If you have a challenging marketing or design problem, Don Hootstein wants to talk with you. The more difficult the job, the better. Don loves the thrill of solving problems and selling product.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania and earning an MBA from Wharton Business School, Don worked directly with Ernest Gallo on the national rollout of varietal table wines. Later, as Vice President of Marketing at Gallo, he was responsible for all strategic development and implementation. As Vice President of Marketing for Hasbro, Don managed the GI Joe, Mr. Potato Head, Lite Brite and Romper Room toy programs.

Don enjoyed considerable success as a corporate marketing executive. But it was in the design industry where he found his calling. In positions with Fossella & Associates, Group Four Design and Joss Design, Don discovered that clients valued the business focus he brought to product and packaging design. It was an insight that led him to launch Proteus Design — a high-performance, full-service firm dedicated to the art — and the business — of design.

“Great design gives you all the visual, tactile and functional cues you need to pick a product up off the shelf and bring it to the register. It’s a blend of marketing insight, manufacturing expertise and creative brilliance.”