design:retail - April/May 2018 - 31

031

LATEST OBSESSION: MY DUCATI, I RIDE
EVERY CHANCE I GET.
RYAN ALDEN

Owner & Creative Director
Alden Creative
Age 39
When facing challenges, Alden believes most problems have the potential to become opportunities. He has applied that thinking for brands
like Verizon, Under Armour, Nike and Coca-Cola, to name a few.
With a BA in Environmental Design from Ontario College of Art and
Design, he was the first in his class to graduate with a 3-D thesis. He
has worked for two environmental design firms, an advertising agency
and a global navigation company, and now runs his multidisciplinary
design studio that affords him the freedom to explore a wider range of
projects. He collaborates with clients and brands that have a desire to
grow through creative avenues, providing thoughtful solutions, attention to detail and a level of efficiency that brings value across the board.
Always pushing the envelope and working outside of his comfort zone,
he embraces new experiences and knowledge to continue growing.
What motivates me: When someone says, "It can't be done."
What I love most about retail: Creating mini ecosystems for the
human experience.

KAT BARRECA

Fixture Development Manager
Best Buy
Age 38

RYAN BEROSET
Graphic Designer
R.G. Barry
Age 34

Since graduating from
Columbus College of Art
and Design (CCAD) with
a BFA in Advertising and
Graphic Design, Beroset
has gained valuable experience working in a variety
of capacities with brands
such as Abercrombie &
Fitch, PetSmart, Express,
and Limited Brands'
Victoria's Secret and Bath
& Body Works. He was
hired by R.G. Barry to help
with digital marketing
projects, but has migrated
to print, packaging and,
now, store display. Beroset
demonstrates a keen eye
for design, and a desire to
produce outstanding products, both of which serve
him well in his chosen
field of graphic design.
Dream job: YouTube content
creator.
Guilty pleasure: Conspiracy
theories.
Currently binge-watching:
"Stranger Things."

Barreca has an amazing eye for design and
detail, and she knows what it takes to make
innovative concepts a reality. From working
with Vancouver, Canada-based Kit and Ace
to disrupt the perception of luxury fashion
and its retail experience to working with
Best Buy to revitalize the way Canadians purchase electronics and appliances, she feels
fortunate to have aligned her career with brands who foster cutting-edge innovation.
Barreca was a key addition to the Best Buy team to continue the rollout of its Experience
Stores. This concept immerses consumers in technology with a touch-and-interact
experience. She has worked with her team to add 23 Experience Stores across Canada.
Barreca's hard work and determination is what helps her take any project and turn it
into an incredible success.
My next project is: Best Buy Lite-The challenge
here surrounds the question of how do we
build for less, without compromising,
yet continuing to enhance the customer
experience?
Dream job: I've always wanted to try to be
a photographer for National Geographic,
even if just for one day.

BIGGEST
FEAR: CATS.

(IRONIC, I KNOW,
BECAUSE I'M
CALLED KAT.)

DAVID I. BALZER

Director - Retail Design
Larson Design Group (LDG)
Age 36
As director of retail design for Larson
Design Group, Balzer serves national
retail clients with more than 450 stores
in 36 states. Since he became a project
manager in 2012, LDG's retail practice has
grown 33 percent in revenue, driven by
45 percent in new client sales. Balzer has
helped his clients save time and money by
incorporating technology, such as 3-D
visualization, virtual reality and cloud project management software, into his projects.
In addition to providing the best possible
service to clients, Balzer is committed to his
team and the future of the profession. He
oversees a staff of 32 and not only takes the
time to get to know employees personally,
but he also supports them by understanding their specific challenges and letting
them know how their individual contributions improve the company. He volunteers
and serves as a guest lecturer for his alma
mater, Pennsylvania College of Technology;
is an advisor to the sustainability program
at Penn College; hosts student tours of
LDG's facility; coordinates educational
seminars and volunteers for the college's
STEM program. Balzer is committed to
helping students gain real-world insight
into architecture.
My first job was: Working on a Christmas
tree farm.
What motivates me: Teaching and
helping people.
I'm inspired by: Great, yet humble leaders.

BRAD BARBEE
Associate
MG2
Age 39

Barbee's expertise, including his knowledge of retail lighting design and strong project management skills, make him a valued resource to clients and colleagues. He has been involved
with a variety of project types, including full-scale remodels, historic renovations, tenant
improvements and ground-up developments for specialty retailers and financial institutions. Prior to joining MG2, he spent nearly a decade with another firm where he worked on
numerous Nordstrom projects as large as 300,000 sq. ft., with budgets nearing $100 million.
He helped Nordstrom open full-line stores in Detroit; Philadelphia; Boston; and Nashville,
Tenn., and coordinated a remodel of a full-line store in Tampa, Fla. Most recently, Barbee led
HomeStreet Bank's ground-up project in Tacoma, Wash. (only the second-ever, ground-up venture for the 100-plus nationwide
chain). While the expectations were high, and the learning curve was steep, Barbee designed and delivered a building that harmoniously blends Pacific Northwest elements with industrial aesthetics. Next up: Barbee is leading the future direction of another
banking company by designing a prototype that challenges the conventions of traditional customer and employee interactions.
Biggest fear: FOMO (fear of missing out).
Guilty pleasure: Little Debbie Snack Cakes.
What I love most about retail: I love to travel and experience retail trends and designs from around the world.

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