Colin Heston
Design Professional | Business Operations Specialist · All Fill Inc.
West Chester, PA
In My Own Words
<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>
Work Experience
Operations Manager
All Fill Inc.2021 – Present
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.
Founder / Lead Designer
Seamless Accessories LLC2019 – Present
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.
Industrial Designer
Grapevine Visual Concepts2018 – 2019
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.
Creative Designer
ESM Productions2013 – 2014
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.
Education
Bachelors of Science
Thomas Jefferson University2013 – 2016
Industrial Design & Product Engineering Focus: Textiles & Soft Goods
Training Certificate
Kent State University - Technical Knitting Course2016 – 2016
3D Textile Engineering - M1 Plus Programming Training
Study Abroad
Study Abroad - China2015 – 2015
Study abroad in China focused on mass manufacturing, sourcing, and product development.
Leadership Certificate
Outward Bound Wilderness Leadership School2011 – 2011
Wilderness Expedition Leadership School - Blue Ridge Mountains
Interests
Skills
Industries
Activity
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