At Higher Ground, we don't just design laptop cases; we create functional protection solutions that empower students and educators alike. Our mission is to provide products that go beyond the basics, combining style, innovation, and durability to meet the unique demands of modern education. But what makes our cases truly special? It’s the people behind them and the philosophy that drives our designs.
Meet Mark Zadvinskis and Adam Ostroff, the creative forces shaping the future of tech protection at Higher Ground.
Mark Zadvinskis - President is an award-winning industrial designer and entrepreneur with an eye for innovation. With degrees in industrial design (BFA) and mechanical engineering (BSE) from the University of Michigan, Mark's expertise lies in harmonizing art, science, and practicality. His passion for design is only rivaled by his love for family, music, and science. Under Mark's leadership, Higher Ground has flourished, providing protective solutions that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Adam Ostroff - Senior Product Manager, with over 15 years of experience in industrial design, engineering, and production, complements Mark's vision. Adam's international experience in developing a wide range of consumer products, including soft goods and electronics, adds depth to our design process. When he's not designing, Adam enjoys 3D printing and inventing new ideas, continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Together, Mark and Adam form the backbone of Higher Ground's design philosophy. Their combined expertise ensures that every product we create not only meets but exceeds the expectations of students, teachers, and schools.
At Higher Ground, we want every interaction with our products to be thrilling, delightful, and satisfying. We achieve this by identifying pressing needs—sometimes, those needs find us—and solving them with designs that balance form and function. Our cases are modern, tech-friendly, and designed for life, work, and everything in between.
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Higher Ground was born out of a simple necessity: a better way to carry and use a laptop. In 1998, Mark Zadvinskis and Shaun Jackson, an industrial design professor at the University of Michigan, developed the Lapdog—a carrying case that transforms into a portable office. This innovative product quickly gained attention, earning a spot in magazines, catalogs, and even the MoMA collection in NYC.
Since our founding in 2002, we have continued to develop, test, and manufacture products that combine beautiful design with long-lasting functionality. Our commitment to innovation ensures that our cases not only protect your tech but also enhance its usability, whether you're working, learning, or playing.
As Mark Zadvinskis says, "We design functional protection. It’s not just about getting your tech from A to B; it's about enhancing the passability and usability to work, learn, or play wherever you go." This philosophy is at the heart of every product we create.
Our top priority is to produce functional protection solutions that withstand the expected and unexpected challenges of daily life. To achieve this, we subject our cases to rigorous testing, including military-grade tests, to ensure they provide maximum protection. From fabric options to real-life scenario testing (drops, bumps, spills, etc.), we leave no stone unturned.
While no case can guarantee 100% protection, we go beyond standard measures to offer the functional protection your students need. Our commitment to excellence includes:
At Higher Ground, innovation is in our DNA. From the initial concept to the final product, our design process is meticulous and iterative. We prototype, test, and refine each design to ensure it meets our high standards. Our commitment to innovation is evident in every stitch, every zipper, and every protective layer we incorporate into our cases.
As we continue to innovate, we invite you to experience the difference that Higher Ground can make in your school. Contact our team today to order a sample or chat with a rep to see how we can build you a custom solution.
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