Origin & Background:

Where did you grow up, and how has that environment influenced your worldview or work ethic?

I grew up on an organic U‑Pick farm tucked between two rivers. Summers meant mornings spent planting seedlings and afternoons harvesting fruit under the sun. By age five I was already mastering the tractor. That hands‑on life taught me that hard work isn’t a choice—it’s just how things get done.

Were there significant cultural, familial, or community influences that shaped your early years?

My parents led by example—early mornings, long days, and unwavering support. Soccer joined the mix when I was three, and I’ve always been “all in.” After I broke my arm at five, I refused to miss a game and ran the sideline all season. Years later, a broken leg on the field and a Muay Thai injury tested the same grit—and I kept pushing. Today that drive fuels passions like helping to start a newspaper, a new water polo club and helping with Tacos for Ticos, a charity that delivers cleats to kids in rural Costa Rica who dream of playing.

Passions & Influences:

When did you first become interested in advertising, branding, or storytelling?

Business ideas have always been my daydreams. In high school, I traded the lunch line for “Sodas in the Sun,” selling Italian sodas outdoors and selling out every shift. My DECA teacher spotted my spark, pushed me into competition—and I took first at both school and state levels. That win hooked me on brand storytelling, and by freshman year of college I was interning in the marketing department.

Were there any key figures who deeply influenced or inspired you in your career or life decisions?

Absolutely. At JWT, Mary Olson taught me that people always come before profit. Later at ZAAZ, Shane Atchison showed me how to fuse deep analysis into the creative process, turning ideas into strategic powerhouses. Their leadership—and the family vibe at ZAAZ—still shapes how I collaborate today.

Challenges & Growth:

What are some challenges you've faced in your journey?

Finding my voice when my ideas diverged from the norm was tough. I was lucky to have mentors who trusted my instincts, letting me turn unconventional thoughts into a strategic approach that stands out.

Was there a particular moment or experience that significantly changed the trajectory of your career or life?

When ZAAZ merged into POSSIBLE and we picked up Clorox’s e‑commerce account, some saw it as a step down—but I saw a goldmine. Diving into Amazon product detail pages and ad products opened up a new frontier, and the work we did with Amazon and Clorox proved it was the right move.

Achievements & Milestones:

Of all your achievements, which are you most proud of?

Steering the launch of the Colgate Whitening Pen takes the cake. We built a fully online launch framework from scratch—strategy, photo and video shoots, the works—and rolled it out right as the pandemic hit. We smashed sales targets and became the category’s No. 1 best‑seller almost overnight.

Were there any collaborations pivotal in your understanding of your craft?

Working with Burt’s Bees and Brita drilled home the power of standout product photography. That insight pushed me to help launch an in‑house content studio, ensuring we always had the visual firepower to match our ideas.

Vision & Future:

What are your aspirations for the future?

I’m laser‑focused on bilingual campaigns that actually resonate. With 40 million Spanish speakers on Amazon alone, there’s a massive audience craving culturally relevant content—and I want to lead the way.

How do you envision the future of advertising and branding?

We’re in an exciting era. AI gives us tools to weave brands into everyday life far beyond a 30‑second spot. The Holy Grail is right conversation, right moment—creating genuine connections that stick.

Values & Beliefs:

Are there core values or beliefs you've consistently held throughout your career?

Your team is everything. Nurturing talent, building trust, and celebrating wins together aren’t just nice ideas—they’re non‑negotiables.

How do these values manifest in your interactions with others?

I lead with empathy, listen first, and always point the spotlight at the people who made it happen. When we celebrate, we celebrate as one.

Human Moments:

Are there personal experiences that deeply impacted you?

Training Muay Thai in Thailand—running 17 miles daily in 100° heat and sparring twice a day—taught me grit in its rawest form. But nothing humbled me more than my daughter’s rare childhood pancreatic cancer diagnosis. It was a sharp reminder that people and moments outweigh everything else.

Do any hobbies or activities outside of work feed into your creativity?

Giving back is my recharge. Whether fundraising for orphans in Thailand, starting a newspaper only to include the local native american tribe or collecting soccer cleats for kids in Costa Rica, I love building community. Coaching soccer, Muay Thai, and water polo? That keeps me grounded in teamwork and heart.