"Because the purpose of business is to create a customer, the business enterprise has two—and only two—basic functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results; all the rest are costs. Marketing is the distinguishing, unique function of the business." ~ Peter Drucker

Brand // Strategy // Design

I am a brand & marketing strategy consultant. My skill is developing consumer and market insights, then translating those insights into meaningful criteria for companies to design products, systems and communications that improve both top and bottom line performance. The results typically are innovative, differentiating and exciting. 

I have a rich hands-on background including advertising, retail, new product development, identity and visual language, packaging and communications, public relations and Internet technology. My clients represent a range of business segments: manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, retail, pharma and financial services.

My beliefs are developed through many perspectives on the industry -- I'm proud of having been an award-winning copywriter, managed a lot of printing, media and some manufacturing, run an award-winning newspaper, taught advertising, marketing and copy writing in major Universities at both undergraduate and graduate levels, managed hundreds of projects (ads, commercials, brochures, sales sheets, promotions, events, annual reports, catalogs, direct mail, packaging, brand strategy engagements, websites, large scale IT architecture, industrial design and engineering programs) and client relationships as an account executive/planner. 

I've been employed by prominent regional ad agencies, pioneering multidisciplinary design firms and juggernaut global internet consultants to complete my understanding of the 'big picture,' and the 'big idea.' I own my clients' accountability to on-time and on-budget, and I always stand up to defend strategy, brand and user.

Today I care most about using design to create brand definition, differentiation and innovation for my clients. It is my belief that design-thinking is one of the most powerful and under-utilized business skills. My mission is to help create compelling experiences for the customer and end-user across business models.

In addition I am the co-creator of the German Village Guest House, a popular alternative to downtown Columbus hotels in an acclaimed historic neighborhood. Modern design, cleanliness and luxury details differentiate our innovative hotel brand. Ranked #1 Bed & Breakfast/Boutique Hotel in Central Ohio on TripAdvisor.com and named the 'Best Hotel in Columbus' by 614 Magazine. Closed by Covid-19.