Ian Kayser is a seasoned operational executive who helps entrepreneurs, startups and companies transform their physical product visions into successful products. At Design 1st, Ian engages with thousands of clients and prospects where he discusses physical product ideas and helps transform customers vision into a working development plan.

Ian knows it’s not about having a great idea for a new product, it requires a skilled development and business team working closely together with clear targets and customers. As a frontline player, Ian has helped global corporations and tech titans such as BelAir Networks, Christie Digital, Cloud9, QNX and Mitel transcribe physical ideas into actionable requirements, activities and targets the development team can sink their teeth into.

In addition to his strong interpersonal skills, Ian has moved his own product from idea into market and went head-to-head, ironing out distribution agreements with powerhouse Walmart.

Ian holds a Bachelor of Computer Science and an MBA from Clemson University where he was a scholarship Athlete.

Matt is a Mechanical Engineer specializing in complex mechanical design and engineering for many market industries.

As Vice President, Product Engineering, Matt develops and oversees the most complex mechanical products and leads the mechanical engineering team. Matt plays an integral role in setting the architectures of new products being brought to production, including design analysis, system planning, structures, materials selection, quality assurance and control, cost saving exercises and design modifications. Prior to joining Design 1st in 2010, Matt was a product development manager at Headwaters R&D and worked at Syncrude.

Matt has a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and is a certified Project Management Professional.

Donovan is a seasoned Engineering and Technology Leader with over 30 years of experience across multiple disciplines, including engineering design, product development, and engineering operations within the electronics technology industry. At Design 1st, Donovan leverages his product management and technology strategist skills to help clients develop power, sensors, controls, wired and wireless communications products.

Donovan has successfully guided companies through many critical stages of the product development lifecycle, including managing the product development and engineering operations and turning a technology product from a concept to volume production. His experience spans the design and manufacturing of high-performance RF Silicon products for WiFi applications, RF System Engineering and Terrestrial Radio network design and implementation, and the design and development of Avionics subsystems for US and Canadian Air Force aircraft, with some currently active in operation today.

Donovan’s exceptional technology expertise coupled with his deep roots in building effective multi-disciplinary engineering teams has helped companies such as Newbridge Networks, Alcatel and Critical Telecom develop and deploy last mile broadband service to 100s of thousands of subscribers across North & South America.

Donovan is a member of Professional Engineers of Ontario and holds a B.A.Sc degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto.

Dave Ingram is a veteran manufacturing and supply chain expert who has overseen thousands of products move from concept to mass production through a refined process of selection, coordination and quality control. He is a certified Project Manager and supply chain expert with deep expertise in tariffs, logistics, international shipping and ISO 13485 certification.

At Design 1st, Dave’s manufacturing knowledge touches all aspects of product development from early on component options pricing to supplier and manufacturing partner decisions. This expertise helps Design 1st clients punch above their weight to negotiate favorable supply and manufacturing orders with Dave’s guidance and influence.

After spending over 25 years working inside global contract manufacturers, Dave transferred his knowledge and global rolodex of contacts into the product development industry where he helps Design 1st clients navigate the path from prototype to volume production.

Dave was part of the first team in Canada to develop Asian manufacturing experience through BreconRidge which was acquired by Tier 1 contract manufacturing Sanmina. Since then, Dave has been instrumental in helping dozens of companies navigate part supply decisions and move to manufacturing including Cloud 9, VSculpt and Liberty Pumps.

Dave is a certified Project Manager and holds a degree in Electronics Engineering Technologies.

Joan has over 35 years of experience in strategy and marketing, software development, operations and business transformation. Joan leads not only the internal marketing programs for Design 1st, but also develops high-impact product marketing strategies and services for clients. She uses her frontline executive experience to guide clients through each phase of their go-to-market plan.

Joan’s expertise spans managing significant P&L’s, directing large management teams, delivering strategic programs that include process improvements to drive business transformation, and developing executive client relationships for large IT software development programs. She has worked internationally in Asia, Australia, Israel, India, and North America.

Prior to joining Design 1st in 2016, Joan held senior positions in the private sector, including vice president of product development at Bell Canada, vice president of operations in Certen, and served as a Client Business Executive Vice President in Amdocs.

Joan is committed to driving social good. She joined United Way in June 2008 as Vice President, Campaigns, and manager of the federal government campaigns. In 2010, Joan assumed responsibility for all areas of fundraising within United Way, including Strategic Gifts, Targeted Community Investment, Sponsorship, Business Development, Planned Giving, Capital Programs and Direct Response as Vice President of Resource Development.

Joan brings a personal commitment to the voluntary sector. She has served as Vice Chair of Ottawa Humane Society, Chair of the Board of Interval House, Chair of the Board of Candlelighters and is currently Chair of Spark, a women’s initiative building strong communities and participates in a number of other charities and women leadership programs.

Allan is a seasoned digital strategist with deep knowledge and insight of the web that has resulted in helping dozens of companies understand the market and industry forces that impact their business. Allan’s expertise spans the full suite of Google web tools, including Adwords, Analytics, Tag Manager and Search Console. His spider web reach tools and accurate, concise analysis of online research guides companies with their go to market strategies.

Allan’s strategic insight has been recognized by Accenture as a Leader of Tomorrow finalist. In addition to Design 1st, dozens of organizations have benefited from Allan’s online analysis for making e-business decisions including Invest Ottawa, Capital Angels, Ecofiscal, Dizolve, Stratford Management and TrueCourse Communications.

Prior to Design 1st, Allan leads the development of hands-on online SEO and SEM marketing strategies for clients across the private, government and Nonprofit sectors at TrueCourse Communications.

Allan is a graduate of the University of Ottawa and University College of Dublin’s Smurfit Business School.

Dave is Vice President, Quality and Regulatory and leads a team managing the transition of products into volume production, cost and quality initiatives, vendor/supply agreements and oversees safety, environmental and regulatory requirements for new products.

Dave has extensive experience in all aspects of new product development and operations. Prior to joining Design 1st in 2014, Dave held a variety of senior engineering and operations roles over his 35 plus year career in the private sector, including senior management positions in Bell Canada, Newbridge/Alcatel, CRYPTOCard (now Gemalto) and SMART Technologies.

Dave has a B.Eng. degree from The University of Western Ontario, is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional.