Justin Sirotin
OCTO Product Development founder

Justin Sirotin | OCTO Product Development founder
Justin Sirotin’s resume shows a large range of industrial design clients, from industrial equipment to sporting goods, pool tables to health care products. But he is always on the lookout for risk-taking talent for OCTO Product Development.


1. How has the definition of workforce development changed in recent years? Workforce development in our industry hasn’t changed as much as in others. We rely on local institutions such as [Rhode Island School of Design], MassArt, [University of Rhode Island] and Wentworth [Institute of Technology] to [develop] a learning environment that corresponds with the creative and technical needs of the market.

2. What are the common themes in workforce training in Rhode Island? The transition from an analogue workforce [to a digital one] is driving workforce training to adapt. The implementation of new technologies with design, engineering, manufacturing and services is shaping the way the modern workforce is structured.

3. Why does an effective workforce-development plan matter in Rhode Island? Our impact on the greater design community is only bound by our ability to grow our collective stature by continuously elevating our workforce. … Organizations [such as] DesignxRI are working to create programs that further support the design industry members to enable further growth.

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4. What is the first thing that you want to see when you are hiring? We want employees who welcome the inevitable risk-taking that goes with pushing boundaries. … That can be found in a wide range of attributes. … Of course, we look for pure talent, but the intangibles are what make our staff unique and what we look to replicate in new employees.

5. What type of career pathway have you created for young people? I feel really fortunate to have been on RISD’s adjunct faculty for the past 11 years. I’ve been able to directly employ former students and … mentor young business leaders as they navigate the early stages of a career. I’m a firm believer in the idea that building a young, talented community of designers and technical creatives will provide Rhode Island with a foothold in the future of design.

John A. Lahtiner is a PBN contributing writer.