Created graphics & graphic design standards used throughout the company. Maintained standards while Famous Dave's grew from less than twenty restaurants to over 175. Graphics included menus, website, banners, signage, vehicles, billboards, newspaper ads, directmailers & newsletters. Created art package and managed 2 distinct themes. Enabled competitive bidding for art packages resulting in improved quality and reduced costs.Maintained brand identity of Famous Dave's by managing design and construction of both company & franchised restaurants. Collaborated with design partners in developing prototype restaurants. Provided creative & technical direction to other departments & vendors on all aspects of the brand. Controlled costs by evaluating short and long term design strategies and selecting products and vendors that could meet design intent while maintaining established budgets. Ensured that design decisions supported efficient restaurant operation.Maintained design standards by reviewing architectural drawings and creating, reviewing and approving shop drawings and specifications throughout the entire life-cycle of projects. Collaborated with architects, franchisees and suppliers to resolve conversion challenges when they occurred. Coordinated efforts of builders and architects through the design process and coordinated with city planners to obtain permits for building and opening restaurants. Designed furniture and fixtures including host stands, booths, back bars, light fixtures, trophy cases and to-go counters for custom applications and for use as standard fixtures throughout the restaurants.Served on the development team that developed a web portal for use by franchisees and vendors. Coordinated requirements analysis, defined the user interface, populated the database and performed training for vendors and franchisees.

24 hour shop-at-home television network that reached 31 million households; Designed and produced scenery and props used to sell products on television. Materials included wood, plastic, steel and foam and utilized a variety of finishing techniques including faux painting. Managed set up, strike and warehousing of multiple sets in each of four different studios.Provided technical solutions and support for location shoots.Planned and implemented lighting strategies that best flattered the materials and sets.Created specialty displays for unique merchandise including collectable dolls, coins, comic books, computer software packages, jewelry and sports memorabilia. Created pyrotechnics for large promotional pitch to a major retailer.

The largest casual dining chain with more than; Selected and collected antiques and memorabilia for new restaurant décor.Created displays and shadow boxes that highlighted décor.Packaged, delivered and installed art and artifact packages in six locations.Implemented lighting designs and ensured lighting met design intent prior to restaurant opening.