The Ohio State University Industrial Design program alumni Greg Foster and Robert Sheldon founded Product council more than 30 years ago, driven by a shared passion for design and an entrepreneurial ambition to create their own path within the industry. Designers at their core, they built the firm as a highly focused strategic partner rather than a large, cumbersome organization; delivering clients a rare combination of senior-level expertise, agility, and hands-on experience.
The two met while studying industrial design under the distinquished leadership of Charles Wallschlaeger and Reinhart Butter, alongside an accomplished international faculty. The program’s rigorous approach to design thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application helped shape the foundation of their professional philosophy, and both Greg and Robert continue to credit those mentors for their lasting influence.
Following graduation, each relocated independently to Chicago, where they gained experience at several respected industrial design firms before establishing Product council in 1994. Since then, the firm has collaborated with more than 250 clients, ranging from emerging start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Their portfolio spans a broad spectrum of industries, including medical, industrial, consumer electronics, housewares, and laboratory products.
Today, the same curiosity, creativity, and passion that inspired the founding of Product council continue to drive the firm forward as it embraces new challenges and opportunities in product innovation.
