Mark Koch and Julie Koch-Beinke co-founded Alternatives in the early 80's as a multi-disciplinary design agency, working with clients to maximize their image and create synergy across a wide range of touch points.

In addition to Alternatives, Mark and Julie are serial entrepreneurs, launching a jewelry business selling to high-end fashion stores and museums, a fashion company promoting social responsibility in the surf market, a sports eyewear accessory business and a high-end optical frame and sunglass design and manufacturing company selling to Neiman Marcus and high-end optical stores globally. They developed, patented and manufactured a line of unique accessory products for Gap, Inc. sold through Old Navy stores.

Mark Koch, Partner, Alternatives 2D/3D, Inc.

Mark graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Design from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning.

Mark is an prolific inventor, holding numerous U.S. design and mechanical patents for products ranging from fashion accessories to medical devices. He has extensive knowledge and experience working with factories and manufacturers overseas and also holds trademarks in many product categories.

He has served on the Board of Directors and as a Trustee of the Life Sciences Foundation and the Asperger Foundation International and currently serves on the Dean’s Leadership Committee at the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning.

Julie Koch-Beinke, Partner, Alternatives 2D/3D, Inc.

Julie graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Design. She graduated from the Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders at the Yale School of Management in 2010.

In additional to speaking about design and receiving numerous design awards, Julie holds several US design and mechanical patents for displays and products.

Julie has served on the Board of Directors and as a Trustee of the Life Science Foundation and the Asperger Syndrome Research Foundation International. She taught Graphic Design as an Associate Professor of Design at the State University of New York at Purchase for five years and currently serves on the leadership advisory committee of the Dean of the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning and the Advisory Board of LIM College for the Business of Fashion in New York City. She is also a volunteer in the Mentor 2 Market program at the highly acclaimed Santa Fe International Folk Art Market.