Principals / co-owners / lead designers

Design veterans Greg Foster and Robert Sheldon co-founded Product council in 1994, to communicate ideas through products and brands. Their work as industrial designers has spawned numerous brand-defining designs in the medical, healthcare, industrial, consumer, and housewares industries. They continue their roles as lead designers and client liaisons on every program.

Greg and Robert have also received numerous awards for their innovative work, which include IDEA - Industrial Design Excellence, ID - International Design, Medical Design Excellence, Consumer Electronic Innovations, Good Design, and Spark awards. Several of their product designs have been featured in publications and displayed in museums. To date, the firm has been granted over 100 patents.

Both hold Bachelor of Science degrees in Industrial Design from The Ohio State University and are members of the Industrial Designers Society of America. Greg and Robert are available for lectures on a range of subjects pertaining to design strategy and development and are committed to mentoring and supporting high school and university design students.

TESTIMONIALS

“Many thanks for designing the new Panasonic and Hitachi Home Theater Remote Controls. They are truly the best products we have produced so far and have given me great confidence that we can become a world-class supplier of remote controls for both the OEM and retail marketplace. Congratulations to you and your team in Chicago."

Robert L. Borchardt - President CEO - Recoton International

"As the V.P. of Engineering for Stanley Works, and Bosch for over the past 16 years, I have worked with product council (directly with Greg and Robert) on over two dozen programs both large and small. I have always found them to be professional, knowledgeable, and courteous when it comes to design work. When you want exceptional results with a team that understands the technical side of the business, applies research and exceptional design aesthetics, with great personalities, I would highly recommend this firm. It truly makes projects enjoyable and goes smoothly."

Sr VP Engineering - Robert Bosch Tool Corporation

“We have employed Product Council exclusively as our product designers since early 2001. During that time, we've developed over twenty distinctly different products together. Some challenges have been of the highest in magnitude, but we collaborate well together. They're centrally located in Chicago and have a strong variety of resources at their facility. The principals, Robert and Greg, make certain to stay involved throughout - even when handing off work to others team members. They understand offshore challenges and the desires of the consumer, as well as our challenges as a conduit to both. I highly recommend this firm”.

John DeCosmo - President - Ulta-Lit Corporation Chicago

 "Certainly, to be the most beautiful Plastarch biodegradable cutlery on the market!" Thank you!

Eco-Products

“Great work Product council! I will follow through with my promise and connect you to other key managers at Medline, and I will certainly contact you for future projects. I was very happy with the bath and mobility lines you designed."

President - Durable Medical Equipment Division - Medline Industries

"Thank you for making another season such a success!" We value your partnership and appreciate your continued support."

Sr VP - Product Development - Pampered Chef

“I am very pleased to write a review for Product Council who helped take my concept and turn it into a beautifully designed, engineered, and fully functional manufactured product that is currently selling in the USA and internationally. The product has quickly grown into a market leader.”

Jonathan Sheinkop - CEO- Ergo Impact

“My relationship was founded when I was Senior Vice President of Product Development/Global Procurement at the Pampered Chef and we remain, friends, today. Design sensibility, technical expertise, attention to detail, and transparent communication were core competencies necessary for a lasting partnership.”

Lisa Flynn

“Everyday brilliance” Chef Mario Batali’s Italian Kitchenware Line

Newsweek