I grew up a creative farm kid.

Growing up on a farm in rural Minnesota you learn a few things. You learn the value of hard work, You learn the value of honesty and integrity, and you learn from an early age that when your parents won't allow video games, you find your creativity. 

As a kid creativity was all around me. I spent hours outside riding my bike down miles of gravel roads looking for my next adventure. After my Mom would call me in for the night, I would write and draw about all of my experiences. I don't remember a time where I didn't thrive in a creative space. To me creativity is like breathing. 

The way that I express my creativity has changed over the years, but the thinking is always the same: creativity is everywhere and you never stop learning. Ever. That's what makes creating fun.

Since early in my career I knew I wanted to lead, and because of that I have had the honor and the privilege to lead some of the best and talented designers in the industry, I've learned along the way that a key to leading is to not only trust the talent on your team, but also establish a solid process to help the team succeed. Having efficiencies makes creativity more possible. When you're not caught in the mess you can be free to think and express your ideas. And that's what every creative really wants. Helping a team succeed and do their best work is what gives me energy. 

So there you have it. I'm a design geek that loves to mentor and build-up a team. I'm still like that farm kid, not afraid of hard work and love the challenge of every new adventure that comes my way.