Michael Ballin
Profile
Product designer, engineer, and entrepreneur specializing in sustainable innovation.
Co-founded a startup converting recycled medical-waste plastic into high-performance composite products—developing 70+
designs that achieved 65% weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity. Bring expertise in advanced composites,
parametric design (Rhino/Grasshopper), and end-to-end operations from supply chain management to cross-functional team leadership.
Passionate about proving environmental innovation and product excellence aren’t mutually exclusive.
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Environmental Science, Minor: Art
August 2017 – May 2021 at Colby College, Waterville, Maine
- Campus Jobs: Student Photographer, Communications Department; Assistant, Athletic Training Room
- Activities: Orientation Trip Leader; Colby Surf Club President
Experience
Co-Founder
May 2021 – Present at Blueprint Surf, Portland, Maine (Part-time May 2021 – Oct 2022)
Product Design & Development
- Enhanced and developed a parametric script (using Rhino/Grasshopper) to create optimized internal lattice structures
- Led rapid prototyping and iteration cycles to develop multiple product lines
- Translated customer testing feedback into structural design improvements
Materials & Manufacturing
- Developed lightweight sandwich composites by combining 3D-printed polymer cores with fiberglass and epoxy, improving strength-to-weight ratio
- Optimized lay-up schedules, fiber orientations, and resin systems for durability and performance
- Applied advanced composite manufacturing techniques to deliver lightweight, high-performing products tailored to real-world applications
Business & Operations
- Built partnerships with research institutes and universities, industry leaders, and suppliers to expand technical capabilities
- Managed supply chains and sourced sustainable materials, balancing innovation with cost constraints
- Directed several interns (MBA candidates at the Tuck School of Business and undergraduates at Colby College), coordinating project work and ensuring deliverables met company goals
Marketing & Branding
- Amassed 28,000+ social media followers through authentic brand building
- Press & Media Coverage: Downeast Magazine, The Inertia, Portland Press Herald, Professional BoatBuilder Magazine, 3Dnatives, and Colby News
- Built a uniquely identifiable brand backed by customer and partner testimonials
Environmental Scientist
June 2021 – Nov 2022 at St.Germain, Westbrook, Maine
- Conducted Phase I & II environmental site assessments, including groundwater and soil sampling
- Authored technical reports and regulatory submittals in compliance with Maine DEP and EPA standards
- Collaborated with project managers, clients, and subcontractors to ensure compliance and timely project delivery
Senior Capstone Research
Fall 2021 at Colby College Environmental Science Department, Waterville, Maine
- Studied lobster shell disease in the Damariscotta River, comparing temperature and salinity measurements to affected crustaceans
Skills
Software
- Rhino/Grasshopper
- Fusion 360
- Adobe Suite
- Shape3Dx
- Raspberry Pi
- Squarespace
- Wix
- Google Suite
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Python (basic)
Manufacturing
- Additive
- Foam
- Fiberglass/Epoxy
- Wood