So in 2001, just three months after 9/11, I moved to New York City with no job and no backup plan. All I had was faith, a portfolio, and the belief that I could find my way. My first job had nothing to do with advertising. I waited tables at Uno’s Pizzeria at the South Street Seaport. It paid the rent while I hustled, made connections, and talked to anyone willing to give me advice or a little time.

Eventually, a door opened. I landed my first industry job at J. Walter Thompson, one of the most respected agencies in the world. That moment didn’t just get me started. It set the tone for the next 20 years of creative thinking, leadership, and learning to grow within an industry that never sits still.

From there, I became an Art Director at The Ad Store, working on brands like JetBlue, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, and AMC Theatres. It was the kind of role that stretched me fast. I learned to trust my instincts, present work with confidence, and build ideas that could survive a crowded room.

Later, at Bandujo, my world expanded again. I led creative for Chase, Audible, Hugo Boss, Kumon, Turner Broadcasting, and several NYC organizations, including Battery Park City, the NYC Department of Health, and the Union Square Partnership. Each client and project taught me something different. How to stay calm when the stakes felt high. How to listen. How to make the work better by asking better questions.

One of the most unexpected highlights of my career came during my time at Bandujo, when I appeared on AMC’s The Pitch and helped lead our agency to win the Marriott Autograph Collection account. What aired on television was only a small part of what actually happened behind the scenes. Being on national TV was a wild ride, but it also gave me a clear look at how unpredictable, performative, and pressure-filled pitching can be in this industry.

My passion for public health and changing behaviors also came from my time at Bandujo. Working with clients such as the NYC Department of Health showed the impact this work can have on people. The work proved that strategy, design, and storytelling could do more than promote a message. It could shift behavior, inspire change, and make a real difference.

My interest in leadership and building teams grew during the next chapter of my career. I helped launch the digital agency Wasabi Rabbit, and that experience opened my eyes to how much I enjoy creating the systems that support great creative work. I discovered how to bring clarity to a team, build a process people can trust, and guide projects so everyone has room to do their best work.

I eventually returned to Bandujo in a leadership role, where I shaped creative strategy and operations from the inside. That period taught me how to balance vision with execution and how to lead with honesty, patience, and a clear point of view. It was a season of growth that set the foundation for how I work today.

In 2022, I was recruited to Atlanta to help restructure MaxMedia. I built workflow systems, strengthened communication across teams, and launched a client services department that brought more clarity to how the agency operated. It reminded me how much I value solving problems from the inside and bringing structure to creative environments. My approach helped the team work smarter, reduce friction, and produce stronger work with less chaos.

My path hasn’t been traditional, but it has always been intentional. I’ve built a career by staying curious, staying kind, and staying committed to creating work that means something. Over the years, I’ve worked across the entire arc of brand and marketing. Creative. Strategy. Client service. Operations. That range gives me a clear view of how a brand grows and what it takes to bring an idea to life.

My strength is being the bridge. Between brand and business. Between creative vision and strategic direction. Between bold ideas and work that lasts. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all frameworks. I believe in listening, building with intention, and telling the truth in a way people can feel.

Whether I’m shaping a brand, leading a team, or helping a founder find clarity, I bring perspective, structure, and a steady voice that helps move the work forward. I’m not here to sell you something. I’m here to help your business grow in a way that feels honest and sustainable.

And now you know the rest of my story.