AS A CREATIVE:

My design skills are grounded in an extensive understanding of the guest experience. I started my career designing and developing attractions for Anheuser-Busch theme parks. I quickly learned how exceptional design leads to an emotional connection with the guest, and ultimately a relationship with the brand. My contributions not only expanded park diversity and provided uniqueness from the competition, but ultimately increased park attendance over the 5 million visitors mark.

Since then I’ve flourished as a designer and have fostered my love for creating one of a kind brand experiences.  I’ve created content for national and international theme parks, roller coasters, animal exhibits, retail chains, sports venues, healthcare facilities, worship spaces, event marketing and brewery tours.

AS A LEADER:

Leadership can be seen in many ways. 

Throughout my career I have had the unique opportunity to work with-in a wide range of business structures, where I've inserted my leadership skills in different ways. 

Currently I lead a group of designers at Hotopp, and I’m part of the senior management team. The decisions I make as part of that team determine financial objectives, growth and staffing.  I’ve also lead the company in establishing processes and procedures that streamline the workflow internally and externally.  While working at Busch Entertainment I managed the relationships between the park's management team, understanding their objectives and balancing them with corporate objectives. This was essential for approvals and buy in from senior management at corporate and the park level.  As an owner’s rep, I was responsible for the design and renovation of a new facility for Moosylvania marketing. In this case I had to lead the contractor and the architect through the design and build of the project while working with the owner to meet our schedule and budget constraints.

AS A PLANNER :

Plan the work and work the plan.

No matter the size or scope of the project, I believe success comes from defining a focal point. It’s something to guide our aim. A goal with a clear objective.

In many cases design criteria or business goals are determined by a client before we get involved. As part of my process, I like to engage with clients to discuss the specifics of their project goals and work with them to create a roadmap of how to get there. A shared roadmap with a clear destination.

Along the road there will always be detours. Keeping everyone informed of the new direction we are heading is the best way to keep everyone aligned. Therefore open communication and collaboration are the tools I depend on.

When lines of communication between owners, stakeholders, upper management, designers, project managers or vendors are open, the success of a project expands exponentially.

Success to me is less about my success, and more about our success.

When the others around me succeed, we ALL rise together.

But defining clear goals and objectives early allows me to have the confidence in knowing I am exceeding the clients expectations, while bring a project in on time and on budget.