About Twisthink
Who
we are.
There’s value created when you twist together left-brain and right-brain thinking — it’s been our blueprint for over 20 years.
We work with clients to shift perspectives and create radical new digital strategies and solutions that connect human needs with emerging technologies while being focused on society’s mega-trends affecting tomorrow.
Bringing together our intentionally assembled team of strategists, designers, engineers, and developers can help your organization position itself for a bold future that’s ahead of the curve.
By the
numbers.
0
years in business
0+
projects completed annually
0
Fortune 500 clients
0
team members and growing
Recognized for excellence.
Purpose + Vision
To create impact that transforms businesses and people.
Every organization we serve embraces innovation excellence.
What we
believe.
+ how it inspires us.
Teamwork makes the team work. And we mean it.
We believe the team is core to everything we do. Every voice matters. True value is created when you twist together the creative and technical minds of our team. Together, these provide the insights that fuel breakthroughs.
Success is measured by impact.
Impact takes the form of life-changing products for people and game-changing transformations for organizations. Success is reached once we’ve created an impact.
Innovation isn’t by chance.
Innovation isn’t created by luck or by chance. It’s intentional. It’s a continuous human-centered process enabled by a mindset that allows you to think in the future and learn from the past.
Strategy first, conversion second.
Just because you can build something, doesn’t always mean you should. That’s why we start by making sure the strategy is right, and THEN use the power of design and technology to enable impactful outcomes.
What we
value.
+ how it guides our work.
Courage
[boldness to be brave]
Courage exists in all of us. It enables us to be brave by challenging the status quo, exploring new ideas, and doing what’s never been done before. Courage is the key to unlocking creativity.
Inclusion
[to be right, we must all feel safe to be wrong]
The best solutions come from a team that values different ideas and perspectives. One that embraces the discomfort of diversity in thought, gender, and race. When you feel safe to be wrong, it creates an openness for sharing new thoughts and perspectives. Inclusion builds stronger teams.
Excellence
[pride over praise]
Nothing is worth doing if it’s not done with excellence. Regardless of what we’re doing, we will never sacrifice excellence for ease, time, or comfort. We value pride in our work over praise for our work.
Leading with innovation excellence
Our people make it all possible.
We have brought together a world-class team of visionaries, thinkers, and idealizers.
Bob
Niemeic
Managing Partner—Since 2001
As Twisthink’s Managing Partner, Bob has a passion and gift for connecting with people and harnessing the power of a cross-functional team with not only Twisthink but also our clients. As a team builder and team promoter, he is committed to creativity and creating bold change. As a powerful force in and out of the office, Bob has a need for speed. He is an avid runner and has run the same race, on the same Saturday in May for over 3 decades.
Kurt
Dykema
Chief Technology Officer—Since 2001
Kurt is responsible for the strategic technical direction of the company, which includes keeping a pulse on IoT trends and making sure we have the right skills and processes to bring maximum value to our clients. Given the complexities of IoT, Kurt assists clients by speaking and translating between the spheres of technical feasibility and business leadership, both of which are critical to unlocking value for our clients. Just like Batman, Kurt solves problems with his intellect, strength and passion… if only he had his own batmoblie… or could fly!
Rob
Huber
Chief Strategy Officer—Since 2021
Rob is our Chief Strategy Officer who leads a dedicated Twisthink team that establishes key growth initiatives and partnerships through a global open innovation process. With an impressive background in innovation and design, Rob ‘s career has been centered around generating exceptional long-term value and designing award winning advance concepts. As an exceptional leader with keen insight, it’s comes as no surprise that Rob used to ride a unicycle back in the day.
Taryn
Kutches
Director of Marketing & Customer Experience—Since 2019
Taryn is a Twisthink leader who is passionate about creating outstanding experiences for our clients and developing a world class brand. She is a woman of many talents…from collaboration, to team building, to turning complex problems into digestible solutions. This super woman can handle anything you throw her way. Her only Kryptonite…sushi.
Steve
Honderd
Director of Finance + Operations—Since 2019
Steve leads the finance and operations team by combining past experiences with innovative approaches to bring clarity to a current financial situation or anticipated future outcome. He is energized by the different people he interacts with and is excited when his teammates better understand how current decisions impact future business performance. Even though Steve is a big advocate for Michigan summers, his dream is to retire in Europe, surrounded by a festival of food trucks.
Matt
Shinew
Director of Technology—Since 2007
Matt leads his team in developing excellent solutions for each client as the Director of Technology. He discovers unique innovations that unlock new value by focusing on technology. System architecture, wireless protocol design, embedded circuit design, and firmware development are just a few of the many facets that have contributed to his success. Matt, like Captain America, doesn’t have superpowers, but he’s still a superhero… and some say he resembles Steve Rogers.
Lauren
Seymour
Design Strategist—Since 2021
Lauren is never bored in her job as a design strategist at Twisthink. She performs as a designer, researcher, facilitator, change-maker, and more on any given day. She helps lead our clients on a journey to create and deliver new value, growth, and positive transformation for their organizations. Her areas of expertise include connecting the dots between consumer needs, strategic objectives, and innovative ideas to create an actionable vision that can be quickly explored and iterated. But she’s not just a force to be reckoned with on our team! She once cycled 400 miles from Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon in a week to raise money for the non-profit International Justice Mission, which works to end global slavery and trafficking. This woman moves with a mission!
Dave
Moelker
Director of Business Development—Since 2010
As a creative problem solver, Dave’s goal is to identify and develop innovative solutions that make a substantial and practical impact on people’s lives. Our clients and team value his technical and business expertise, which he provides from business development all the way to ideation and delivery. Outside of the office, Dave continues to express his creativity by building Lego masterpieces with his four children.
Jon
Alderink
UI Designer—Since 2022
As our UI Designer, Jon creates and delivers pixel perfect assets for interfaces across embedded, web, and mobile platforms. His passion is in creating designs that are easy to understand and learn, as well as as easy on the eyes. Easing user frustration and improving usability in interactions is always a goal. We can’t help but draw some similarities to him and the amazing Spider-Man… Their day-to-day lives are always super hectic, even without villains (the users) making things more complicated. Just like anyone, they may makes mistakes along the way, but these heroes still show up to save the day… Plus, they both have wicked cool web designs.
Stacey
Bauswell
Administrative Assistant—Since 2016
Stacy’s official title at Twisthink is “Administrative Assistant,” but to everyone on the team she is much much more. She acts as an event planner, personal shopper, receptionist, food delivery, beekeeper, and Twisthink’s personal DJ on a regular basis… Is there anything she can’t do?!?!?
Nick
Bedbury
Senior Software Engineer—Since 2017
As a software engineer for embedded electronics, Nick knows the ins and outs of all the gadgets people hold in their hand, screens people touch, and machines that move. He is a problem-solver at heart and has the patience and dedication that is needed in the world of software engineering. Nick knows just what he needs to succeed, and if he’s ever stranded on a desert island, he would bring a rigged fishing pole, a boat, two oars, and one hatchet. Clearly the only thing on his mind is getting home.
John
Bleau
Design Strategist—Since 2021
John is our illustrator, designer, strategist, and artist. He is a creative mind who focuses on visual storytelling to communicate with clients and users. He loves to draw, as it helps him to think, process information, connect ideas, and communicate to the world. If you are looking for experience, a good listener, teambuilder, collaborator, visual communicator… he‘s your guy!
Shelby
Boyd
Graphic Designer—Since 2021
Shelby is primarily responsible for designing collateral and applying Twisthink’s branding to both digital and physical touchpoints. She enjoys pushing the boundaries of what design can be by finding creative solutions. We all know her as the office “foodie” and it’s common knowledge that she will never say no to a well-prepared Charcuterie Board.
Pat
Burel
Project Lead—Since 2001
As a Twisthink project lead, Pat brings various skills and broad knowledge to the table. With many years of experience, he knows how to get a project done efficiently and is passionate about achieving the desired results. As the 9th child out of 10 children, Pat understands first hand the value of teamwork, strong senses… and a nice pizza and hotdog.
Olivia
Brown
Talent Acquisition—Since 2021
Olivia is one powerful force within the inside walls of Twisthink. As a key contributer to our HR team, she handles everything from interviewing, sourcing on LinkedIn, hiring, onboarding, team and culture events, and overall improving HR standards. Her attention to detail and passion for supporting people from a wholistic point of view is a main reason we are constantly building and positively evolving as a company. Even though Olivia wishes she could pick something healthier, she only has eyes for BBQ chicken pizza or twist ice cream with sprinkles in a waffle cone.
Sarah
Dean
Electronics Engineer—Since 2019
Sarah is one of our talented, detailed-oriented electronics engineers who develops and tests embedded software. She is always looking for new opportunities to expand her thinking and skills at Twisthink. She can not only write new code at work, but she can also prepare delectable treats in the kitchen! She even made her own wedding cake. Sweet!
Isaac
Chen
Software Engineer—Since 2021
Isaac is determined to make a significant difference in people’s lives through the software he writes. His specialty is in making everyone in the room feel welcome and in making computers do high-speed magic that both supports and satisfies the client. If stranded on a desert island, Isaac would need to bring a satellite internet connection, the newest (and fully charged) MacBook Pro, his Jabra headset (just in case a client calls), Twisthink snack bars, and his Yeti water bottle.
Joel
Dennison
Senior Software Engineer—Since 2018
Joel is the jack of all trades in the office, he is currently the Sr. Algorithms Engineer but has historically worked with embedded software (RTOS and Linux), embedded behavioral algorithms, web application development, and signal processing and data science. He is passionate about uncovering new business value with clients through data analysis and machine learning. If Joel is ever stranded on a desert island, he would bring a fly rod and reel, a pan, a lighter, and a plastic bottle. But don’t underestimate his tactics, he knows what he’s doing.
Paul
Duckworth
Technology Strategy—Since 2007
Paul is our go-to guy for all things product development, and he’s learned a lot about how systems work together when it comes to marketing and packaging our services to customers. His area of expertise is product development, and he is passionate about building solutions that benefit both businesses and the people in them. The way to Paul’s heart is through a Shaklee meal bar… they’re just that good.
Bob
Ensink
Principal Software Engineer—Since 2017
Bob leads project teams and designs architecture for new products as our Principal Software Engineer. When he isn’t working on expanding our team’s capabilities or best practices, he’s devoted to sharing his knowledge with others. Although he may look like he is serious in demeanor, he is always ready to crack a few jokes.
Allen
Fredrick
IT Lead—Since 2019
As the expert in business IT, Allen is responsible for implementing, managing, and maintaining all IT systems at Twisthink. So yeah, you could say he is a pretty big deal. When we asked him what one food he would eat for the rest of his life he answered, “crisp from apple crisp… not the apple, just the crisp.” Which leaves us with more questions than it does answers.
Dan
France
Components Engineer—Since 2010
Dan is Twisthink’s jack of all trades! Dan can fix just about anything that’s broken, but more importantly, he creates complex solutions as part of Electronic Engineering hardware team where he helps in creating schematics, component engineering and testing. Much like his favorite character, Scooby-do, he loves his mid-day snacks and will help fix just about anything for a scooby-snack.
Audrey
Hendon
Software Engineer—Since 2017
Audrey is skilled in embedded firmware engineering and specializes in bootloaders. (Not to be confused with bootleggers). She enjoys delving into complex problems, particularly those involving hardware and software. If Audrey could only bring 5 things with her on a desert island it would be hot cheetos, lots of coffee, her favorite book “Where the Crawdads Sing”, an old school iPod, and you can’t forget the gummy bears. Which tells us that although she is an amazing engineer, she is a terrible disaster planner.
Ryan
Johnson
Principal Algorithm Engineer—Since 2009
As our Principal Algorithm Engineer, Ryan is responsible for bringing value to our team and clients by designing sensor solutions and data analytics pipelines that create trustworthy decisions and insights . He leads a team of talented system thinkers who approach challenges through the lenses of sensors, data, AI, and algorithms. His unique strength is in looking at challenging problems from every angle. When we asked what he would bring to a deserted island, he said that he would bring a cap to protect his “disappearing hair” from sunburn. If only he could program a robot to chase around his 4 kids and grow some of that hair back.
Naved
Khwaja
Software Engineer—Since 2019
Naved is one of our meticulous Embedded Software Engineers. He enjoys thinking about making machines/computers “smarter”, to help realize and appreciate the intricate details within ourselves and in our natural surroundings. He is an avid reader who is always trying to uncover the simple pleasures in life… like Chicken Shawarma.
Esther
Lastacy
Project Lead—Since 2021
Esther brings a calm and steady leadership style to the teams she works with. Throughout her career, she has led a wide range of projects from small initiatives to large-scale, complex, and highly visible ones, including many for well-established and familiar brands. While striving to support our team in meeting goals and deadlines, Esther never loses sight of the fact that the client relationship is paramount to a successful outcome.
Rob
Monacelli
Design Strategist—Since 2016
Rob is a strategic, creative, business-savvy designer and team leader who is passionate about design thinking—from empathic consumer research and synthesis of insights, through collaborative ideation and prototyping, all the way to implementing innovative design solutions. Something unique about Rob is that his initials are RAM, and much like the animal, he goes boldly forward to create his own path and emerges as a leader. The only difference… there are no butting heads with Rob!
Kaitlyn
Marsman
Marketing Lead—Since 2015
Kaitlyn is our wonderfully creative Marketing Lead. From collaboration, to visualization, to creative storytelling and design, her wheelhouse doesn’t stop at just marketing. The highlights of her job is when she gets to see all her hard work pay off when a marketing campaign comes together. When asked what her favorite food is she said “Tacos with lots and lots of cilantro. Or maybe just the cilantro, hold the tacos!” So unfortunately her great taste in Marketing doesn’t translate over to food.
Brad
Natelborg
Project Lead—Since 2018
Brad is the team lead of the Twisthink project lead team and is fully committed to solving client’s problems in unique ways. Through his impressive communication and time management skills, Brad also leads several other projects, and is passionate about make big impacts in the marketplace. Brad has a hard time staying still on his days off. He’s either building a house or training for a 56-mile race in South Africa next year, depending on his mood.
Billy
Neuson
Senior Software Engineer—Since 2016
Billy helps our clients solve challenging problems with code. He’s the first-string office grill master and second-string IT extraordinaire. He enjoys keeping up with the ever-changing cloud landscape and working on large datasets. When he’s not at work you’ll find him in front of his smoker, creating videos, or learning to fly. If he was only allowed to eat pizza and tacos for the rest of his life, he’d be happy.
Jenn
Proos
Software Engineer—Since 2022
As a cloud developer, Jenn’s role is to help clients design and build their solution in the cloud. She is always staying up to speed on the latest cloud provider offerings to ensure we recommend the best solutions for our clients. As a creative problem-solver, Jenn appreciates her field’s infinite possibilities and realizes that there is never one correct answer to any given problem. But there is one correct answer on how to eat an everything bagel; and it’s toasted with onion and chive cream cheese. You can’t knock it ’till you’ve tried it.
Kent
Pilcher
Principal Industrial / UI Designer—Since 2005
Kent is our Principal Designer focusing on User Experience (UX) and User Interfaces (UI). He works well with diverse teams working to resolve complex problems with several stakeholders. He is incredibly talented at illustrating / visualizing scenarios, physical concepts, environments, and UIs, which help us communicate visually what we are trying to say. He loves illustration so much that if he was stranded on an island, he would bring an iPad with a never-ending battery so that he can draw. Who needs shelter, when you can draw a beautiful sunset every night?
Jared
Thomas
Senior Software Engineer—Since 2014
Jared is an experienced software engineer on Twisthink’s cloud team, where he works on both edge development and cloud connectivity. From AWS to front-end development to embedded software development, he has a wide spectrum of skills that enable him to identify and create unique solutions. When asked which superhero he liked most, Jared responded Ironman since he doesn’t have any unnatural abilities, just brain power… but deep down we know Jared’s a big fan of Godzilla… danger doesn’t phase him.
Ben
Rau
Cloud - Team Lead—Since 2021
Ben blends his time between supporting current and prospective customers with their cloud needs, while leading, developing, and growing the team and their capabilities. He believes that in technical roles, curiosity and a growth mindset is absolutely critical, and caring deeply in all aspects of life is what creates impact. Ben is also a pizza enthusiast and argues it’s great for lunch, dinner, and when in a pinch, breakfast.
Ashley
Shea
Software Engineer—2021
Ashley is a gifted software engineer with a strong desire to learn. Her passion for her job is the variety, and she relishes the opportunity to work on projects and products from other industries. In her personal life, she loves cuddling up with her dog and two cats, but deep down wishes she had a pet hedgehog to add to the mix.
Chris
Pryslak
Electronics Engineer—Since 2019
Chris is a key member of Twisthink’s embedded software development team and an important developer of our continuous integration testing system. With the rate of technological change, there are constantly new things to learn and areas to improve, and Chris’s adaptability and strong work ethic are critical to his success. Chris is also an avid outdoorsman and admits he may have too many houseplants, but who’s really counting?
Ryan
Truer
Senior Electronics Engineer—Since 2007
Ryan is our Senior Electronics Engineer who specializes in embedded firmware and hardware designs, all of which are focused on IoT. He has a unique ability to quickly pick up new skills and create things from the ground up. Ryan enjoys taking ideas from a drawing board and bringing them to life. At Twisthink, he guides and mentors a group of other electronic engineers as they advance in their careers. At home, he keeps himself occupied with a small “hobby farm” of 24 pets.
Ariel
Veneziano
Accountant—Since 2021
Techically, Ariel is responsible for processing time entries, payroll, handling all accounts receivable/accounts payable activities, and creating necessary reports to reflect Twisthink financial positions… But to Ariel, it’s more than just crunching numbers. She enjoys the fact that these numbers tell a story of where a company has been and where it can go. You might consider her the “Wonder Woman” of the company because of her compassion, kindness, and empathetic self who fights for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Jeremy
Ward
Software Engineer—Since 2015
Jeremy is a data scientist and algorithms engineer, bringing a strong software engineering and math background to solutions. He is passionate about artificial intelligence and analyzing data to uncover insights that drive impact for clients. When he’s not studying for his master’s in machine learning, he is also a master chef in his home kitchen, experimenting with recipes to make the tastiest pancakes, fluffiest cookies, or perfecting just the right texture and flavors in pizza crust. Is the secret ingredient an artificially intelligent stand mixer programmed to mix with love?
Elevate
your career.
Named among the best and brightest companies to work for, Twisthink is a haven for unusual thinking, championing the long shot, and fostering a radically supportive environment where we share wins and challenges – all with a focus on personal support and growth toward your goals, in work and in life.
Get
started.
Digital transformation,
with a twist.