Meet Ben.
Curious by nature. Creative by trade.
Usually happiest somewhere in the mess.
BIO
I've never fit particularly neatly into one creative box. And at this point, I think that's the point.
My career started with a foundation in journalism and public relations, but curiosity kept pulling me into new territory. Storytelling led to production. Production led to creative direction. Creative direction opened the door to brand strategy, content, marketing, and building and leading teams. Along the way, I've worked inside organizations, alongside agencies, and on my own, helping turn complicated ideas into work people can actually connect with.
I've led creative teams, built content programs, directed films, shaped brands, managed productions around the world, and worked with everyone from executives and professional athletes to filmmakers, marketers, designers, and plenty of strong personalities.
The common thread isn't a particular medium or job title. It's figuring out what we're really trying to do, finding the idea worth chasing, and bringing the right people together to make it happen.
That's probably why I'm most comfortable when things aren't completely figured out yet.
“Ben is a dynamic leader who can drive results while fostering creativity and collaboration. He brought comprehensive leadership to every creative and content project we launched together.”
DEVON KLINE
VP of Platform Experience, Gloo
“In an industry where egos often overshadow creativity, Ben’s selflessness and attentive listening skills stand out. His contributions enriched every project we undertook.”
JULIE FLESENER
Director of Communications & Creative, Vermillion Design
A Few Things I Believe
Curiosity beats certainty. (Discovery)
I'd rather walk into the room asking good questions than pretending I already have all the answers. The best ideas usually start with why? or what if?
Good ideas get better when people push on them. (Collaboration)
I like strong opinions, healthy debate, and people who see things differently than I do. Collaboration isn't everyone agreeing. It's everyone making the idea better.
Nobody does great work alone. (Ubuntu)
Talent matters. So does trust. I believe in bringing good people together, giving them room to be good at what they do, and making sure everyone knows what we're trying to accomplish.
Make it better than you found it. (Kaizen)
Big breakthroughs are great. So are a hundred small improvements nobody notices. I'm a believer in constantly learning, adjusting, and making the next version better than the last.
Different perspectives make better work. (Diversity)
The more interesting the mix of experiences, backgrounds, disciplines, and points of view around the table, the more interesting the possibilities become.
Give a damn. (Passion)
About the work. About the details. About the people you're doing it with and the people you're doing it for. Enthusiasm is contagious. So is indifference.
“We couldn’t find anybody with a robust creative voice and a strong grasp of the X’s and Y’s of marketing. Then Ben walks in... Our visual storytelling has jumped strata, all due to Ben’s influence, eye, and leadership.”
NICK MALLORY
VP of Marketing, Rogue Ales
For the personality-test people:
CliftonStrengths: Strategic, Self-Assurance, Ideation, Command, Adaptability.
Insights Discovery: Motivating Inspirer.
“He’s great at tackling projects by first (truly) understanding the ‘why,’ and has the creative chops to execute a bold vision.”
ZACH BECHTEL
Former colleague, Blackbaud
And because nobody is just their résumé...
One more thing you should probably know about me.
I take the work seriously. Myself, considerably less so.