The director of marketing & communications for the Boyd School of Law says he draws inspiration from a favorite Walt Disney quote.
Why UNLV?
As a UNLV alum ( '05 BS Business Administration - Marketing) and Las Vegas resident, I really believe in the Top Tier Initiative and am eager to assist however I am able. At the law school, specifically, there are a lot of incredible research, work and community initiatives being done by extremely talented faculty and students. I’m very excited to help tell those stories while helping to continue raising the profile of UNLV Law.
What about UNLV strikes you as different from other places you have worked or where you went to school?
I love that students and faculty take such incredible pride in UNLV. The loyalty to the school and campus is really remarkable, particularly given its size.
Where did you grow up and what was that like?
I grew up in Redlands, California, which is as small town of an experience as you can probably get in the region. It was nestled against the mountains and surrounded by orange groves. There was snow for a few days in the winter and the incredible smell of citrus blossoms in the spring.
What inspired you to get into your field?
There wasn’t a time I didn’t want to go into marketing communications and can’t really pinpoint one specific thing. It could be a combination of how the profession was presented in mass media along with all the great branding I was exposed to in Southern California (i.e. Disneyland).
What is the biggest challenge in your field?
There are a few…Constantly being aware of new technology and figuring if and how it works into your marketing mix. Also, determining how best to break through the everyday clutter. Consumers are inundated by a never-ending cycle of messaging which is leading to a shortened time span for branding to resonate.
Is there something people on campus can do to make your job easier?
Plan and communicate. While marketing and advertising represent fast-moving mediums, well-executed campaigns with measurable results take time to build. Developing objectives for the year helps a lot — particularly since it allows communicators to continually weave in key messaging. And let us know when things change…or go wrong.
Tell us about a time in your life when you have been daring.
I decided that I needed a break from hospitality marketing so I took a job in technology. It wasn’t the best fit but I learned a lot and met some incredible people around the world.
Finish this sentence, "If I couldn't work in my current field, I would like to...”
study and teach European history, specifically English history, from the Wars of the Roses through the Glorious Revolution — ideally, while living in England.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I can be rather shy, which is really shocking given that my profession requires a lot of presentations, public speaking, and the occasional on-camera interview.
Tell us about someone you admire and why.
I’ve had the great opportunity to work with some of the most brilliant business and marketing professionals in the industry. I can’t just pick one person so I am going to pick one unit of two people: my parents. They are some of the hardest working, dedicated people I know but always made time, and sacrifices, for family. Without their example I wouldn’t have had the aforementioned opportunities.
Any tips for success?
Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t dwell on them but make sure you learn from them.
Pastimes or hobbies?
I love to travel and read. I’m also a big fan of the movies.
Please tell us about an item in your office that has significance for you.
On my desk is a small sign with the Walt Disney quote "Its Kind of Fun to do the Impossible." I've been very fortunate in my career to collaborate on a lot of incredible brands that have allowed me to work on some amazing campaigns, openings, launches, and activations all over the world. Along the journey I've also been surrounded by some of the most talented and creative team members. Through the years there have been times where it just felt overwhelming. However, we've always been able to band together and make what felt like the impossible come to fruition. This gift from a team member always gives me a little reminder and push.
