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July 19, 2006

Herbst LaZar Bell Inc. Announces Retirement of Co-founder Randy Bell

posted by at 9:48 AM

Chicago, IL – Herbst LaZar Bell Inc. (HLB), a strategic product innovation and design firm, has announced the retirement of Randy Bell, founding partner and current Senior Vice President. Bell, along with fellow co-founders Walter Herbst and Ralph LaZar worked to develop HLB from a 3-man operation into one of the most recognized product development firms in the US. He’ll bid farewell to HLB at the end of the month, after over 40 years of service in designing and developing products for the medical, consumer and commercial industries.

“Randy Bell was one of the two most rock-solid designers I’ve ever known,” (the other being Ralph LaZar) stated Herbst. “There wasn’t a single project where you couldn’t count on Randy, even at the last minute. With Randy as the designer, one never risked the solution being ‘right.’ Not only was it right, but it was also eloquent and honest.”

In the 43-year history of HLB, Bell had experiences in all phases of the design and development process, along with an expertise in design and project management. In recent years, his responsibilities have included account and project management, new client development, and hands-on concept design. He has designed award winning products, graphics, exhibits and packaging; and has lead projects for companies such as Sears/Kenmore, General Electric, Baxter Healthcare and the US Postal Department, amongst others.

Many of his products and packaging concepts have maintained leadership positions for over a decade in their categories including packaging for Mobil 1 oil products, bowling equipment for Brunswick, and disposers for In-Sink-Erator. Recent programs have included developing a design language for Sunbeam kitchen products, which are currently being sold at Target and other similar stores; design and development of commercial drink dispensing equipment for Bunn; and a paradigm-shifting service cart used in front-of-house applications for Carlisle.

During Bell’s distinguished tenure at HLB, the products that he has designed have not only been a success in the market, but have also received numerous design awards. He has been the recipient of 12 design excellence awards for product, graphic and exhibit design including IDEA, ID Magazine, Appliance Manufacturer Excellence in Design, and the Mobius Design Award for packaging excellence. He also holds over 80 patents for housewares, office, medical, and personal care products.