About Me
Remember that scene in Disney's "Inside Out" where they introduce core memories? I have one etched into my mind, perhaps my earliest vivid recollection. Picture this: my grandfather in his garage—a tinkerer's sanctuary. He's at his workbench, bathed in the glow of a single light, crafting something mysterious. Later, he presents me with a small motorcycle toy, hand-made from wood scraps, washers, and bolts. My face lights up, mirrored by his wry smile. In that moment, I learned a profound lesson: imagination and creation have the power to spark joy.
This core memory has shaped my profession. Today, I've transformed that spark into a career that blends branding, product design, and engineering. My journey began with graphic design, telling visual stories, and crafting aesthetically pleasing experiences. As technology captured my imagination, I dove into coding, marrying my visual skills with engineering to create software.
My career took me to California, where I led a team at Trailer Park, collaborating with giants like Apple, Disney, and Marvel. Then came ZipRecruiter—a wild ride from a 10-person startup to a NYSE-listed company. As VP of Product Design, I built and led a team of 35+ creatives, focusing on user-centric, visually appealing products that solved real problems.
The ZipRecruiter experience was truly transformative, exposing me to every stage of a company's growth. It was a journey that deepened my understanding of product design and leadership, which broadened my perspective on the role of creativity in business. As the years passed, I found myself yearning for something more. I wanted to move beyond data-driven optimization to create products that people genuinely cared about. While I did implement some changes, like investing in a cohesive design system, I realized I needed to chart my course to pursue my vision entirely.
This realization led me to found 941 Apps, a branding and development studio. I'm pursuing my Ikigai—the sweet spot where passion, skill, purpose, and livelihood intersect. I'm creating iOS applications that are simple, necessary, and enjoyable while also consulting with select companies on branding, product design, and engineering.
My goal today is to craft digital experiences that resonate deeply with users—applications that are remembered and enjoyed. Essentially, I'm chasing that same feeling my grandfather had when he handed me that toy motorcycle. It's about creating something from nothing, imparting joy, and leaving a lasting impression.
That's my path—a journey from a wide-eyed kid in a garage to a creator of digital experiences, always guided by that core memory of imagination, creation, and the simple joy of making someone smile.
