Intro

To discover, we must explore.

To know, we must ask.

To realize human potential, we must look beyond ourselves.

Pine is a collaboration of thinkers and creators. Designers and researchers. Writers and strategists. Futurists and pragmatists. Mentors and learners.

We are people who ask the question, not to get the answer, but to figure out what the next question should be.

We are continually pushing one another – and our clients – to strive higher, look deeper, and think broader, because the ultimate solution is probably bigger than the simple answer.

LEADERSHIP

Raj B. Shroff

Principal  |  Founder

Raj B. Shroff is the founder and principal of PINE, which he established in 2017. His mission with PINE is to integrate both analytical and creative thinking—what he describes as a “balanced left-right brain approach”—to tackle complex business challenges and enhance human experiences.

Raj’s extensive experience includes leading research and design initiatives across various industries globally, having worked with many prominent brands . He is passionate about creating clarity from complexity and challenging conventional norms in business practices. This commitment to innovation is reflected in his approach to consulting, where he emphasizes the importance of unique perspectives and big ideas in problem-solving.

In addition to his role at PINE, Shroff serves as an adjunct instructor at the Columbus College of Art & Design, where he teaches design students about the intersection of business and creativity. He is also an active speaker on topics related to retail, branding, and consumer behavior, sharing his insights at various industry events.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Shroff enjoys spending time with his family, engaging in outdoor activities like trail running and mountain biking, and exploring new places. His diverse interests contribute to his holistic view on design and strategy, further enriching his consultancy work.

John Youger

Partner

John has been focused on the customer, their needs, wants and desires for over 20 years. This focus has evolved into projecting future experiences for well known brands through the use of future trends, business workshops and cutting edge research methodologies with customers and clients. John has touched all forms of the customer experience from Product Development at Fitch (WPP), to Interactive and Digital Experiences at Resource (now IBM iX) and most recently Retail Design and Customer Experiences at WD Partners.

He has led strategies for top companies including P&G, Microsoft, Walmart, Mars-Wrigley, Starbucks, The Home Depot, Target, Pepsi and others.

John is also faculty in the Undergraduate Industrial Design Department and the Masters of Design in Innovation Design Strategies at CCAD (Columbus College of Art and Design). He was awarded the 2017 Faculty of the Year Award.

John enjoys camping, watching documentaries and staying up on anything technology related. He holds a Bachelor of Industrial Design from Ohio State University.