First, a quick anecdote. As a young man growing up in Wisconsin, I watched an episode of "Thirtysomething" in which Michael, the sensitive copywriter protagonist, was being recruited by a Venice Beach ad agency that looked more playhouse than office. And I thought, “That. How do I get there?” The scene was shot at Chiat/Day, and wouldn’t you know it, that's where I would ultimately begin my career. 

While I meandered plenty—from Northwestern to UVA to Portfolio Center, then following my career to Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, LA again, then Chicago again—my professional life was going eerily according to plan. Several years in, I started mixing things up a bit, carving out “integrated creative” roles at such places as Cramer-Krasselt, DDB, and Leo Burnett. Thought about returning to academia to become a novelist and professor, but instead, I dove deep into digital at SapientNitro. Led a large creative department, grew an office, then jumped into freelance to stir my restless soul. Man, did I love that experience, with its constant variety of interesting projects, people, and places, including long stints in secret rooms at Apple. Then the opportunity came up to run creative for the U.S. Army, to which I said, “That doesn’t sound like me at all. Sign me up!” So now I’m the CCO of Team DDB, the bespoke nine-agency entity we built for that formidable client.

Throughout these adventures, I've maintained my calm demeanor, dulcet voice, and reassuring height, to keep the challenges of an ever-changing world from freaking out those around me.

I've won my fair share of awards, new business, and polite applause. But I'm more interested in the future than the past—in creating new stories, experiences, and outcomes. As we jump into scary new territories, maybe I can help make the flight more invigorating, and the landing less painful.  

For my complete résumé, go to LinkedIn or grab this PDF.

And if you really care to know about my quirks and points of view, here are more words by and about me.