Overview
A seasoned design team leader with over 30 years’ experience creating brand-right retail environments for a wide range of companies including General Motors, Krispy Kreme, Best Buy, Kroger, CVS, Whole Foods Market, Albertsons, The Home Depot and Chick-fil-A. Passionate champion for the creative aspect of the work but also mindful to deliver design solutions aligned to strategy, on time and within budget. Adept at shepherding initial client conversations, managing multi-disciplined creative teams, guiding partner discussions with architects and aligning with other technical partners along the entire lifespan of complex, multi-faceted retail design projects.
Senior Vice President, Chief Creative Officer
Miller Zell, Inc. | Atlanta, Georgia | 2013 - Current
Responsible for the creative point of view for Miller Zell and evangelizing the company’s creative capabilities to prospects and clients. Developing new and innovative creative strategies and ideas while achieving client goals and company objectives. Partners with business development team to identify and win new business.
Executive Creative Leadership
Serve as the Chief Creative Officer building confidence in clients of Miller Zell’s creative excellence.
Building client confidence, with both active and potential client base, by providing creative leadership.
Responsible for managing the creative studio: studio staffing, project scheduling, mentoring, and employee reviews [2013 - 2022].
Responsible for maintaining the quality of the company’s creative product.
Marketing and Business Development
Responsible for growing existing brands and participating in new business development to generate additional revenue.
Partner with the sales team focused on client acquisition strategies that allow sales and marketing teams to win new accounts.
Lead brand strategy development and execution through direct, ongoing relationships with executive client groups.
Support in business development including generating opportunity leads, proposals, fee & time estimates, pitch and presentation creation.
Assist Business Development team in pitching new business, evaluating ideas and establishing credibility with senior leadership within client companies and prospects.
Retail Thought Leadership
Produce regular thought leadership tied to new business efforts and marketing strategy.
Active as a thought leader within the industry and in verticals: retail, c-store, restaurant, collegiate.
Remain constantly aware of new developments within the retail industry to better service and maintain current clients and develop new business.
Responsible for establishing and maintaining the reputation of the company, as a creative leader in the retail industry. Accomplished via the video series: ‘Retail Evolving’, authoring industry articles and speaking at retail conferences.
Founding Partner, Chief Creative Officer
Authentic Retail Group | Pasadena, California | 2009 - 2013
Co-founded and built an integrated brand development firm, including environments and industrial design, brand strategy, and process workflow engineering for retail and restaurant.
Executive Creative Leadership
Serve as a partner and the Chief Creative Officer building and guiding the company’s work product.
Responsible for managing studio personnel, including design directors, project managers, designers and support staff.
Built and mentored the professional development of the eight person studio team.
Ownership of studio operations and job profitability.
Business Development
Develop client acquisition strategies that allow sales and marketing teams to win new accounts.
Pitch new business to board executives within client companies.
Lead brand strategy development and execution through direct, ongoing relationships with executive client groups.
Client Relationship
Serve as a guide to clients, fostering leadership through design and branding exercises and brand rollout efforts.
Ensure that clients understand and own branding work, driving client ownership.
Creative Director
Palladeo | Los Angeles, California | 2008 - 2009
Built and directed a fully integrated retail design workflow, including environments and industrial design, architecture, prototype manufacturing, and traditional agency services.
Prototype Director
WD Partners | Columbus, Ohio | 2004 - 2008
Provided leadership and creative direction for a team of approximately 25 associates. Responsible for producing design, brand and implementation (A&E) solutions for restaurant and retail clients. Responsible for developing the talent of the team for the company as well as representing the company to current and potential clients.
Education
Cleveland Institute of Art - Cleveland, Ohio, Bachelors of Fine Art: Major in Industrial Design, Minor in Graphic Design
Awards
Chain Store Age: Honorable Mention ‘Retail Store of the Year’
Chain Store Age: Special Award Brand Extension
Chain Store Age: Special Award
Convenience Store News: Best Original Design
Chain Store Age: First Place ‘Retail Store of the Year’
ISP/VM+SD: International Design Awards
Publications
ddi: “Fresh-Faced & Fabulous” Albertsons
ddi: “Fill ‘er up” The Home Depot ‘Fuel’
Future Forum: “Cutting Edge Store Design”
Convenience Store News (cover): “Design Matters”
Chain Leader: ‘Extreme Makeover’
Speaking
Cleveland Institute of Art, Guest Design Lecturer [ongoing since 2002]
DineAmerica Conference
Future Branches Boston - 2019
RestaurantPoint East - 2019 & 2021
GlobalShop/RetailX - 2019
Walmart Innovation Summit - 2019
Future Stores Miami- 2019 & 2020
StorePoint Fresh - 2020
StorePoint Orlando - 2022
CX Forum Atlanta Keynote - 2023
Technical Skills
Hand Sketching
Rendering
SketchUp
PhotoShop
Space Planning
Design Intent Drawing Packages
Leadership Strengths
Managing a Creative Studio
Design Process
Mentoring Design Team
Team Scheduling
Project Management
Client Acquisition