Justin Ahrens

Justin Ahrens is a seasoned brand strategist and creative leader dedicated to helping organizations navigate complexity with clarity. As Chief Creative Officer of O’Neil Companies and President and Chief Creative Officer of Rule29, he guides the strategic integration of brand, creative, print, packaging, and digital experiences across O’Neil Printing, Printing Solutions, Rule29, YB², and 9Fold Collective. He also serves on the Board of Directors for O’Neil Printing, helping shape the long-term vision and direction of the platform.

Justin is a seasoned branding expert dedicated to guiding clients through the complex landscape of branding, leadership, and strategic creative. With over two decades of experience, he has mastered the art of transforming client strategies and narratives into powerful visual stories that resonate with audiences and drive engagement. At O’Neil Printing and its agency Rule29, he leverages his deep expertise to serve as the trusted guide for businesses looking to navigate their brand marketing challenges.

Recognized as a leading expert in his field, Justin has been named a ‘Person to Watch’ by GD:USA twice and has advocated for impactful projects in the design community. His commitment to social change extends beyond business, as seen in initiatives like Wheels4Water, which provided clean water and sanitation training to over 20,000 Africans. This work was recognized as a ‘world-changing idea’ by Fast Company and led to discussions at the Obama White House.

As an international public speaker, Justin has shared insights at prestigious venues like TEDx and Adobe Max. Beyond his professional work, Justin hosts the podcast ‘Design Of’, exploring remarkable stories in individuals’ lives and careers. He co-hosts ‘The CSS Show’, uncovering industry best practices and narratives. Through articles for publications like Fast Company, his book ‘Life Kerning’, and over 19 LinkedIn Learning courses like ‘Designing an Authentic Brand’, he aims to inspire authentic and impactful design and business practices.

Outside of work, Justin is a father of four and enjoys exploring and new adventures which include traveling, cycling, hiking, and golfing with his wife Sarah.