About me
Professional creativity
My professional path began in 2008 as a Web Designer at Invitrogen. In 2010, I raised my hand to design the company’s first iPhone app, a move that sparked a lifelong obsession with user experience (UX) design.
Over the next few years I built my UI and UX design portfolio by diving head first into any software project I could find. Along the way I shared in receiving a few design awards and patents for ground-breaking apps.
Nearly two decades later, I am still energized by the creative puzzle of design, though my focus has shifted from executing pixels to leading the people who do.
Management style
My leadership role models
I believe the best work happens in environments defined by autonomy, constructive feedback, and empathy. My philosophy was shaped significantly in 2018 by a manager who asked me a single, transformative question: “What would you rather be doing?”
That question was an invitation to take ownership of my future. It guided my growth from a UX Lead to a UX Manager, and it remains the cornerstone of my own leadership today.
Prioritizing people
As a leader, my top priority is to listen. By understanding what my team members truly want to achieve, I can:
Uncover growth opportunities that align with their passions.
Identify and remove roadblocks early.
Foster a culture of trust and high job satisfaction.
I’ve found that prioritizing well-being isn't just kind—it is the most effective way to build a team capable of hitting ambitious lead and revenue targets.
Home life in Portland
I live with my wife, Destiny, in beautifully rainy Portland, Oregon. We celebrated our 22nd anniversary in 2026 and it has been an incredible adventure. On our off hours you’ll find us on a road trip to a national park, watching a true crime documentary, or catching a local stand-up set.
We love animals so our household is a busy one, shared with one dog, three cats, and five chickens. Our dream is to retire to a small homestead where we can raise goats and write fantasy novels.
