Industrial Design & Product Engineering
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Study abroad in China focused on mass manufacturing, sourcing, and product development.

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Design - Product

Design Professional | Business Operations Specialist

Logistics, Shipping & Operations

<p>I'm an accomplished industrial design professional and the current operations manager for a multinational manufacturing company, overseeing daily operations. I have cultivated a diverse skill set, extensive experience, and a wealth of knowledge through years of formal education and professional growth. This foundation allows me to objectively approach complex problems with a unique perspective in order to formulate innovative and practical solutions. Skilled at leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering collaborative environments, I am able to leverage my experience in order to work towards common goals while also thriving as an independent self-starter whenever necessary. I have a strong foundation in human-centered design thinking, and utilizing the design process as a creative problem-solving tool in order to identify opportunities to innovate. My experience allows me to clearly communicate objectives, design intent, and set actionable tasks throughout a project's development, from concept to completion. I am extremely motivated, detail oriented, and possess strong interpersonal skills. I am a constantly curious individual with a drive to think outside the box in order to see what some others cannot. Outside of my professional endeavors, I have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy a variety of activities such as fly fishing, rock climbing, scuba diving, golfing, kayaking, and skiing. I also enjoy experimenting in a variety of creative fields outside of formal product design such as illustration, painting, photography and street art.</p>

As Operations Manager, I oversaw end-to-end project management, process optimization, supply chain logistics, and strategic planning, while leading cross-departmental collaboration, implementing innovative technologies, and driving operational efficiency to achieve organizational goals.

- Project Management: Oversee project timelines from inception to delivery, setting strategic goals and actionable tasks, ensuring on-time completion and resource efficiency.

- Process Optimization: Drive value creation by streamlining workflows and enhancing cross-departmental collaboration. Supervised production schedules and operational workflows to maintain efficiency and quality at all stages.

- Technology Development: Led the development and implementation of a customized Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software solution, streamlining internal processes, enhancing collaboration between departments, and improving product development timelines.

- Strategic Planning: Set strategic goals and define actionable tasks to align with organizational objectives. Adapt to dynamic production environments by identifying challenges and implementing practical solutions.

- Supply Chain Management: Manage supply chain logistics, including procurement, inventory, and distribution, to ensure seamless operations. Fostered strong partnerships with vendors and customers to support long-term business success.

- Leadership & Communication: Ensure clear, consistent communication across departments to align efforts and priorities effectively with the company's goals. Inspired and coordinated multidisciplinary teams to achieve shared goals and continuous improvement.

Operations Manager

As managing partner and lead designer, I manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities supporting both our investors and board of directors. Key contributions include:

- Intellectual Property Strategy: Spearheaded the company’s successful acquisition of intellectual property, securing a U.S. utility patent and trademark approval through the USPTO, enhancing brand value and market differentiation. US Pat No. 10,959,506.

- Customer & Vendor Relationship Management: Built and maintained high-impact relationships with critical industry vendors, fostering collaboration to drive product innovation, improve operational efficiencies, and sustain business growth.

- Design and Product Development Oversight: Directed product design initiatives, ensuring alignment with market demands and company vision. Lead the development of a revolutionary new backpack product in the field of soft goods, using innovative and sustainable 3D production techniques.

- Supply Chain Optimization: Established a cost-effective, fully domestic supply chain, improving logistical efficiency and profitability, while supporting domestic manufacturing and reducing lead times.

- Marketing & Branding: Designed and implemented a strategic marketing plan that emphasized the company’s core values of sustainability, innovation, and quality. Leveraged digital campaigns, social media, and content marketing to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.

- Sales Channel Expansion: Identified and developed partnerships with various sales channels, expanding market reach and driving revenue growth.

This role required a proactive, hands-on approach to all facets of business operations, blending strategic planning with tactical execution to drive sustained company success.

 Founder / Lead Designer

In this role, I directly supported the Design Director in creating purpose design solutions tailored towards individual clients' needs. Through close collaboration with the client I identified opportunities to create impactful designs for the built environment, trade shows, and branding campaigns. During this time I cultivated my customer relations and critical thinking skills while working with a variety of clients from a wide range of industries.

- Client-Focused Design Solutions: Partnered with clients and the sales team to translate customer objectives and feedback into tailored design solutions, including corporate environments, trade show booths, product displays, and more.

- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Established and communicated design intent between the customer, sales, and design team, ensuring seamless communication and efficient project delivery, enhancing client satisfaction and project alignment with business goals.

- Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraged insights from clients and sales data to produce high-quality, cost-effective designs that balance visual appeal with budget constraints.

- Relationship Management and Critical Thinking: Cultivated strong relationships with a wide range of clients across multiple industries, developing solutions that meet unique needs while enhancing problem-solving and customer relations skills.

This role enabled me to develop a well-rounded skill set in client relations, cross-functional collaboration, and project delivery, consistently achieving high standards of quality and client satisfaction.

Industrial Designer

Worked with one of the largest production companies in the U.S., collaborating with Fortune 500 clients to develop and execute high-impact advertising campaigns, multimedia content, and large-scale event productions. Key contributions include:

- Campaign and Content Development: Collaborated with top-tier clients to create compelling advertising campaigns and multimedia content, ensuring alignment with brand objectives and audience engagement strategies.

- Event Production and Management: Played a key role in producing major events, including the Budweiser Made in America Festival and the Wawa July 4th Welcome America Festival, contributing to planning, logistical coordination, and on-site execution.

- Client Relations and Project Coordination: Maintained strong relationships with high-profile clients, aligning production efforts with brand expectations, and delivering on-time, on-budget project outcomes.

In Office: Worked along side the creative director designing graphics, advertisements, video/audio editing, web design, promotional materials, and presentations.

On Site: Assisted with concert and stage layouts, set designs, lighting design, set ups, and tear downs, commercial shoots, and camera equipment.

Creative Designer

Find out detailed information about Colin Heston, Design Professional | Business Operations Specialist in West Chester, PA

Colin Heston: Design Professional | Business Operations Specialist in West Chester, PA

Colin Heston

Thomas Jefferson University

Kent State University - Technical Knitting Course

Study Abroad - China

Outward Bound Wilderness Leadership School