About me

Hi, I’m Jon, a creative engineer. I started Human Crafted in 2016 as a boutique product design studio and solo design brand after having worked across agencies and corporate OEM’s for the previous 15 years. I specialize in rapidly building solutions to test, informing future steps, and above all… making progress.

Setting sail as an entrepreneur and freelance designer wasn’t an easy decision, but taking the path less traveled has become a trend that I’ve learned to embrace. Throughout this site you will find a diversified range of projects and products, each starting with an idea to make something better at its core. This pursuit of better has driven me to fine tune my craft for speed and efficiency, developing expertise that spans creative design and technical engineering so I can adapt to a new need at any moment. I coined the term “Creative Engineer” to describe this unique combination. I am proud of this wide range, and I’ve come to appreciate it as my super power. 🦸🏻‍♂️

Experience

Human Crafted LLC | Founder & Principal Designer 2016 - Present

Founded boutique product design studio specializing in human-centered design solutions
- Lead product development from concept through manufacturing for consumer and B2B clients
- Technical co-founding, core skills in getting started, product-market fit, and building from 0-1.
- Executive leadership advisor, consulting on Brand, Design, Innovation, Product Strategy, Business design, Business tools and process
Expertise in industrial design, mechanical engineering, business strategy, product design and development, brand development, user experience design, business tools, and rapid hardware/software prototyping, and building with AI (Claude).
Established a thriving e-commerce brand that manufactured and sold products nationally while exhibiting at the NY NOW trade show as well as regional retail markets.

Johnson Health Tech NA | Creator, Manager Advanced Development Group 2011 - 2016

Helped to open the eyes and ears to the experiences of users within and outside our industry. We looked for gaps and tension points that could be turned into solutions.
Led cross-functional teams through rapid experimentation and validation. We were in the pursuit of maximum customer value and business success.

Johnson Health Tech NA | Senior Design Engineer and Project Manager 2007 - 2011

Guided cross-functional project teams through three successful new commercial cardio platform launches for the Matrix brand. Responsible for balancing industrial design and engineering in pursuit of established marketing specifications. Managed manufacturing hand-off and quality documentation, including frequent travel to Taiwan and China to collaborate with production engineers, factories, and vendors.

Visualize | Director and Senior Design Engineer 2000 - 2007

Oversaw the opening of a satellite office in Madison, WI. Responsible for employee performance and resource allocation
Lead engineer and project manager for numerous consumer products.

Skills & Expertise

Design & Engineering

Industrial Design & Product Development
Mechanical Engineering & CAD (Fusion 360, SolidWorks)
Human Factors & Ergonomics
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

Education

Milwaukee School of Engineering

BSME, Mechanical Engineering, 1996-2000
Research Assistant - Rapid Prototyping Center

Other Activities and Certifications

Merlin Mentor, 2016 - Present
Six Sigma Green Belt, 2015
International Design Excellence Award - Bronze
Green Masters - Green Professional, 2013, Issued by Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council
Guest Professional at Kohl’s Design It! Lab, 2013, MASTER CLASS Industrial Design 101: Materials & Methods

Past Work

Masen Environmental Solutions, PLOT Communications, Amplio, Everthine Jewelry, Violet Defense, EVEN Hotels, Ledger Coffee Roasters, Matrix Fitness, Advance Concepts, Kolpin Outdoors, Monroe Street Arts Center, Bosch Tools, Crescendo Espresso Bar, Fellowes Office Products, Made Kits, Bunn-o-matic, Good Day Shop, Weber Grill, Georgia-Pacific, Fiskars

Philosophy

I believe in the power of thoughtful design to solve real human problems. My approach combines analytical engineering thinking with creative problem-solving, always keeping the end user at the center of the design process. Whether it’s a consumer product or a custom fabrication solution, I’m passionate about creating things that are both beautiful and functional.