What inspired you to pursue a career in marketing? Were you in another field before this?
I’ve always loved drawing and painting. Working at a comic book store in high school, I daydreamed about creating the art and telling the stories I loved reading so much. That passion led me to East Carolina University to study graphic design, where I fell in love with branding.
What do you find most rewarding about your job? What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role?
I’ve spent my career creating concepts and telling stories that help clients connect with their audiences. Here at ONE18, the most rewarding part is actually seeing the needle move.
My biggest challenge … and what drives me … is knowing that ideas can’t just be anecdotal. They have to create measurable results. Combining creative storytelling with a team that has mastered data analysis allows us to turn big concepts into real, proven impact.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I have a wife, a dog, a cat, 17 chickens, and 7 kids (and yes, the 3-year-old likes to sit on my shoulders while I work). Life happens all day long, and I love it … even when the mess on the floor can’t immediately be identified.
Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about?
I love the outdoors … the beach, the mountains, the river, you name it. My wife and I enjoy gardening, tending to our chickens, and kayaking whenever we get the chance.
Beyond that, I’m fascinated by Disney Parks and the immersive experiences Imagineers build. The way they engage all five senses to evoke emotion and tell stories is incredible. My wife and I love escaping into those worlds of pirates, ghosts, space, and pure imagination.
What motivates you to excel in your role, and how do you stay engaged and enthusiastic about your work on a day-to-day basis?
I almost always have ambient music playing while I work. Often, it’s the background park loops from Disney … the music hidden in the bushes as you explore different lands. It instantly transports me and gets the creative energy flowing.
The rest of the time, I’m listening to 80s-style synthwave. It brings back nostalgia from my early teens: great movies, dirt bikes, a pocket full of quarters, and the arcade. That energy keeps me inspired every day.