Recent Work
FUSE CONSTRUCTION
Design . Strategy
& Creative Leadership
My job is to create space. Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Brene Brown kind of space. The creation and cultivation of a heart-centered curious culture and environment not bound by walls (I've been working and leading teams remotely since 2014), allowing people to bring their whole selves to work, no matter where they live, with the courage to wrestle with adversity in the pursuit of their best work while forging meaningful relationships — that's what it's all about. (Yes, I have an issue with run-on sentences. It's from all the Hunter Thompson and Aaron Sorkin being shoved into my head)
That kind of space was made for me by wise and thoughtful folks, and I'm doing my part to pay it forward. Considering the state of the world, we could use more places where people are seen, heard, and supported. Like everyone else, I spent a lot of time reflecting on the last 20 years through the big sit. It's been a ride. The path from practitioner to leader can be a rough one.
Your access to leadership influences is positive or negative, depending on your circumstances. In this industry, we're often celebrated for doing great work, not building healthy systems for folks to thrive. Although, that has definitely started to shift. My path started early and was turbulent (I was just 26 when I was given my first department to run), but it stoked a fire and shifted my mindset. I became obsessed with the craft of creative leadership. I'm thankful for all the success and failure, coaching and therapy, and many patient and generous folks who continue to share and pass down their knowledge.
The last decade has been spent building and leading specialized teams responsible for meeting global icons to early-stage startups at moments of meaningful and significant change. Guiding them through the high-stakes emotional and political gauntlet to high-quality outcomes. Living and learning along the way.
"Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund.”
Anthony . Bourdain
recent client experience
Personal Project
Moving from Northern California to Minnesota in 2013 just in time for the coldest winter in 30 years was a shock. My riding season was cut in half, and I needed a healthy way to pass the time. The 'Hibernation' series came to mind in the middle of a sleepless bourbon and Ben & Jerry's fueled February night. It all started with a craigslist post looking for riders to photograph. From then on, I spent the next 4 winters going from garage to garage meeting, photographing, and spending time with riders of all kinds. Finding solace in community and conversation through the bitter cold, and learning how each had a different way of coping with the long months holed up inside.
He. Him. His.
Currently floating between Nashville and Northern Michigan after nearly 20 years of the creative life spending time on both the east and west coast between SF, Portland, Boston, Miami and the far north in Minneapolis earning an unusual breadth of experience leading teams and building purpose-driven brands from the ground up or refreshed across all mediums — digital to traditional, for campaigns and projects global to local.
Work has been recognized by Cannes Lions, The One Club, D&AD, Gestalten Los Logos VIII, The Effies, Communication Arts, Print Magazine, SXSW, The Webbys, The FWA, AdTech Awards, and more.
