Creative

SYNERGIST

/sĭn′ər-jĭst/

“An agent that increases the effectiveness of another agent when combined with it. One who holds the doctrine of synergism.”

Synergism

“An action between individual parts or forces that produces a total result that is greater than the sum of the individual results.”

Overview of a

Creative
SYNERGIST

I have found over the years that I work best as a “creative synergist“, a person that is the catalyst for finding the optimum way to combine the bits and pieces of just about anything to create something more amazing.

For me one of the most effective ways to lead through complexity is to start with the end goal and work backward. When you know exactly where you’re headed, it becomes easier to map out the steps needed to get there. But real progress happens when you bring your team into that process.

By engaging your team early, sharing the vision and reverse-engineering the path together, you create alignment and momentum. Everyone understands not just the destination, but how their role fits into the bigger picture. This approach builds trust, encourages ownership, and unlocks the kind of synergy that drives results.

In short, combining outcome-driven thinking with collaborative leadership turns strategy into shared success. Finding the best way to combine the pieces is what I thrive on.

Known for being the calm voice in the storm, a multi-tool creative asset, and the person you trust to get a job done right. Always ready to scale up or down a notch to fit into any role that gets a project completed. Check out my “Kind Words” page for comment from prior clients and colleagues.

Professionally

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Leadership & Strategy

20+ years as a Full Stack Creative Lead in agencies, in-house teams, start-ups, and franchise environments
Proven track record in building and scaling creative teams and departments
Calm, solution-focused leader known for driving alignment and momentum
Strategic thinker skilled in reverse-engineering creative solutions from end goals

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Creative Direction & Execution

Extensive hands-on experience across print, digital, video, OOH, radio, events, and experiential media
Adept at shaping and evolving brand identities across multiple touch-points
Strong ability to scale creative output based on scope, team, and goals
Known as a multi-tool creative — equally comfortable directing or executing

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Team Building & Mentorship

Passionate mentor & team motivator who genuinely enjoys helping creatives grow
Skilled in creating positive, collaborative environments that drive results
Trusted as a mediator and momentum-keeper across cross-functional teams

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Communication & Collaboration

Experienced in working with stakeholders, exec teams, vendors, and cross-discipline partners
Communicating vision clearly while empowering teams to contribute and take ownership
Thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments where flexibility and synergy matter most

Career Paths & Clients

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Marketing & Creative Lead

I’ve been a creative lead at several companies. I love working with a diversity of minds. I’ve co-owned a successful firm for nearly a decade, excelled as a VP of Creative Services, lead teams as a Creative Director seven times. Twice I was hired as a Marketing Manager, but the job description, and my role, was somewhere between a Marketing Strategist and Creative Director.

Clients supported as a CD:

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Art Director

Creative Directors guide Art Directors and Art Directors lead projects and targeted teams.

I’ve been leading Art Direction for over 20 years. I’ve lead campaigns, individual projects and brainstormed with a robust diversity of regional and international creative teams.

Clients supported as an AD:

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Designer / Artist

All the best Creative Directors I’ve known started as designers or writers. I started as a Graphic Designer and quickly advanced to Art Director in 18 months. I believe you have to know the basics and you have to keep learning and advancing your craft.

Clients supported as a Designer:

The Story is Key

As a Creative

I’ve always seen every project, whether it’s design or marketing, as its own little story. It’s got a beginning, a middle, an end… characters, a setting, maybe even a twist or two. There’s always a reason behind it, and that’s what makes it meaningful.

I tell my kids all the time: “Stories are the one thing you can collect, give away, and never lose. They stay with you—and maybe even go with you when you’re gone.”

That’s why I try to find what inspires people in each story. If you can connect with someone emotionally, they’ll remember it. And if you’re lucky, they’ll share it too.

As a Person

My story, in brief – I’m all capital D “Dad”, a man trying to always be better today than the day before, and a Captain America fanatic. It’s that core belief that “you do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do” that guides me.

I enjoy kayaking with my son, helping my daughter concept cosplay costumes, and eating turkey drumsticks at the renaissance festival sitting beside them. I love Comic Cons, Art Shows, and pop culture. I also love drawing, guitars, science, politics and poetry, and as such have books on theoretical physics, poetry, art and a sketchbook at my bedside (also the collected works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle).

I love thinking, and challenges.

Most of all I love my kids.