Then: my life before Matchstic
I grew up in Nashville, TN on a farm, and I don't even like country music. I graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BFA in Graphic Design and moved to Atlanta after working for one summer at Sony Music in Nashville. While at Sony, I fell in love with entertainment design (and country music). I guess I knew that was the closest I'd ever get to becoming a real rock star. I moved to Atlanta on a whim and brought only my computer, a pillow, and a pair of underwear. In Atlanta, I met Craig and after a short stint at Sixthman, we started Matchstic in 2003.
Now: my life at Matchstic
I work with the creative team on big picture concepts and make sure every project is remarkable. I'm here to make us better. I love big picture ideas. I love trying to be dynamic. I have amazing designers that make my job a lot easier. I'm very blessed.
Test: lessons in branding
Staying focused. A strong brand is focused and dangerous. This is easier said than done. The biggest test in being successful isn't finding opportunities, it’s saying no to the ones that aren't your focus.
Read: recommended reading
Purple Cow by Seth Godin. "Be obsessed with remarkable" is my favorite quote and is from the book. It’s short, concise, and focused. It helps drive me. The book also reaffirms that you have to standout to get noticed. That is one of the fundamental principles at Matchstic, mainly because growing up my mom could always see me on the playground because my red hair. I've grow accustomed to standing out.
Crush: my favorite brand
Right now, Snickers. I love their unique and hilarious positioning. They know their audience and what makes us tick. Their latest campaign, "FEAST", is utterly brilliant.
Trophy: a recent accomplishment
Putting a new stake in the ground. Every new client must be willing to have an all day, face-to-face meeting to ensure we have crystal clear clarity and get to know each other better.
Confession: on working at Matchstic
I'm not going to lie; creating a place like Matchstic is really amazing and fun. But after the caffeine and sugar highs I often take short naps at my desk. My hand is still on the mouse and my head appears to be staring at the monitor. Once, I nodded off and erased right through the face I was cutting out in Photoshop. It’s a very light cat nap though, and I have only been caught once in four years.
Bite: first food that comes to mind when I think of Matchstic
Bacon 'N Eggs. That's what is constantly being cooked in the kitchen for our Brands 'N Eggs meetings, so the smell instantly makes me think of Matchstic.
Life: my world
I have a home in East Atlanta about a mile down the road from the office and boy oh boy does that make life sweet. I ride my monsterous mile communte on a scooter and hum "Life is a highway" in my head. I love my church (Buckhead Church) and try to stay active and involved. I love travel and adventure. I'm also one of the few unmarried guys at the office, which tends to lead to long work nights, quick dinners, and Facebook. I also dominate at: nerf gun wars, costume contests, dance offs, fantasy football, wakeboarding, the limbo, volleyball, cutting my grass, looking like Chris Martin, and watching Law and Order.