Why did you become involved in the AMA?
Rachel Kingham (current President) said she would kill me if I didn’t join and I don’t take those kind of threats lightly. Actually Rachel is one of the nicest people I know; she’s a primary reason I became involved. I also became involved to meet more local marketers and professionals in my field. I work mostly with marketing professionals outside of the Reno area and I’d like that to change.
What about marketing most interests you?
It’s challenging and completely predictable unpredictable. My daily focus is mostly on digital marketing and design, that’s what interests me most.
Tell us about yourself and what you do.
I’m a California transplant. Fifteen years ago I came to Reno to get a college degree at UNR and the area grew on me. I founded D4 Advanced Media in 2005. It started as a web design company and has grown into a digital marketing and design agency. I’m a web developer and entrepreneur at heart.
What’s one thing most people wouldn’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I have four children and two other businesses (outside of D4). I’m a family man and I love my wife and kids, a lot.
What is your favorite thing about Reno/Tahoe?
By the time I graduated from UNR it had grown on me like a cancer, heart cancer. It’s hard for me to sum up why I love Reno but here are some of my favorite things: I like the all-you-can-eat sushi, I like the blue skies and wide open spaces, I like the Sierra mountains and all the wilderness around it. I like the community and the people who live here. I like Nevada and the business benefits of the state. I like that Reno is underrated; it’s the underdog of the West and I like “rooting” for the underdog. It’s been great to see Reno evolve during the time I’ve lived here. I just hope it doesn’t change too much, I kind of like it the way it is…did I mention I like all-you-can eat sushi?
What type of marketing inspires or interests you the most?
Consumer behavior and big data interests me. If we could collectively tap into everyone’s brains I think we could solve the world’s problems. Or at least match their wants and needs with some pretty cool products.