About Steven Selikoff

Steven Selikoff is a serial entrepreneur, product developer, and author who has been creating and selling products since 2001. He is the founder and CEO of Product Development Academy, which teaches entrepreneurs how to design, manufacture, and market products for retail success.

Selikoff started his career as a software developer, program manager, and consultant, working for companies like Microsoft, Blue Cross, Pfizer, Alcoa, and the Ford Foundation. Over time he rose to be Global Business Manager at Microsoft, twice, running worldwide organizations, including Global Business Manager of Worldwide Retail Sales, and Marketing.

At the same time he built up his own companies as a product entrepreneur, where he developed and sold his own unique products. Eventually he focused purely on product development of his own products,  as well as guiding clients in development and sales of unique products in various categories, such as home décor, pet supplies, toys, and electronics. Selikoff has sold his products online (including Amazon Seller and Amazon Vendor), in catalogs, and in retailers all over the world.

Retailers that are selling (or negotiated to sell) products developed by Selikoff or his clients, include Walmart, Lowes, PetSmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ace, Cabela's, Kroger, Exchange, Walgreens, Francesca’s, Belk, Ross, TJX, Safeway, Ace, Target, and thousands of independent and specialty retailers. He has even had his products in the gift bags at the Oscars.

Selikoff is also an expert on sourcing products from China, visiting the country over 40 times and attending the Canton Fair, the world’s largest trade show, twice a year since since 2012. He has built strong relationships with Chinese factories and suppliers, and has learned how to negotiate, manage quality, protect intellectual property, and ship products efficiently. 

Selikoff is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring product entrepreneurs. He has spoken on stages around the world including China, India, Hong Kong, Australia, US, and more. He is the author of The COMPLETE BOOK of Product Design, Development, Manufacturing, and Sales, a comprehensive guide on how to create profitable products (currently a textbook at a major US university.) He also offers coaching, mentoring, and consulting services to help entrepreneurs achieve their product goals, and twice-yearly trips to the Canton Fair.