Walter Herbst, Clinical Professor of Marketing, Kellogg
School of Management, & Clinical Professor
of Mechanical Engineering and Director,
Master of Product Development Program
McCormick School of Engineering and
Applied Science
Walter Herbst’s strong technical background coupled with professional management skills has resulted in the successful growth of the firm since he founded it in 1962. Herbst LaZar Bell Inc. is one of the largest independently owned design firms in the country.
His specific responsibilities include his role as chairman, where he reviews HLB’s strategic business plan, while maintaining hands-on responsibilities as a senior account supervisor. His specific research and expertise have culminated in HLB being recognized as “Experts in the Process of Product Development.”
Mr. Herbst holds over 85 patents in hardware, housewares and medical products. He is listed in “Who’s Who of American Inventors,” as well as other “Who’s Who” publications. Mr. Herbst is a frequent contributor of articles in various trade journals and is a contributor to the PDMA Handbook of Product Development.
Amongst his numerous design awards, he was recognized by BusinessWeek magazine and the Industrial Design Society of America as one of the “Best of the Decade” for his design work with the Gillette Company.
He has been recognized by the Association of Student Government at Northwestern University as one of their Faculty of the Year recipients. Professor Herbst serves on the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization – United Nations) faculty and actively teaches in its international program.
*Photo Credit: Evanston Photographic Studios