FRED SPARKS

The Fred Sparks Design story began with three partners; Ken, Aaron, and Brandon. Their ambitious nature led them to decide that they didn't want to wait until graduation [and the job hunt that follows] to start improving lives through better product design. In 2004, they started their own design consultancy while finishing up their ID curriculum. Since then, the team has grown to 6 members of diverse backgrounds and experiences that offer clients strategic product and brand solutions through a variety of skill sets.

Because we're often asked... and because you were probably thinking it... who is "Fred"? In order to tell you that, we're going to have to know you a little better. Let's just say it's the personification of a collaboration.

AARON BROOKHART

///FSD PARTNER, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER, IDSA MEMBER///As a founding partner, Aaron recieved his industrial design degree at Southern Illinois University after being tired of explaining how things work in his hometown population of 150. Besides being an industrial designer, he is in charge of our project(s) progress, motivational speeches and a plethroa of directional ideas to take our solutions. He is often jumping from one corner of the building to another to ensure optimal inspiration locations.

KEN HARRIS

///FSD PARTNER, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER, IDSA ST.LOUIS CHAPTER CHAIR///Hailing from Nashville, Illinois, Ken's credits include a BA in Industrial Design from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale and minor in military science: bringing together the business side of fsd. As a partner, his technical skills and fierce criticism brings perfection to the FSD table. When he’s not busy, hobbies are being busy, hanging out, exercising, and eating junk food (kind of ironic and contradictory, yes, we know)

BRANDON HEFER

///FSD PARTNER, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER, IDSA MEMBER/// Brandon's technical drawing skills derive from his BFA in Industrial Design from SIU Carbondale. He turns the product sketches into prototype illustrations for our 3d modeler, as well as filling out the bills. He should model for Brawny Towels as his manly swaggers around the office need to be shared on kitchen countertops everywhere. His refined renderings communicate complex form interaction for 3d model creation.

KENT RITZEL

///INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER, IDSA MEMBER/// Strategic Development Expert with successful track record in developing ground-breaking, award-winning products, creative processes for product development, and innovative approaches to business, brand and market development. He has an undergraduate degree in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Webster University, which makes him a little older than the rest and sometimes ....a lot wiser.

AUSTIN BROWN

/// INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER, IDSA MEMEBER, SKETCHING HERO/// Showing up on the doorstep one day in a basket, Austin spends most his time coloring on a tablet, Austin comes from Southern Illinois University, uses his degree in Industrial Design as a cover for his many talents as a traditional artist as well. He has no need to talk much: We appreciate his gift of clear visual communication as much as if they were 1000 words. In his off time, Austin is inspired by pure intuitive solutions in product design.

JUSTIN SNELL

/// 3D DESIGN AND ANIMATION, SOLIDWORKS GURU///Coming from Alexis, Illinois with a degree from Northern Illinois University, Justin has endured 27 world series without the Cubs on the field. Nontheless, He collects high scores with his solidworks modeling, technical drawings and general IT knowledge here at FSD. His quick turnarounds are due to superior organizational skills that keep our timelines on track and spirits high. Our official go-to guy for everything, his cool is only shaken when his favorite team is jeered.

TOBY

/// EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH/// As a member of the Fred Sparks team, Toby is a dedicated hard worker. His experience in sitting, laying down, shaking with both paws, and rolling over is unmatched. He spends his spare time enjoying long walks, and playing with his favorite owner Brandon.