Looking back on my career, I see how each stage—whether marked by achievement, challenge, or transformation—has contributed to a unique skill set perfectly aligned with helping medium and large brands innovate, grow, and engage. From my early days in the spotlight as a young actor to becoming an entrepreneur, designer, and community builder, my journey has been a continuous evolution of creating concepts, systems, and processes that drive revenue streams, customer-centric marketing, and community engagement.
This reflection isn’t just about recounting my successes; it’s about recognizing how these experiences come together to form the ideal foundation for empowering brands to reach their fullest potential. Whether it’s developing groundbreaking products, redefining industries, or creating platforms that connect and inspire, I’ve spent my career honing the tools that businesses need to establish meaningful, sustainable growth.
This journey has been anything but linear. Each chapter—whether working with major brands, designing industry-changing products, or mentoring other entrepreneurs—has been a stepping stone. Together, they create the perfect storm for helping businesses innovate and establish sustainable growth. My approach is simple but effective: build systems that work, tell stories that resonate, and create communities that connect.
This isn’t just a reflection on where I’ve been; it’s a roadmap for where brands can go when they embrace innovation, authenticity, and a focus on building lasting relationships. Whether you’re a company looking to redefine your market or a leader ready to take bold steps forward, this journey is proof that when the right tools and strategies come together, the possibilities are limitless.
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The Early Years: Lights, Camera, Action (1980s)
My introduction to the world came through television and movies, where I appeared in projects like Breaking Two: Electric Boogaloo, a McGruff commercial, and an episode of The Twilight Zone. Acting in the 1980s gave me an early understanding of storytelling and the power of connection. It taught me that behind every production, there’s a team of creatives working tirelessly—a lesson that shaped my approach to leadership and collaboration in the years to come.
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Finding My Voice Through Writing (1995-1998)
In 1995, I had my first comic published in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Los Angeles Times. This milestone affirmed my creative abilities and gave me a platform to communicate ideas.
Becoming a father in 1998 was a defining moment. Tyler was born that year, followed by Jayden in 1999. Fatherhood taught me patience, responsibility, and the power of leading by example. These lessons were instrumental as I began tackling professional challenges.
That same year, I co-authored a training manual for Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Security team, which became the gold standard adopted across all Six Flags Parks. Shortly after, in 2000, I researched and wrote proposals for a national utilities billing company, leading to the creation of their in-house R&D department.
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Innovation and Industry Impact (2000-2010)
My career took an analytical turn in 2000 when I wrote proposals for a national utilities billing company. These proposals laid the groundwork for their in-house R&D department—a testament to my knack for strategy and process improvement.
From 2001 to 2003, I managed a vending food market research company, where my work helped develop the Hershey’s Kit Kat Big Kat and milk chugs for public schools. These initiatives influenced legislation requiring healthy vending machine alternatives in schools, marking my first foray into creating industry-wide change.
In 2003, I entered the world of CAD drafting, quickly rising to Operations Director within two years. My leadership helped a lighting company grow from $9M to $28M annually. By 2008, I had launched OC-3D Solid Designs, serving 28 custom lighting clients and designing two of the world’s largest light fixtures.
In 2010, as the head of product design at Solatube, I challenged industry norms by introducing “Decorative Diffusers,” a product category now ubiquitous across competitors. This innovation earned me recognition from the Eneref Institute in 2011 for changing the tubular skylight industry.
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Entrepreneurship and Digital Transformation (2014-2021)
In 2014, I founded Designwal, a social platform for the interior design industry. By assembling a powerhouse team, we reached 500,000 monthly visitors within two years. This experience sharpened my understanding of technology’s role in community building.
Public speaking and podcasting became significant parts of my career in 2017. My podcast Design Talk LIVE reached 3.2 million views in 2018, providing a platform to elevate voices in the design world. I also produced live-streamed shows like Design Hot Seat and LIVE with Angie Everhart, demonstrating my ability to blend entertainment with meaningful dialogue.
In 2020, I pivoted during the pandemic by producing 58 showroom videos for furniture companies, generating an average of 178,000 clicks per brand. This initiative not only supported businesses but also reinforced my commitment to innovative solutions in times of crisis.
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Empowering Communities Through Technology (2021-Present)
The launch of Join inCrowd in 2021 marked a new chapter in my career. This digital contact card platform, initially priced at $1/month, has since evolved to include multiple QR codes, offering users flexibility in networking.
Meanwhile, I expanded my efforts to connect communities by creating white-labeled podcasts for brands, producing TISEtv for The International Surface Event, and hosting monthly events for Tech Alley Denver.
In 2023, I published 26 books on interior design and related topics, established Invite Business Insider to feature small businesses, and founded “Founder Rehab,” a 12-step program for entrepreneurs recovering from failed ventures. Each of these projects reflects my belief in resilience and the power of storytelling.
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Looking Ahead: Building Local Impact (2024 and Beyond)
My latest venture, One Bite Foodie, aims to revolutionize the food review industry by enabling influencers to generate revenue while driving traffic to local businesses. This platform encapsulates my lifelong mission: to create tools and opportunities that empower people, foster connections, and inspire innovation.
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A Life Defined by Growth and Giving Back
Looking back on my life, I see a journey defined by transformation, innovation, and the unwavering belief in the power of connection. Every stage, from my early days in front of the camera to my latest entrepreneurial endeavors, has been a stepping stone toward understanding how to create meaningful systems, foster community, and deliver lasting value.
Whether it was learning storytelling as a young actor, shaping industry standards through strategic innovation, or building platforms that empower brands and communities, my career has been anything but conventional. I've always sought to bridge creativity and strategy, focusing on the human element that drives businesses forward.
Through decades of hands-on experience—launching platforms, producing content, mentoring entrepreneurs, and designing groundbreaking products—I’ve learned how to turn concepts into revenue streams, align marketing with customer needs, and build communities that thrive on genuine engagement. These lessons didn’t come easy, but each one taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the courage to challenge the status quo.
Now, I find myself uniquely positioned to help medium and large brands innovate and establish systems that drive results. My ability to see the big picture while sweating the details has allowed me to craft strategies that balance creativity with functionality. I don’t just bring solutions—I bring a lifetime of insights from industries as diverse as entertainment, design, technology, and community building.
The perfect storm of my career, built on a foundation of storytelling, technical expertise, and community-driven approaches, enables me to guide brands seeking to innovate, establish revenue streams, and create impactful customer experiences. Together, we can develop systems and processes that prioritize authenticity, build trust, and leave an enduring legacy.
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