- I’m Jacob Ballard -
I’m a strategic Industrial Design leader with over 16 years of experience delivering innovative, user-centered products and building high-performing teams. I lead with empathy and clarity, creating environments where diverse talents feel empowered, supported, and aligned toward shared goals.
My passion lies in bridging creative vision with business strategy—translating complex challenges into clear, actionable plans that drive measurable results. I partner closely with cross-functional teams to accelerate innovation and elevate design as a core business advantage.
Throughout my career, I have scaled teams, developed emerging leaders, and implemented design operations that enhance efficiency and output quality. I’m committed to fostering collaborative cultures where creativity thrives alongside strategic focus.
Driven by a growth mindset, I’m motivated not only by solving meaningful problems but also by continuously evolving as a leader and enabling others to succeed. I look forward to leading organizations that prioritize innovation, inclusive teamwork, and impactful design.
“As a manager, Jacob is truly empowering and deeply engaged with his team. He prioritizes the growth and development of his team members, consistently providing support and guidance to help them realize their full potential. Furthermore, as a leader, Jacob exudes charisma and confidence. He has a unique ability to inspire those around him, leading by example and motivating others to strive for excellence.”
- Mike Reedy, Director Industrial Design
“Jacob is a phenomenal industrial design manager and was a joy to work with. He excels at collaboration and innovation. Jacob is an extremely strong advocate for elevated product design and is able to navigate a cross functional environment in such a way that I always felt he had my best interests in mind, even though I was in another group.”
- Eric Lange, Principal Engineer
“Jacob leads with empathy, conviction and a genuine desire to serve his team on their own path to excellence. He rejoices with his team in their successes and encourages them with clear expectations. He is a great listener and creative problem solver. He is able to take a team of creatives, seeking their own voice, and unify them in pursuit of a compelling goal where all feel the satisfaction of accomplishment.”
- Dale Frye, Senior Manager Industrial Design
“Jacob possesses a unique ability to blend creativity with technical proficiency to bring thoughtful designs to consumers. His excellent communication skills, flexibility, and willingness to listen to input from various stakeholders makes him an ideal colleague to work alongside. He’s an exceptional leader and an invaluable asset to any collaborative project.”
- Melissa Alderman, Senior Brand Manager