Employment History

Creative Consultant

Freelance
Omaha, NE | January 2000 — Present

For over two decades, I’ve partnered with entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses to bring their brands to life and elevate their marketing efforts. From brand development and visual identity to multi-channel marketing campaigns, I provide creative solutions tailored to each client’s goals. My work spans print advertising, social media content, copywriting, and design—offering strategic and visually compelling results that help businesses stand out and grow.

• Develop creative visual solutions for a wide range of marketing challenges
• Interface directly with clients to understand business needs and brand goals
• Design and refresh brand identities for startups and rebranding projects
• Create business collateral such as brochures, business cards, and signage
• Design marketing materials for print and digital platforms
• Produce online graphics for websites, email campaigns, and social media
• Offer social media consulting for content strategy and platform optimization
• Create and schedule social media content for business accounts
• Write blog content and compelling marketing copy tailored to each brand

Continuing Education Instructor

Metropolitan Community College
Omaha, NE | January 2024 — Present

As a Continuing Education Instructor at Metropolitan Community College, I teach introductory courses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to a mix of professional and hobbyist students. I develop curriculum, create engaging presentations, and provide hands-on demonstrations to help students understand AI concepts. My courses have been well-received, particularly by older students seeking to gain a better understanding of AI. I continuously adapt course content to meet the needs of students and ensure clarity, even for those without a technical background.

• Teach introductory AI courses to beginner students.
• Develop course materials and presentations using Google Slides and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Adapt lessons based on student feedback for better understanding.
• Collaborate with the Continuing Education Coordinator to improve course topics.
• Use AI tools and web browsers for hands-on demonstrations.
• Help students grasp complex AI concepts in an easy-to-understand way.
• Expand knowledge of AI technologies and teaching skills.

Owner/Operator

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
Omaha, NE | August 2020 — January 2025

As Owner/Operator of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, I managed every facet of the business, from daily operations and team supervision to client relations and production. I led the store’s custom apparel services, working directly with customers and major clients to deliver high-quality, on-brand garments. My role included hands-on graphic design, order fulfillment, vendor management, and strategic problem-solving to maintain a 5-star customer experience—even amid challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Delivered exceptional customer service through in-person, phone, and email interactions
• Managed daily operations, including equipment prep, routine maintenance, and order fulfillment
• Produced graphic design work for custom apparel, ensuring brand alignment and quality
• Supervised and delegated tasks to full-time and part-time staff
• Maintained inventory levels and fostered strong vendor relationships
• Built and sustained B2B relationships with notable clients such as Dollar General, Omaha Steaks, and Costco
• Navigated business challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 on retail sales
• Ensured on-time production and upheld a consistent 5-star customer experience

Graphic Designer

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
Omaha, NE | June 2019 — August 2020

As a Graphic Designer at Big Frog Omaha, I worked directly with customers to create personalized garment designs tailored to their needs and stories. By asking the right questions, I ensured each design reflected the client’s vision while maintaining strong visual appeal. I used industry-standard software to create custom artwork, handled file preparation, and assisted with production processes to ensure high-quality results. I also contributed to the store’s social media presence, showcasing designs and engaging the local community.

• Created custom artwork and apparel designs based on client input and brand goals
• Delivered excellent customer service, guiding clients through the design process
• Utilized tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CorelDRAW for image creation, photo manipulation, and typography
• Prepared design files for production, ensuring accurate printing and garment quality
• Assisted in the physical production of custom garments
• Maintained and updated store social media accounts to promote services and products

Director of Marketing

Green Dragon
Denver, CO | January 2018 — May 2018

At Green Dragon, a leading cannabis retail chain, I led a company-wide rebrand and built a full-service, in-house marketing department. I directed branding, advertising, environmental design, and digital content while maintaining consistent messaging across all customer touchpoints. I managed a growing team, worked closely with operations leadership, and negotiated media buys to maximize ROI. My creative direction and cross-functional collaboration resulted in a more unified brand presence across retail, print, digital, and e-commerce platforms.

• Directed a comprehensive brand refresh and implemented it across digital, print, and retail environments
• Managed and grew a marketing department of four including coordinators and graphic designers
• Art directed advertising campaigns for print, digital, and radio channels
• Collaborated with operations leadership to develop strategic, localized marketing campaigns
• Brought social media and email marketing in-house, streamlining production and reducing costs
• Led media buys and negotiated contracts with vendors for print and broadcast placements
• Oversaw retail environmental design for new store locations
• Supervised content development, including copywriting for the company’s WordPress website
• Created custom imagery for social media, email, and advertising
• Coordinated e-commerce photography and product presentation

Director of Branding and Marketing

STRAINWISE®
Denver, CO | February 2016 — August 2017

At STRAINWISE®, a pioneering cannabis brand, I led the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, and in-store channels. My focus was on increasing brand awareness, driving customer engagement, and ensuring strict regulatory and brand compliance. I helped shape public perception by elevating the brand’s presence in a rapidly growing, often scrutinized industry.

• Designed and managed multi-platform marketing campaigns that aligned with brand standards and compliance regulations
• Boosted brand awareness and retail foot traffic through strategic promotions and storytelling
• Evaluated new marketing opportunities to expand visibility and reach
• Oversaw internal teams and third-party vendors to maintain a cohesive brand voice
• Maintained brand integrity and compliance across all print and digital assets
• Delegated marketing projects, managing timelines and deliverables with efficiency
• Wrote marketing and advertising copy tailored to a regulated audience
• Ensured all materials met industry compliance standards, especially regarding advertising content and product claims

Associate Marketing Specialist

First American Title Insurance
Denver, CO | July 2015–February 2016

At First American Title Insurance, I focused on providing clients with tailored marketing materials that adhered to brand standards and met specific requirements. I managed everything from post-production image processing to template development, assisting clients with their marketing needs on a case-by-case basis. I also worked closely with outside vendors to ensure timely fulfillment and delivery of marketing collateral.

• Image post-production: Managed color correction, cropping, background removal, and alignment for client images
• Template development: Created new, brand-compliant templates in Adobe InDesign for flyers, brochures, and postcards
• Client support: Worked directly with clients to answer questions, solve creative challenges, and customize marketing materials
• Vendor coordination: Ensured fulfillment and delivery of marketing materials by working closely with outside vendors
• Created print-ready files that met vendor specifications and client needs
• Developed and maintained brand-consistent materials for both clients and First American Title
• Assisted clients with other marketing needs, offering creative solutions for various projects
• Copywriting: Crafted clear and concise messaging for marketing materials

Social Media Senior

SOAPOINT
Denver, CO | February 2013 — February 2015

At SOAPOINT, I played a pivotal role in developing and executing social media strategies for clients across various industries. My focus was on curating engaging content, writing copy, and maintaining a consistent online presence that aligned with each client’s brand voice. I utilized social media scheduling tools and collaborated with third-party vendors to ensure the timely execution of campaigns.

• Developed and implemented social media marketing strategies tailored to client needs
• Curated and created engaging content for client social media feeds
• Scheduled social media posts using Hootsuite and other scheduling tools to ensure timely delivery
• Designed custom images to support social media content and drive engagement
• Managed press releases and blog content to enhance online presence
• Copywriting: Developed compelling, brand-appropriate copy for social media and blog posts
• Created blog post images to improve visual appeal and reader engagement
• Collaborated with third-party vendors to complete projects and campaigns
• Developed a yearly marketing calendar to ensure consistent and strategic content planning

Graphic Designer/Social Media Specialist

Medina Communications Corp.
Golden, CO | January 2010 — February 2013

At Medina Communications, I developed creative solutions to address client marketing, branding, and social media needs. My role involved designing print and digital ads, curating content, and managing social media platforms. I worked directly with clients to understand their goals and deliver high-quality, on-brand collateral while also improving internal processes by evaluating new technologies.

• Developed creative marketing strategies and branding solutions by consulting with clients and understanding their needs
• Maintained open communication with clients, ensuring their concerns regarding collateral were addressed promptly
• Delivered high-quality materials within project deadlines while adhering to established brand guidelines
• Created and updated print and digital ads, including web banners and social media ad graphics
• Designed social media graphics for platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare
• Copywriting: Developed engaging copy for social media posts and marketing materials
• Researched, purchased, and maintained stock photography library for client use
• Branding: Created custom logos and brand identities for new and evolving businesses
• Ensured consistent brand standards across all marketing collateral for clients
• Developed naming conventions, workflow protocols, and archiving practices to streamline project management

Additional Duties:

• New Technology Analyst: Evaluated social media platforms and recommended the best solutions based on findings
• Hardware & Software Implementation: Researched and introduced new technologies to improve internal workflow and backup capabilities
• Computer Technician: Maintained and upgraded company computers, performing both hardware and software updates

Jr. Graphic Designer

Sharper Agent, LLC
Denver, CO | November 2007 — December 2008

• Located & downloaded appropriate images from stock photo libraries
• Replaced out of date images in marketing pieces
• Updated and redesigned outdated marketing pieces
• Maintained company standards in image use and piece design

Customer Service Representative

Sharper Agent, LLC
Denver, CO | January 2007 — November 2007

• Answered customer questions
• Walked clients thru different aspects of Sharper Agent’s products
• Setup and maintained client accounts
• Updated/maintained the company knowledge base system

Graphic & Layout Artist

Auto Latino Magazine
Aurora, CO | August 2006 — November 2006 (3 months)

Imported digital images from cameras and other digital media
Prepared images for print, including color correction and CMYK formatting
Input images into magazine layout using Quark Xpress
Created layouts for new client advertising