Bob Carswell

Bob Carswell is a founder, cooperative manufacturing leader, and systems builder with deep experience in circular textiles, advanced manufacturing, cooperative development and workforce development. As cofounder of Material Return, Bob helped build one of the first vertically integrated circular textile production systems in the United States, working with brands and manufacturers to transform textile waste into new materials and products. His work spans textile engineering, research and development, manufacturing operations, grant strategy, and commercialization.

Bob has also worked closely with The Industrial Commons, supporting initiatives focused on worker ownership, regional manufacturing resilience, and locally rooted economic development in Western North Carolina. He has contributed to philanthropic and federal grant initiatives, including work connected to the National Science Foundation Engines Program.

With academic foundations in electrical and computer engineering and experience as a community college instructor, Bob is known for bridging technical expertise with practical execution. In his work, family and community, he is often recognized as a trusted “jack of all trades” and collaborative problem solver.