Where Coffee Meets Adventure
Planetary Design was founded on a simple mission: better coffee, anywhere
A big hello from our little town of Bonner, Montana, where we reside in a repurposed lumber mill just a stone's throw away from our Missoula birthplace. Just downstream from our little slice of heaven, the Blackfoot River meets the Clark Fork in a breathtaking display of natural beauty.
Like our rivers, Planetary Design is a company at a confluence - where the outdoors meets coffee. All of our products are designed and field-tested in Montana. Our team of enthusiastic adventure-seekers uses our gear to brew the freshest coffee while exploring the beautiful Montana wilderness.
Planetary Design was founded on a backpacking trip through the mountains of Western Montana. The need for quality coffee while exploring the great outdoors inspired our five brands- BruTrek®; Airscape®, ethoz®, Cannascape®, & Fresh-Port®. We are dedicated to bringing you the best brewing, storage, and drinkware technology through these brands.
That's why we live our motto - Passions Pursued & Brewed.
Meet our Team Behind the Brew
From our home base in Bonner, Montana, we’re a crew of outdoor-loving coffee
fanatics crafting and testing gear designed for life on the go — and off the grid.
Hover over a photo to see something silly, click a name to read their bio,
or tap 'picture' to email them directly!
Meet Our Team
Jess (Partner + CEO)
As the Chief Adventure Officer and Partner, Jess has the privilege of leading & working with the incredible PD team. Each day is definitely different. Jess & his partners purchased PD in 2016 and it has been so rewarding seeing the growth in the company along with the expansion of our product lines. When not at work, Jess loves most things outdoors. Golfing, fishing, horseback camping, hiking, hunting and floating are just a few of his MT favorites. His golf game and fishing game need some serious help but this doesn't reduce his enthusiasm to enjoy all things MT.
His favorite PD products are the Steel Toe French press and airscape. He uses both of these every day whether at home or traveling.
Ned (Partner)
Ned is an initial investor with Jess and participates in a semi-retirement role with the company in the development of new sales channels, products and marketing support. He gets great joy out of being a part of the team, helping guide strategic direction and seeing the success of the company and personal development of our team members. His real passion is spending time with his wife and three adult children. Whether backpacking in the Pintlers, floating the Smith River or spending time on a Kauai beach, these adventures with his family feed his soul. Ned was a founder of a nutritional supplement manufacturing company in Missoula, and has volunteered as a board member for the Missoula YMCA and Camp Mak-A-Dream, a camp for kids, teens and young adults with cancer.
His favorite PD products are Ethoz pour over and Airscape Kilo (to hold big Costco coffee bag size, and brown sugar!)
Alysia (Finance Director)
Alysia has been with Planetary Design for 15 years. As the Director of Finance she brings expertise in strategic financial planning, budgeting and operational efficiency. Known for a practical mindset and a steady hand, she loves helping the team make sense of the financial side so they can focus on what they do best. Alysia has been instrumental in helping Planetary Design navigate growth, transformation, and market challenges with confidence. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, gardening and life with partner Jenny and their two spirited shorkies, Buffy and Poppy.
Alysia's favorite Planetary Design product is the BruTrekker®.
Bob (Operations Director)
Bob Ballengee serves as Director of Operations and General Manager. He has worked for Planetary Design since he and his high school sweetheart, Laura (aka Momma B), moved to Montana from Georgia 17 years ago. Bob’s daily companion at work is his semi-faithful dog, Pipsqueak.
Bob is inspired daily by his three adult children, two of whom also live in Missoula. Prior to his time at Planetary Design, Bob worked in the banking industry and owned a small construction company in the Atlanta area. Bob is energized by developing and inspiring people that he manages and has a growing desire to share his knowledge and varied work experiences with the small business community. A long time ago, Bob graduated from the University of Georgia with an AB in Economics. Outside of work Bob enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, traveling and an occasional round of golf.
His favorite Planetary Design product is the OVRLNDR travel French press.
Campbell (Product Development Manager)
As Supply Chain and Product Manager at Planetary Design, Campbell plays a key role in how the company develops, designs, and manufactures its products—with a strong focus on expanding the product portfolio and promoting environmental sustainability. Alongside his colleague Louis Lu, he oversees the end-to-end supply chain to ensure inventory is well-managed across all major markets.
Kevin (Amazon + Supply Chain Manager)
Joining Planetary Design in the spring of 2024, Kevin is the Amazon Business and Inventory Manager tending to the day-to-day supply chain needs for our Amazon sales worldwide. Kevin also works closely with Campbell and Louis managing the supply chain and logistics. He also serves as an administrative assistant and chief kibble provider to office mate and CMO (Chief Morale Officer,) Gracie! Kevin comes to Planetary Design after decades in the craft beer industry. He enjoys skiing, biking, camping and hiking with Gracie and his wife Adelle.
His favorite product is the OVRLNDR travel press.
Natalie (Brand Marketing Manager)
As Brand Marketing Manager at Planetary Design, Natalie leads the charge on how PD shows up in the world — from digital strategy & product launches to packaging design & content campaigns. She oversees branding across multiple brands, product lines, & ensuring that every touchpoint feels intentional, aligned, and just the right amount of bold — all rooted in a strong understanding of the coffee loving community.
Outside the office, Natalie is usually somewhere outdoors — camping, floating, or hiking with her partner, Adalyn, and their Corgi, Otter. When she’s home, you’ll find her baking, or deep into a new recipe project. Her favorite Planetary Design product is the Airscape® Classic Coffee Canister in the Fall 2024 limited-edition color, Lichen.
Madeline (Content Manager)
Madeline is the Content Manager at Planetary Design, where she oversees the creation and execution of content across photos, graphics, social media, email marketing, and more. She collaborates with internal teams and partners to ensure all content aligns with brand strategy and drives marketing goals.
Erin (International Accounts Manager)
Erin is a PD OG, having joined the company in 2016 when the "big rebrand" took place. Since then, she's grown the company's international presence by leaps and bounds. When not managing her growing book of overseas Distributors and B2B customers for Planetary Design, Erin enjoys the Montana summer sun & waterways. Erin's other full time "job" is being a Mom, driving a lot, and taking care of 2 cats and 5 rabbits in the lovely mountain valley she calls home.
William (Eastern North American Sales Manager)
William Kent fulfills the role of Eastern North American Sales Manager at Planetary Design. His Georgian roots bring a little southern charm to the way he approaches sales. With a background in science, a love of adventure, and a passion for the outdoors, William has a deep appreciation for the natural world. In the warmer months, he can often be found fishing and floating in the beautiful rivers and lakes of Montana. In the colder months, you can find him preparing delicious and comforting meals to share with friends and loved ones. He loves meeting new people and takes pride in helping to create strong bonds with business partners while helping those connections build a more sustainable and environmentally conscious consumer base through the sale of PD products. William’s favorite Planetary Design products are the Medium Airscape and the Steel Toe Travel Press.
Tim (Western North American Sales Manager)
Hired after a graduating from the University of Montana with a Business Marketing degree in 2018, Tim has been Planetary Design's Western North American Business Development Manager for the past 7 years. He plays a fundamental role in achieving the company's ambitious customer acquisition and revenue growth objectives. Creating, growing, and managing sales relationships in Western North America are his main objectives. When Tim isn't growing and managing PD's customer base, he enjoys attending and watching football and basketball games, playing golf (when MT weather allows), and spending time with his family.
Grace (Business Development Manager | Alternative Channels)
Grace is the Business Development Manager overseeing alternative sales at Planetary Design, where she plays a key role in collaborating with clients across various sectors and driving growth in the promotional channel. A recent graduate of Boise State University (Class of 2024) with a degree in marketing, Grace brings fresh insight and energy to the team.
Candice (Imprinting Manager)
As manager of the Print Shop at Planetary Design, Candice oversees production and branding of products as well as mockup/design proofing for our customers. Candice strives to maintain a positive and fun working environment in the shop and encourages creative exploration and collaboration wherever possible. Prior to joining the Planetary Design team, Candice earned her B.A. in Psychology and worked with various nonprofit organizations including a strong emphasis on Case Management for Missoula families and youth involved in the foster care system. In her time outside of the print studio, Candice is a freelance artist who enjoys creative projects as well as attending and organizing community events such as First Friday art shows, trivia nights, and the annual Zootown Witch Walk. She loves exploring the Montana outdoors, consuming live music, getting her hands dirty in the garden, and spending quality time with the people she loves. Her favorite Planetary Design product is the BruTrek 16oz Camp Cup!
Jake (Imprinting Associate)
Jake and his incredible and fearless dog, Grizzly, have been with Planetary Design for a little over a year. He specializes in tampography and utilizing the Pad Printer machine. on any given day. He is an avid mucisian and can be seen at many of the local music establishments, either enjoying or performing. He plays in local bands the Voodoo Horseshoes and Donkey OK (Check them out), as the bassist. If not playing music or working, he spends the rest of his time searching for lost treasures and forgotten civilizations. He is an adventurer and thrill seeker, as long as his companion Grizzly can tag along.
Phil (Imprinting Associate)
Since being hired in 2020 Phil has operated and maintained every machine/form of branding in the printshop as well as proofing and design for our costumers. His main focus is always on quality, proficiency, and teamwork. He has trained many individuals in the printshop on all imprinting methods of branding. and production flow. He is constantly learning and trying to improve the quality of every branding method he operates to provide the costumer with the best product possible. Phil is an Army combat Veteran with a tour to Mosul, Iraq under his belt. Before being hired here at Planetary Design he worked as armed security in many facets for 7 years. In his free time he enjoys video games, inline skating, playing guitar and spending time with hs loved ones.
Ken (Imprinting Associate)
As a member of the imprinting team Ken focuses on the precision of the craft. With an eye for detail and technical problem solving skills he makes sure our branded and personalized products are printed to the highest quality. During college Ken studied architecture and design at the University of Colorado. Upon graduation he spent a few years as a ski bum/river rat before starting his career as a builder. Specializing in timber frame construction, Ken was able to build homes and barns throughout the rocky mountains and pacific northwest for over a decade before setting roots in Missoula. In his free time he enjoys fishing, camping, and skiing with his wife Shawna, his dog Tuk, and his cat Jeffery. Ken’s favorite Planetary Design product is the OVRLNDR.
Denny (Warehouse Manager)
Denny is the warehouse manager at Planetary Design and in conjunction with Keaton, takes care of the complexities of PD product storage and flow in and out of the warehouse.. He is a Missoula county native and the third generation of his family to work at the Bonner Mill Industrial Park where he continues to live his ancestor's motto "we can fix nearly anything including dinner". Denny loves all of the seasons and spends as much time as he can out in the weather while sipping coffee from his favorite PD product, the Adventure Tumbler.
Keaton (Warehouse Lead)
Keaton is the warehouse leader at Planetary Design, Keaton handles all of your warehouse questions and shipping needs as well as shipping and distributing parcels and pallets internationally and domestically. You can usually find Keaton skating through town or listening to the local bands of Missoula. Keaton loves the outdoors and going on long treks in the mountain ranges of Montana, but he never forgets his trusty 32fl oz Brutrekker to rehydrate and keep trekking on!
Ashley (Assistant Office Manager + Trade Show Coordinator)
Ashley serves as the Assistant Office Manager, Outdoor Sales Processor, and Tradeshow Coordinator at Planetary Design. Her daily tasks include managing orders and payments, addressing the company's routine operational needs, and ensuring that all necessary Planetary Design products are shipped promptly for the sales team's travel engagements across the United States.
Bob (Customer Relations Manager)
Bob has headed up customer service for Planetary Design since starting in 2018. He responds to customer requests, issues and processes orders from our Dropship clients. He works with our warehouse clerks to select replacement parts to solve customer issues and helps with product returns. Prior to his time at Planetary Design, Bob worked in environmental consulting and has a degree in Geology from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Outside of the office, Bob enjoys floating rivers, music festivals, cross-country skiing and hosts two programs on Missoula Community Radio.