In 2012, after a long stint in the corporate world and a much shorter stint in the startup world, I founded Thrive Creative, a brand and marketing entirely dedicated to solving the unique marketing challenges of the construction, heavy-equipment manufacturing, and transportation industries.As the CEO of Thrive, I work closely with client C-suite, board, and leadership teams to surface the challenges standing in the way of their continued growth. Together, using creative frameworks driven by design thinking, I help our clients unearth unexpected solutions that carve new and unique pathways to profit.With degrees in both entrepreneurship and creative writing from DePaul University, I’m uniquely suited to bring together two fundamental—but seemingly opposed—disciplines: business strategy and creativity. By approaching business problems as a writer formally trained in the craft, I’m able to see both the chapter an organization currently exists within, and the whole story it ultimately wants to tell. This marrying of crafts helps give our clients an edge in an increasingly competitive marketplace. In addition to overseeing Thrive’s growth and development, I’m a frequent contributor on business topics for Thrive Insights, an avid runner and athlete, a participant in Chicago’s literary scene, and a voracious reader. Other skills include:FinanceBusiness DevelopmentVisioningStrategyContent Design Copywriting

As the vice president of business development for Sportlink, I helped engage in new partnerships, increase revenue, develop and enhance the business model, manage digital and print marketing campaigns, and create content. I also assisted with networking, investor pitches, and integrated marketing strategies across various platforms. Key functions:- new business growth and development - facilitating new relationships with cardiology partners - online marketing and campaign management- brand strategy and development- strategic corporate partnerships- corporate communications- raising capital, funding- web content development

As a product-development manager for an alternative risk product, I was responsible for the top-line growth of my individual program, as well as developing integrated marketing plans, setting sales and growth objectives, strategy, advertising, and business writing.

As a vice president in the Risk Management department, I was responsible for various business development, loss control, and risk-management initiatives, as well as writing a monthly column for an industry trade magazine, developing new broker relationships, client relations, business development, marketing, and advertising.