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Ian cutting the ribbon as his local independent bookstore

MEET IAN

For more information about Ian and updates on his latest activities check out our news feed.

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IN PRINT: Ian has released his first book in 2019, which features a collection of stories from the campaign trail and his time in office. It is titled, Four Pairs of Shoes, and is now available downtown at Persnickety Books.

My story in Burlington began when I came to Elon University as a student. While I was born and raised in Minnesota, it was here in Alamance County that I chose to build my life, start my businesses, and put down roots. For nearly two decades, I have proudly called this community my home.

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As an inventor and entrepreneur at heart, I founded my product design and manufacturing company, The Vibration Solution, right out of my dorm room. Built on a commitment to lean, efficient American manufacturing, my company grew to compete on a global scale, creating innovative solutions for everything from household appliances to aerospace components. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about fiscal discipline, smart problem-solving, and what it takes to build something that lasts.

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But my passion has always extended beyond the boardroom. I saw the immense potential in our community and invested in it, directly helping to found the Burlington Beer Works Co-op to create a new hub downtown, and later opening Persnickety Books, a bookstore with a mission I deeply believe in: "Giving Books and People a Second Chance."

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You gave me the profound honor of serving as your Mayor for three terms. Together, we worked to bring our downtown back to life, build miles of sidewalks to connect our neighborhoods, and launch a regional transit system to expand opportunity for everyone.

After my time as Mayor, I knew our city's challenges were only becoming more complex. That’s why I deliberately “sharpened the saw,” returning to school to earn a Master's degree in City & Regional Planning and Public Administration. I invested in myself to be better prepared to serve you.

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Now, I am running for City Council to bring all of that experience together: the practical problem-solving of an entrepreneur, the proven track record of a Mayor, and the specialized expertise needed to tackle today's complex budget and infrastructure issues.

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For the love of Burlington, I am ready to get to work.

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MORE ABOUT IAN

Baltutis is an Eagle Scout who believes in always giving back to his community through service, leadership, and philanthropy. In his free time, he loves helping elementary students learn about municipal government, volunteering with Elon University students and alumni, advising start-up entrepreneurs, and mentoring youth through the local Boy Scour Venture program.

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He loves the open road and exploring the United States on our nation's backroads and historic highways. Baltutis enjoys tinkering in the garage. He recently completed a 16-year project to restore a 1974 1/2 MGB GT Pepsi Race Car that he found in a barn in Minnesota. Mayor Baltutis is also an advocate for historic preservation and is restoring the former Southern Music Studio house in the West Davis Street historic district.

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His other hobbies include woodworking for which he has won awards at the Heritage Craft Festival in Alamance County and the NC State Fair. As an avid runner and cyclist, he can often be spotted pounding the pavement and trails all around Burlington and Alamance County.

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

  • Vibration Solutions LLC & Isolate IT Mfg - Co-Founder/Owner - 2007-Present

  • Persnickety Books - Owner - 2019-Present

  • Palmoro USA, LLC - Co-Founder - 2016-Present

  • Burlington Beer Works Cooperative - Board President - 2013-2015

  • Honda Power Equipment Mfg - Purchasing/Logistics/Supply Chain Management - 2007-2011

  • Home Depot - Specialty Sales - 2006-2007

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PROFESSIONAL DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS:

  • BS Business Administration: Entrepreneurship - Elon University; Minor - Communications and Journalism - Elon University - 2008

  • Six Sigma Black Belt - Alamance Community College - 2010

  • Six Sigma Black Belt - NC State University - 2011

  • Six Sigma Green Belt - Alamance Community College - 2009

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COMMUNITY, POLITICAL, AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE:

  • Mayor of the City of Burlington, NC - 2015-Present

  • North Carolina League of Municipalities Board Member - 2018-Present

  • NC Institute of Political Leadership Fellow & Leadership Council - Spring 2017

  • Leadership Alamance - Class of 2015

  • Alamance Chamber of Commerce Member - 2012-Present

  • Burlington Citizens Police Academy Graduate - Inaugural Class - 2013

  • Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity Advisor - 2008-Present

  • Elon University Doherty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership - Board of Advisors - 2012-Present

  • Experimental Aircraft Association Member & Volunteer - 2002-Present

  • Elon University Young Alumni Council - Development Committee Vice-Chair - 2011-2014

  • Boy Scouts of America Venture Crew 379 - Venture Crew Advisor - 2009-Present

  • Boy Scouts of America - Alamance District Camporee Chair - 2009-2011

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AWARDS:

  • Trial Business Journal 2015 40 Leaders Under Forty

  • Elon University Top 10 Under 10 Award 2010 - Recognizing the 10 alumni of the past decade for outstanding national acheivement in both their professional field and community

  • Golden Mousetrap Award 2009 - Reed Business Design News - For most innovative application of a new material in product design

  • Eagle Scout

  • Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow Founders Award

  • Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor

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