Michael Nieling

Michael has a background rooted in both science and art. Following an undergraduate education in Biology and Pre-Medical studies Michael was quick to captilize on his new-found marketability by trading in scalpel and scrubs for shovel and shred-stick, moving to Breckenridge, CO.

During what have become termed the “lost” or “dirty” years, increased involvement in the snowboard industry led to multiple opportunies that provided an opportunity for a lifetime of design sensibility to finally mature. A binding here, a board there, a catalog over there, suddenly Michael found himself back at UW-Madison pursuing a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Product Design while maintaining a small marketing and design consultancy.

Since graduation, OCUPOP has offered the ideal outlet for his uniquely holistic creative, analytical and entrepreneurial talents; after all, where else could someone develop everything from printed and digital collateral, to environments, interiors and consumer products for dozens of local and national accounts while still riding 50 days a year?