Stories
“…that’s the power of music.”
Tonight’s inaugural Music Heals Live! event at highlighted the incredible impact music can have during some of life’s most difficult moments. The evening brought together artists, industry leaders, and supporters to celebrate the volunteers and advocates helping make that mission possible.
The Music Streaming Forgot
Here I am again on my soapbox about artists preserving their catalogs on digital music platforms for future generations to discover.
Nine Binders of Memories (and Counting)
From LiveJournal memories to mini binder time capsules, I’m trying to find a better way to capture life’s small moments.
Unreleased Songs, Deluxe Editions, and the Future of Catalog Music
Picture it. It’s 2012. I’m sitting on Music Row in the office of Rolling Thunder Management trying to figure out how to get a few albums my friend Deborah Allen recorded for Capitol Records, RCA Records, and Giant Records onto digital music platforms. Spotify was just getting started. Apple Music didn’t exist yet. iTunes was king.
Behind the Build: Creating the Baywatch Casting Website
A big thank you to Fremantle US for including me on this new Baywatch project for Fox Entertainment! Check out the website I designed at baywatchcastingcall.com and learn more in Variety's announcement about the reboot here.
Through the Lens at Sin City Classic 2025
See highlights from Sin City Classic 2025, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ sports festival, including multi-sport coverage and community moments.
Rediscovering Family Memories: A Holiday Visit, Old Home Videos, and a Grandmother’s Kiss
During a recent holiday visit, I revisited decades-old family home videos—including reunion footage from my dad’s side of the family—and discovered a moment I had never noticed before: my grandmother pulling me close and kissing me on the cheek. In a time before smartphones and constant documentation, these rare recordings preserve pieces of our family history that might otherwise have been lost.
It’s The Most Wonderful…
This year, I once again tried to rein in my holiday card list—and while I still sent more than I planned, I’m happy to report I didn’t quite hit the 200-card milestone of years past. That said, I wanted to share the year-in-review insert that went out with my cards—consider this a little sneak peek.
Why Updating One Hotel Sign Became One of My Most Meaningful Hospitality Wins
I hope this project isn’t the pinnacle of my hospitality career, but it is one of the most meaningful challenges I’ve conquered so far.
How a Neon Sign Sparked a Full Restaurant Rebrand at DoubleTree Nashville
It all started with a "neon" sign.
Why Brand Consistency Matters in Hotel Marketing and Design
When designing for hotels, I take pride in aligning closely with each brand’s identity standards — not only to ensure consistency but to capture the essence of what makes each brand recognizable. At this point, I’ve even earned the affectionate nickname “Brand Police” for my dedication to maintaining those standards.
AGT Auditions
Due to a bit of perfect timing, I was invited to redesign the official auditions website for NBC’s hit talent competition series, America’s Got Talent. Thanks to Nick and Meg for the opportunity!
Keep Your Marketing Team In The Loop
Thank you to CJ Arlotta from CJ Media Solutions, LLC for asking me to write a column for his "cj's weekly check-in" Substack newsletter this week! In this article, I talk about the importance of keeping your marketing team in the loop, early AND often.
Sin City Classic
Last week, I attended the Sin City Classic in Las Vegas, where I helped my best friend, Nick, a board member, with event preparations and photography. This year I photographed Pickleball, Kickball, Softball, Soccer and various other events, including the closing party with Melanie C of The Spice Girls fame. I also visited the Neon Boneyard for some photos, making it a fun and productive trip.
Happy Holidays!
This year, I significantly reduced the number of holiday cards I sent out, scaling back from over 200 to just over 60.
If you didn’t receive one, please know it’s nothing personal—I truly appreciate you!
One of my 2024 goals has been to simplify and downsize in various areas of my life, and cutting back on holiday cards was a small but meaningful step in that effort.
That said, I’d still love to share the year-in-review insert I included with my cards—take a look!
Twenty Years Without Her: A Personal Reflection on Loss, Love, and Saying Goodbye
On the 20th anniversary of my paternal grandmother’s passing, a deeply personal reflection on racing to say goodbye, the pain of loss, family, and the enduring love that never fades with time.
Thank You, Jennifer Blome.
I sent a care package of Crumbl Cookies to Jennifer Blome on the eve of her retirement from KTRS Radio in St. Louis.
Questex’s Hotel Management Announces the 2024 “Forty Over 40” Award Winners
Questex’s Hotel Management today announces 2024’s “Forty Over 40” list, which showcases dedicated, enthusiastic leaders in the hospitality industry who are age 40 plus.
Three SPIRE Hospitality Team Members Recognized as one of Hotel Management’s Forty over 40 in 2024
Hotel Management magazine announced today their Forty over 40 class, which includes three SPIRE Hospitality executives.