Born and raised in the Metro Detroit Area of Michigan, Ryan has cultivated a deep appreciation for the outdoors, particularly through fishing and exploring the state’s numerous lakes. His early passion for soccer instilled in him the value of teamwork and collaboration. A significant milestone in his high school journey was being voted “Most Artistic,” which guided him toward a career that emphasizes creativity.
Ryan pursued his education at the College for Creative Studies, majoring in Product Design, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2018. During his studies, he gained valuable experience through internships at Newell Brands and Steelcase. Following graduation, he joined Newell Brands in Kalamazoo, MI, where he contributed to the home appliance team, working on notable brands such as Oster, Calphalon, Mr. Coffee, and Bionaire. Over the course of five years, he honed his skills as a designer before advancing to the role of Senior Industrial Designer at Tekna, a consultancy based in Kalamazoo.
Ryan finds great fulfillment in being part of a professional team and contributing to the design intent of innovative products. He values the opportunity to engage with tangible outcomes and continuously seeks new ways to communicate ideas while leveraging the expertise of his colleagues. As Pablo Picasso once said, “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”