Michael Lah

Initiator
DISC Type : Di

Director of Industrial Design at KI

Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States

Overview

Michael is a creative and resourceful industrial design leader with over 20 years of experience shaping product strategy for major brands like KI, Kohler, and Whirlpool. A Purdue University graduate, he excels at leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale project portfolios to deliver forward-thinking and human-centered design solutions.

His passion for design and invention began in his childhood on his grandfathers farm in Indiana, where he was fascinated by watching his grandfather build tools and equipment. This early exposure to hands-on problem-solving shaped his identity as a designer, strategist, and maker, which continues to drive his work today.

As a boy, Michael successfully demonstrated and sold snowmobiles by showcasing a tool his grandfather had invented from galvanized pipe and wheelbarrow tires to move them easily.

Personality Overview

Risk-Accepting

Confident

Conviction Driven

They respond well to objective pitches but also attach some value to relationships.  They don’t mind taking a stand if they believe in something. They usually prefer to drive the conversation.

Topics They Care About

Design for Education
As Director of Industrial Design at KI, he speaks on how intentionally designed learning environments can motivate and inspire both students and educators.
Human-Centered Design
Holds a certification in this area and has stated he joined KI because of their leadership in human-centered design to create superior user experiences.
Product Innovation
His career includes developing new product lines, like JennAir® RISE at Whirlpool, and he holds over 20 U. S. patents for a range of products.

Media Appearances

Michael has no verified media appearances

Work History

6-2023
Director of Industrial Design at KI
3-2023
Principal Designer at Lah Design & Co.
5-2021 - 1-2023
Lead Industrial Designer at Kohler Co.
10-2018 - 7-2020
Global Design Manager and Cooking SME at Whirlpool Corporation
1-2014 - 10-2018
Lead Industrial Designer at Whirlpool Corporation

Education

8-1997 - 2002
BSE from Purdue University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 19 Location : Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director of Industrial Design at KI
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Insights For Selling To Michael

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Refer to testimonials from well known people to highlight the value of your product
  • Focus on the big picture and the strategic value of your product
  • Get them to a point where they are ready to bat for your product internally

DONT's

  • Don't be unorganized, be prepared for the pitch
  • Don’t be very informal even if they are being so themselves
  • Don’t keep repeating the same information, it could make them impatient

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Michael is

  • Confidence in the product’s value is critical, followed by relationship and a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Michael

  • They will not hesitate to say no if they do not develop conviction.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Michael move?

  • If they develop confidence in your product and you, then they can make fast decisions.
  • Can Michael take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they have the ability to take risky decisions.

You And Michael

Personality Compatibility


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