One of Bakersfield's own, Jeff Townsend, has built a dynamic, cutting-edge company headquartered in Bakersfield.

After studying bio-mechanics and kinesiology at UCLA, and attending Northwestern University for orthotics and prosthetics, Jeff returned to Bakersfield in 1983 and founded Townsend Design. Today, Townsend Design is a leading provider of custom-made, knee-related orthotic products that supplies clients across the entire U.S. as well as 15 countries around the world.

The company employes more than 125 people at its 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing plant.