Meet Leigh Ramsdell
Former Pro BMX Rider & Action Sports Marketing Leader
Former pro BMX rider turned marketing leader with 20+ years in outdoor and action sports. I live for all things outdoors—cycling (BMX to MTB), camping, hiking, kayaking, and any adventure in nature—and bring an authentic insider perspective to athlete engagement, community building, and brand storytelling. I've launched consumer campaigns, optimized budgets, forged real partnerships, and driven growth that resonates deeply with riders and adventure seekers alike.
Leigh Ramsdell's Portfolio
Brand Storytelling
For 11 years at Mongoose Bikes, I helped shape and share the brand’s authentic story—one that started in a Southern California garage in 1974 when Skip Hess built the revolutionary MotoMag wheel to push BMX. I wove that legacy of innovation, grit, and fearless riding into campaigns, rider partnerships, and product narratives that captured the rebellious heart of BMX and its evolution into mountain biking. By staying true to this heritage, I strengthened emotional connections with riders and positioned Mongoose as more than a bike company: a real, enduring symbol of adventure.
Event Management
I directed 14 Mongoose Jams—signature BMX freestyle events blending top pros (like Kevin Peraza, Nikita Ducarroz, Pat Casey, and Matty Cranmer) with amateurs in high-energy sessions at iconic parks. Pros rode alongside, mentored, judged, and awarded emerging riders, fostering camaraderie, competition, and sport growth while boosting brand loyalty and attracting newcomers. I also served as Deputy Director for BMX at the Dew Tour, handling competition logistics and rider coordination, and at the MTV Sports and Music Festival, managing athlete integration and broadcast elements.
Athlete / Influencer Management
For 11 years as Mongoose Bikes' Team Manager (Sports Marketing), I managed elite BMX and MTB athletes—including Kevin Peraza, Chris Akrigg, Pat Casey, Greg Watts, and others—overseeing contracts, travel, content, events, and brand alignment to boost performance, exposure, and loyalty while elevating Mongoose at major competitions like the X Games. Previously, for 10 years with Eastern Bikes, I managed the pro BMX team, coordinating trips, budgeting, filming projects, and social media strategies to showcase rider talent and strengthen community ties.
Technical Product Marketing
In technical product marketing, I directed the vision and edits for promotional content on current flagship models like the Mongoose Legion L500 freestyle BMX bike. The key video emphasized its advanced engineering—full 4130 chromoly construction, freecoaster rear hub, removable brake mounts, and pro geometry—for demanding park and street performance. This targeted narrative engaged advanced riders, showcased durability and innovation, and supported sales in Mongoose's core freestyle category.
Digital Campaign Development
In digital campaign development, I directly assisted in launching Mongoose's award-winning "Born in Dirt" campaign. We celebrated the brand's gritty BMX and off-road roots with a unified tagline, high-impact videos featuring top pros, and multi-channel strategies blending heritage storytelling, social media, influencer partnerships, and community activations. This drove authentic engagement across freestyle and MTB audiences, generating over 50 million impressions and reinforcing Mongoose as the original "Born in Dirt" brand.
Video Production
In video production, I served as director, location scout, and producer for Mongoose's MTB team trip video at Highland Mountain Bike Park. I scouted the New Hampshire location for its diverse trails, jumps, and slope course; directed high-energy riding footage and rider interviews (featuring Chris Akrigg, DJ Brandt, Mike Montgomery, and Greg Watts); and produced the relaxed, team-bonding narrative that captured authentic fun and camaraderie. I also leveraged Adobe Premiere skills for social media cuts to extend reach.
Social Media Management
In social media management, I leveraged Hootsuite to schedule, monitor, and optimize content across platforms, achieving sustained follower growth, higher engagement, and consistent sharing of Mongoose's authentic voice. While staying true to the BMX and MTB core audience, we diversified outreach to attract new potential cyclists—building stronger rider loyalty, expanding reach in the BMX and MTB communities, and generating 8% organic growth across all channels.
Creative Direction and Planning
In creative direction and planning, I led concept and execution for high-impact videos featuring Mongoose athletes bound for the 2024 Olympics. Navigating Rule 40, we avoided prohibited terms yet celebrated their elite journey. I directed creative vision, planned logistics, storyboarding, athlete coordination, and post-production to create an inspiring, compliant narrative that highlighted achievements and reinforced Mongoose's backing of top BMX talent.
Budget Strategy and Management
Budget Strategy and Management
In budget strategy and management, I collaborated with Mongoose's marketing and finance teams to develop and oversee athlete program budgets. I allocated funds for rider contracts, performance pay, travel, event bonuses, and my event support travel. I also managed team trip budgets—including airfare, lodging, meals, and video/photo production—to ensure high-quality content, rider development, maximized ROI, and adherence to financial guidelines.
Moments that Matter
Reach Out
Questions or Comments
Drop me a line or ask a question.
