Hometown
Andover, MA
What is your job at Dailybreak?
As Head of Design, I manage a super talented design team. I also design and execute all client-facing Challenges. This includes working with Client Relations on all paid Challenges and mock-up proposal Challenges with the sales team to help close deals.
What brought you to Dailybreak?
Dailybreak was in need of a kick ass designer to produce a lot of Challenges under an aggressive timeline. I was brought to Dailybreak. My devotion for design, past experience, work ethic and positive attitude all attribute to me and Dailybreak playing nice together.
Do you have any favorite stories from your work life?
The day I realized I was fully accountable for my own design work. On May 9th, 2010, my first day as a Dailybreaker I asked, "Who's going to approve my work?" Coming from the corporate workplace, having my design filter through a dozen people before seeing the customer, this was an appropriate question for me to ask. The response to my surprise was, "What do you mean, you are." This was the day I knew I belonged at Dailybreak.
What does the typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me starts off with waking up to Mute Math - Typical, ironic, I know. Try it, you'll get right up and feel good about life. The day at the office consists of working with the design team to ensure at least 2 new Challenges are designed and launched. I provide ideas and feedback for Challenge designs. Daily at 2pm, the troops are rallied up for a 2-minute plank, a 2-minute wall sit and pushups. These breaks prevent burnouts. The rest of the day is spent working on partnership or sponsored Challenges with Sales and Client Relations. I snack on dried mangos, Brazil nuts, peanuts, drinks water from a giant glass vase, and drink tea when I'm not playing Foosball.
Why do you come to work in the morning?
I have never thought, "Aw, man I have go to work today," since working at Dailybreak. I am very grateful for the position I'm in and I love to come in everyday. I feel fortunate to be able to design with such freedom and work with such a great group of energetic people.
What lessons has your work life taught you?
Work life has taught me patience and the value of communication. Too many times, projects lose efficiency over miscommunication. Deadlines can be missed and projects can lead down the wrong path. You cannot leave it up to interpretation. Communication needs to be clear.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in pursuing a similar line of work?
Run through online tutorials to strengthen technical skill, read books about design and business, and establish a network of designers to stay contact with. Contact me directly for a resource, advice, or if you just want to start up some banter.
What is the best part of working at Dailybreak?
The best part about working at Dailybreak is the freedom. Everyone puts in a lot of energy because we are passionate about the success of the company. We also don't want to burn out, which is why we've mastered Foosball and Ping-Pong and do workout exercises through the day. Dailybreak has a great culture.
What's the coolest thing you've accomplished thus far working at Dailybreak?
I have helped cultivate a motivated design culture and team within the company. This has allowed for minute-by-minute collaboration between the team. Ideas are shared, skills are strengthened and there's always something new to learn, for each member on the team.
