282"},"modified":"2023-12-01T13:39:13","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T18:39:13","slug":"startup-founder-and-textile-leader-shane-otoole-15-pays-forward-his-alma-maters-support-as-a-deans-young-alumni-leadership-council-new-member","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/2023\/10\/startup-founder-and-textile-leader-shane-otoole-15-pays-forward-his-alma-maters-support-as-a-deans-young-alumni-leadership-council-new-member\/","title":{"rendered":"Startup Founder and Textile Leader Shane O\u2019Toole \u201915 Pays Forward His Alma Mater\u2019s Support as a Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council New Member"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

Shane O\u2019Toole, a Pennsylvania native, was introduced to NC State University while being recruited to play football for the Wolfpack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was surprised when his love for athletics grew even more \u2014 in combination with a passion for sustainability \u2014 during his time as a student at the Wilson College of Textiles<\/a>. It was there that he found his family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was fortunate to be guided into the program by some incredible academic advisors based on my professional passions,\u201d he says. \u201cThe Wilson College of Textiles became home for me.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since earning his bachelor\u2019s degree in polymer and color chemistry<\/a> in 2015, O\u2019Toole has worked in various roles within the textile industry, including stops at Under Armour, On Running, Tenere, Carhartt and TegraGlobal. In 2020, he founded Red Wolf Innovations, an innovative material and color-sourcing consulting firm. In addition to his role as the owner of his startup, O\u2019Toole is the senior manager of product development at Origin Materials.

The thread that connected O\u2019Toole to the Wilson College of Textiles wasn\u2019t cut at graduation \u2014 even with his busy schedule. He previously served as the college\u2019s young alumni representative in Charlotte, and he continues to happily connect recent graduates and prospective industry partners to his alma mater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2022, O\u2019Toole was honored with the 2022 Distinguished Young Alumni Award<\/a> for his dedication to the Wilson College and extraordinary textile industry achievements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This fall, he joined the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council<\/a> as one of its newest members. This volunteer position will allow him to provide leadership and guidance to Dean David Hinks and the North Carolina Textile Foundation<\/a>, specifically regarding alumni engagement and fundraising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about O\u2019Toole\u2019s career journey by reading his Q&A below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Degree<\/strong> B.S. Polymer and Color Chemistry<\/a>, 2015
Job Title <\/strong>Senior Manager of Product Development, Origin Materials and Founder, Red Wolf Innovations
Current City<\/strong> Charlotte, North Carolina
Hometown<\/strong> Downingtown, Pennsylvania<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your fondest memory of being at NC State and the Wilson College of Textiles?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I have so many fantastic memories of bonding with my classmates, and we’re all still close to this day. I also cherish my amazing mentors and interactions with my professors who supported me by going above and beyond what I could have expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who influenced you most during your time at the Wilson College of Textiles? And why or how?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I had some extremely influential professors and advisors. Dean David Hinks<\/a> was my advisor and helped spark an intense passion for sustainability in me. Associate Professor Nelson Vinueza<\/a> helped to push me to think deeply and to push through obstacles. Distinguished Professor Renzo Shamey<\/a> opened my eyes to the creativity of science and psychology, and he always gave me the help I needed. Professor Emeritus Samuel Hudson<\/a> influenced me to think outside the box and explore how materials can be developed for incredible end uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did your education at the Wilson College of Textiles prepare you for what you are doing today?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

My education gave me critical tools from the best in the industry who are leaders in every sense of the word. With a strong foundation in chemistry, polymers, dye processing and textile engineering, my education from the Wilson College of Textiles allowed me to quickly establish myself in leadership positions at large companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n