Every great brand is built on a powerful story and the promise behind it. My passion is helping companies uncover and craft their story, define their voice, reveal their brand, and connect with the businesses and individuals who should become their customers.My journey into advertising and branding began as an architecture student struggling through chemistry, calculus, and physics. A friend asked if I could sit in for him in his advertising class—80% of the grade was attendance, and the lecture hall was the size of a small basketball arena. I agreed. Five minutes into the class, the professor explained how DDB’s iconic “Lemon” Volkswagen ad transformed advertising. My obsession was born.In my senior year of college, three friends and I started a small ad agency. Shortly after, we were invited to pitch to a growing software firm. I quickly learned that I still had a lot to learn. I graduated from college to see firsthand how the real world worked.In the real world, I found the secret to communication success in three words: It’s about them. Our team was stuck working on a pitch late one night, and our agency’s co-founder wrote those three words on the whiteboard. We got unstuck and won the business. For me, seeing those three words was like seeing the Volkswagen ad all over again.Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with exceptional local, national and global brands as a writer/concept developer, content creator, strategist, account director/team leader (agency-side) and communications director (in-house). I’ve helped stalwart brands redefine themselves, disrupt seemingly undisruptable industries, and bring brands out of bankruptcy while growing fans, followers and customer bases. Authentic storytelling is more relevant and impactful than ever. It is the fuel that powers social media, content marketing, and brand experiences that foster human connection today. It is also the best way to help shape the way AI learns about a company."More importantly, it gives (customers) a story they can tell others." (Seth Godin)The most meaningful chapter in my story is the one about my journey as a husband and father. I’m blessed with a wife who keeps me laughing, loving, and thinking daily. And even after two decades, the gift of fatherhood to two unbelievable young men continues to enrich my life in new and unexpected ways. I’m a lucky guy.