About me
Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me. I appreciate it.
My Start
I was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and was fortunate to be immersed in the rich colonial history of New England. There was not a single whaling museum, Pilgrim settlement, or American Revolutionary War reenactment that we did not see thanks to the influence of my history-enthused father, which I have come to appreciate.
When I was ten years old my family relocated to a remote mountaintop in Evergreen, Colorado, depicted on this page. The stark contrast between Boston and the mountain community of Evergreen instilled in me an appreciation for nature and the diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds that shape who we are.
In Colorado, weekends were dedicated to skiing with classmates and family friends. We honed our skills in flips and ski racing while also learning to maintain our equipment, navigate the wilderness, and avoid engagement with the local wildlife.
It was in Colorado that I developed an appreciation for community and a deep sense of camaraderie fostered by the challenge of getting through blizzards, avalanches, wildlife encounters, and the shared euphoria of blue sky powder days.
Early Entrepreneur
My entrepreneurial journey began in high school as a freelance muralist. I painted murals in upscale homes within my town and learned the art of customer acquisition by designing flyers and business cards targeted at affluent residents. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was crafting a brand, identifying my target audience, and developing a strategy to engage my customers—skills I continue to apply for my clients today.
Durango to Machu Picchu
I attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, motivated by a running scholarship, the proximity to premier skiing, and the institution’s liberal study abroad policy. During my time there, I studied in five different countries across Central and South America, including two years in Spain.
At 19, I embarked on my first study abroad trip to San Jose, Costa Rica, where I lived in a slum and became acutely aware of the harsh realities of poverty. This experience ignited a desire to contribute positively to the world.
While observing various NGOs in the Amazon jungle, I realized that many were inadvertently causing more harm than good, competing for limited resources and failing to implement effective solutions. In contrast, I witnessed the transformative impact of simple business owners making meaningful change. This realization motivated me to pursue business and entrepreneurship to drive positive global change.
I then spent two years in Spain, immersing myself in the vibrant cultures and history of Granada and Barcelona. I also spent as a summer in Ecuador and Peru.
During this period, I finally became a fluent Spanish speaker and developed a passion for living abroad and international travel.
New York City
After graduating, I first took up a ski job in Telluride Colorado, but an avalanche scare prompted my move to New York City, where my focus shifted from pursuing the most challenging ski runs to exploring the development of the Internet.
I felt that communication was humanity's most distinctive trait and that the Internet would have the potential to exponentially enhance our ability to comminicate, so I committed to learning everything I could about the transformative technology.
Digital Marketing
Although I recognized that coding was not my strong suit, I completed a web development course. After designing and coding my first personal website, I used the facade of my web skills to persuade a prominent digital media agency to hire me and provide training on the intricacies of the Internet. My first role was as a Search Engine Specialist at Mindshare, a WPP agency, where I directed millions of dollars in internet traffic from Google search engines to our clients’ websites. I developed expertise in data analytics and media placements; however, the monotonous nature of number crunching prompted me to explore a more engaging direction.
Branding
I was fortunate to secure a position at SubRosa, a leading branding agency founded by Michael Ventura, who imparted invaluable lessons on brand development. Under his mentorship, I had the privilege of contributing to the rebranding of some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including GE, Nike, Levi's, and Pantone, among others.
Through this experience, I learned that the branding process is consistent across industries, regardless of a brand’s size or nature. With this experience, I recognized that I could apply the same methodologies to any company, idea, or individual—including the ventures of friends and any interesting company needing a rebrand that I came across—leading me to establish my own agency.
Starting an Agency
In 2014, a record label CEO visited my agency office and asked for help "getting online." I agreed, not realizing at the time that Jason Flom, the CEO, was a legendary figure in the music industry. Jason became one of the most influential mentors in my early career and life.
I built his website, launched his social media channels, and coached him on content creation. From there, Jason took the reins, growing his audience to hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of podcast listeners for Wrongful Conviction, a show that sheds light on the unjust incarceration industry.
Beyond the music and incarceration industries, Jason taught me how to leverage business skills and relationships to tackle real-world issues. His work with the Innocence Project exemplifies this approach.
Blockchain and the Rabbit Hole
My second client, Don Tapscott, introduced me to the blockchain industry in 2014. Don, a renowned author, tasked me with expanding his social media presence in anticipation of the release of his bestseller Blockchain Revolution. I grew his following from 30,000 to over a million across various platforms and designed Don’s TED Talk presentation on blockchain, which has since garnered over seven million views.
I also played a key role in branding, launching, and growing the Blockchain Research Institute (BRI), which now operates internationally with thousands of members.
Over the years, I've been involved in numerous projects within the web3 industry, experiencing firsthand the rollercoaster of lessons learned. It’s been an exhilarating journey watching the rise of blockchain pioneers navigating the unregulated, borderless landscape of new-age currencies—and the scams that often accompany them.
While I could write volumes on the subject, I’ll summarize by saying this: blockchain technology is here to stay. It’s a crucial tool for fostering transparency, immutable records, and financial inclusion across the globe.
For more details about my experiences and services in the web3 world, visit my agency's website.
My Companies & Projects
Block Theory
Block Theory is a full-service branding, marketing, and PR agency that helps emerging technology companies launch and grow.
We develop brands, and marketing strategies, and set up marketing infrastructure. We design social media strategies and build community on and offline. We produce captivating events, get clients on the covers of magazines, and connect clients to strategic investors, advisors, partners, and media experts who can turbo-charge their brand into the great unknown.
Jupiter House
We are an art, tech, science club house and publication for evolutionary thinkers.
