About Me

About Me

About Me

Hi, I'm Mike!

I'm a communications specialist who loves making complicated things easy to understand. I'm good at taking technical information, like how to navigate Azure Key Vault, process credit reports, use ETL products, or understand JSON queries, and turning it into clear, helpful content.

I have experience working as a Product Manager , where I set the direction for projects and used methods like Scrum/Agile to translate business ideas into detailed plans. On the creative side, I know my way around design and visuals, using tools like Figma , Adobe Photoshop , and PowerPoint , plus basic web skills like HTML and CSS.

I focus on a few key things:

• Consistency and Reliability:

I've built automation scripts (macros) that cut down how long it takes to make documentation by 10%. I also created visual guides that were so helpful, they cut down repeat support requests by 40%, saving first responders over 20 hours a week.


• My Technical Toolkit:

I can read code and make alterations to CSS and HTML, and front-end frameworks like Framer (similar to WordPress) with ease. I use design tools like Photoshop, Figma, and Canva to create guides, and I use SharePoint , Freshdesk, Confluence , and Git for version control and knowledgebase management. I have also worked on AI prototyping.


• Keeping Everyone Informed:

I bring different teams together, like engineering and sales, to make sure everyone is on the same page about new product features and technical details. I am always ready to lend a hand to help on projects, learn, and take on new projects.

What I'm passionate about is taking tough ideas and creating communication solutions that are fun, creative, and actually help people use the product successfully.


Hi, I'm Mike!

I'm a communications specialist who loves making complicated things easy to understand. I'm good at taking technical information, like how to navigate Azure Key Vault, process credit reports, use ETL products, or understand JSON queries, and turning it into clear, helpful content.

I have experience working as a Product Manager , where I set the direction for projects and used methods like Scrum/Agile to translate business ideas into detailed plans. On the creative side, I know my way around design and visuals, using tools like Figma , Adobe Photoshop , and PowerPoint , plus basic web skills like HTML and CSS.

I focus on a few key things:

• Consistency and Reliability:

I've built automation scripts (macros) that cut down how long it takes to make documentation by 10%. I also created visual guides that were so helpful, they cut down repeat support requests by 40%, saving first responders over 20 hours a week.


• My Technical Toolkit:

I can read code and make alterations to CSS and HTML, and front-end frameworks like Framer (similar to WordPress) with ease. I use design tools like Photoshop, Figma, and Canva to create guides, and I use SharePoint , Freshdesk, Confluence , and Git for version control and knowledgebase management. I have also worked on AI prototyping.


• Keeping Everyone Informed:

I bring different teams together, like engineering and sales, to make sure everyone is on the same page about new product features and technical details. I am always ready to lend a hand to help on projects, learn, and take on new projects.

What I'm passionate about is taking tough ideas and creating communication solutions that are fun, creative, and actually help people use the product successfully.


A Tour of My Site Locations

My site is built around four places that I've called home. I invite you to enjoy a tour through these locations while you visit!

The first stop is Tucson, Arizona, where I’ve included cacti and other elements from the gorgeous Tucson desert. Next is Denver, which features iconic scenery like the infamous Bluecifer statue and the Cash Register/Wells Fargo building. Then we have The University of Oklahoma, the place where I earned my undergraduate degree, showcasing the Sooners mascot and the racing Sooner Schooner. Finally, we land in Pittsburgh, featuring the historic Duquesne Incline, an iceberg playing some hockey, and, of course, one of the city's iconic bridges.

A Tour of My Site Locations

My site is built around four places that I've called home. I invite you to enjoy a tour through these locations while you visit!

The first stop is Tucson, Arizona, where I’ve included cacti and other elements from the gorgeous Tucson desert. Next is Denver, which features iconic scenery like the infamous Bluecifer statue and the Cash Register/Wells Fargo building. Then we have The University of Oklahoma, the place where I earned my undergraduate degree, showcasing the Sooners mascot and the racing Sooner Schooner. Finally, we land in Pittsburgh, featuring the historic Duquesne Incline, an iceberg playing some hockey, and, of course, one of the city's iconic bridges.

Experience

Experience

Experience

Mortgage365

Technical Communication Specialist

Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Date: 05/2024 - 10/2025

Tap for Details

At Mortgage365, I served as the central translation layer between technical development and user enablement. My role went far beyond traditional technical writing; I acted as a bridge connecting Engineering, DevOps, Product, Client Success, and Marketing. I was responsible for synthesizing complex technical updates into clear, digestible content, authoring over 500 pages of documentation and managing the release note cycle. Central to this effort, I managed the SharePoint educational tree, rigorously tracking version history across dozens of updates to ensure our knowledge base evolved in lockstep with the software and remained the single source of truth for clients.

My involvement was deeply technical; I utilized Postman, Chrome DevTools, and Azure Product Boards to investigate features and validate data alongside the Front-End Engineering teams. This hands-on approach allowed me to assist with bug reporting and ensure that documentation accurately reflected the product’s architecture, which I often mapped out using diagramming tools like Visio and IcePanel.

I also expanded my scope to support Marketing and Enablement efforts, volunteering to produce a wide variety of training demos and "hype videos" using Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator. To ensure these assets were delivered efficiently and with strict brand consistency, I built custom macros for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, automating routine formatting tasks and speeding up the production pipeline for the entire team.


Mortgage365

Technical Communication Specialist

Mortgage365

Technical Communication Specialist

Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Date: 05/2024 - 10/2025

Tap for Details

At Mortgage365, I served as the central translation layer between technical development and user enablement. My role went far beyond traditional technical writing; I acted as a bridge connecting Engineering, DevOps, Product, Client Success, and Marketing. I was responsible for synthesizing complex technical updates into clear, digestible content, authoring over 500 pages of documentation and managing the release note cycle. Central to this effort, I managed the SharePoint educational tree, rigorously tracking version history across dozens of updates to ensure our knowledge base evolved in lockstep with the software and remained the single source of truth for clients.

My involvement was deeply technical; I utilized Postman, Chrome DevTools, and Azure Product Boards to investigate features and validate data alongside the Front-End Engineering teams. This hands-on approach allowed me to assist with bug reporting and ensure that documentation accurately reflected the product’s architecture, which I often mapped out using diagramming tools like Visio and IcePanel.

I also expanded my scope to support Marketing and Enablement efforts, volunteering to produce a wide variety of training demos and "hype videos" using Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator. To ensure these assets were delivered efficiently and with strict brand consistency, I built custom macros for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, automating routine formatting tasks and speeding up the production pipeline for the entire team.


Mortgage365

Technical Communication Specialist

Mortgage365

Technical Communication Specialist

Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Date: 05/2024 - 10/2025

Flip for Details

At Mortgage365, I served as the central translation layer between technical development and user enablement. My role went far beyond traditional technical writing; I acted as a bridge connecting Engineering, DevOps, Product, Client Success, and Marketing. I was responsible for synthesizing complex technical updates into clear, digestible content, authoring over 500 pages of documentation and managing the release note cycle. Central to this effort, I managed the SharePoint educational tree, rigorously tracking version history across dozens of updates to ensure our knowledge base evolved in lockstep with the software and remained the single source of truth for clients.

My involvement was deeply technical; I utilized Postman, Chrome DevTools, and Azure Product Boards to investigate features and validate data alongside the Front-End Engineering teams. This hands-on approach allowed me to assist with bug reporting and ensure that documentation accurately reflected the product’s architecture, which I often mapped out using diagramming tools like Visio and IcePanel.

I also expanded my scope to support Marketing and Enablement efforts, volunteering to produce a wide variety of training demos and "hype videos" using Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator. To ensure these assets were delivered efficiently and with strict brand consistency, I built custom macros for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, automating routine formatting tasks and speeding up the production pipeline for the entire team.


Mortgage365

Technical Communication Specialist

Mortgage365

Technical Communication Specialist

Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Date: 05/2024 - 10/2025

Flip for Details

At Mortgage365, I served as the central translation layer between technical development and user enablement. My role went far beyond traditional technical writing; I acted as a bridge connecting Engineering, DevOps, Product, Client Success, and Marketing. I was responsible for synthesizing complex technical updates into clear, digestible content, authoring over 500 pages of documentation and managing the release note cycle. Central to this effort, I managed the SharePoint educational tree, rigorously tracking version history across dozens of updates to ensure our knowledge base evolved in lockstep with the software and remained the single source of truth for clients.

My involvement was deeply technical; I utilized Postman, Chrome DevTools, and Azure Product Boards to investigate features and validate data alongside the Front-End Engineering teams. This hands-on approach allowed me to assist with bug reporting and ensure that documentation accurately reflected the product’s architecture, which I often mapped out using diagramming tools like Visio and IcePanel.

I also expanded my scope to support Marketing and Enablement efforts, volunteering to produce a wide variety of training demos and "hype videos" using Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator. To ensure these assets were delivered efficiently and with strict brand consistency, I built custom macros for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, automating routine formatting tasks and speeding up the production pipeline for the entire team.


Mortgage365

Technical Communication Specialist

Suited Connector

Product Manager

Englewood, Colorado

Date: 02/2022 - 10/2022

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At Suited Connector, I operated as the strategic anchor for the company’s internal toolset, driving the product vision for three major enterprise applications and several auxiliary projects. My primary objective was to eliminate friction between complex business requirements and engineering execution. By overhauling our requirement gathering process and curating highly detailed user stories in Jira, I was able to shorten the engineering feedback-to-release loop by 30%, creating a faster and more predictable shipping cadence.

I approached Product Management with a "hands-on" technical mindset. Beyond defining the roadmap, I actively participated in the development lifecycle using Agile methodologies. I applied critical thinking to bug triage, providing Engineering and QA teams with insightful, pre-analyzed summaries that allowed them to solve problems faster. I also led the development of a fraud filtering system, conducting API acceptance testing and data analysis to ensure lead quality met our strict standards.

Leveraging my background in front-end design, I often bypassed traditional documentation to build high-fidelity Figma mockups and interactive prototypes. This visual approach clarified requirements for the engineering team and reduced misinterpretation. My design contributions also extended to external performance; I collaborated with external partners to A/B test new landing pages, utilizing data-driven insights to refine layouts and improve click-through rates on advertisements.

Recognizing that a tool is only as good as its user, I also spearheaded the enablement side of product launches. I streamlined user training by creating a blend of hands-on sessions and written documentation, ensuring that internal teams could navigate complex features with confidence. This role required balancing rapid innovation with strict governance; I managed high-stakes relationships with stakeholders to ensure every release not only improved usability but also adhered to rigid regulatory and legal compliance standards.


Suited Connector

Product Manager

Suited Connector

Product Manager

Englewood, Colorado

Date: 02/2022 - 10/2022

Flip for Details

At Suited Connector, I operated as the strategic anchor for the company’s internal toolset, driving the product vision for three major enterprise applications and several auxiliary projects. My primary objective was to eliminate friction between complex business requirements and engineering execution. By overhauling our requirement gathering process and curating highly detailed user stories in Jira, I was able to shorten the engineering feedback-to-release loop by 30%, creating a faster and more predictable shipping cadence.

I approached Product Management with a "hands-on" technical mindset. Beyond defining the roadmap, I actively participated in the development lifecycle using Agile methodologies. I applied critical thinking to bug triage, providing Engineering and QA teams with insightful, pre-analyzed summaries that allowed them to solve problems faster. I also led the development of a fraud filtering system, conducting API acceptance testing and data analysis to ensure lead quality met our strict standards.

Leveraging my background in front-end design, I often bypassed traditional documentation to build high-fidelity Figma mockups and interactive prototypes. This visual approach clarified requirements for the engineering team and reduced misinterpretation. My design contributions also extended to external performance; I collaborated with external partners to A/B test new landing pages, utilizing data-driven insights to refine layouts and improve click-through rates on advertisements.

Recognizing that a tool is only as good as its user, I also spearheaded the enablement side of product launches. I streamlined user training by creating a blend of hands-on sessions and written documentation, ensuring that internal teams could navigate complex features with confidence. This role required balancing rapid innovation with strict governance; I managed high-stakes relationships with stakeholders to ensure every release not only improved usability but also adhered to rigid regulatory and legal compliance standards.


Suited Connector

Product Manager

Suited Connector

Product Manager

Englewood, Colorado

Date: 02/2022 - 10/2022

Tap for Details

At Suited Connector, I operated as the strategic anchor for the company’s internal toolset, driving the product vision for three major enterprise applications and several auxiliary projects. My primary objective was to eliminate friction between complex business requirements and engineering execution. By overhauling our requirement gathering process and curating highly detailed user stories in Jira, I was able to shorten the engineering feedback-to-release loop by 30%, creating a faster and more predictable shipping cadence.

I approached Product Management with a "hands-on" technical mindset. Beyond defining the roadmap, I actively participated in the development lifecycle using Agile methodologies. I applied critical thinking to bug triage, providing Engineering and QA teams with insightful, pre-analyzed summaries that allowed them to solve problems faster. I also led the development of a fraud filtering system, conducting API acceptance testing and data analysis to ensure lead quality met our strict standards.

Leveraging my background in front-end design, I often bypassed traditional documentation to build high-fidelity Figma mockups and interactive prototypes. This visual approach clarified requirements for the engineering team and reduced misinterpretation. My design contributions also extended to external performance; I collaborated with external partners to A/B test new landing pages, utilizing data-driven insights to refine layouts and improve click-through rates on advertisements.

Recognizing that a tool is only as good as its user, I also spearheaded the enablement side of product launches. I streamlined user training by creating a blend of hands-on sessions and written documentation, ensuring that internal teams could navigate complex features with confidence. This role required balancing rapid innovation with strict governance; I managed high-stakes relationships with stakeholders to ensure every release not only improved usability but also adhered to rigid regulatory and legal compliance standards.


Suited Connector

Product Manager

Suited Connector

Product Manager

Englewood, Colorado

Date: 02/2022 - 10/2022

Tap for Details

At Suited Connector, I operated as the strategic anchor for the company’s internal toolset, driving the product vision for three major enterprise applications and several auxiliary projects. My primary objective was to eliminate friction between complex business requirements and engineering execution. By overhauling our requirement gathering process and curating highly detailed user stories in Jira, I was able to shorten the engineering feedback-to-release loop by 30%, creating a faster and more predictable shipping cadence.

I approached Product Management with a "hands-on" technical mindset. Beyond defining the roadmap, I actively participated in the development lifecycle using Agile methodologies. I applied critical thinking to bug triage, providing Engineering and QA teams with insightful, pre-analyzed summaries that allowed them to solve problems faster. I also led the development of a fraud filtering system, conducting API acceptance testing and data analysis to ensure lead quality met our strict standards.

Leveraging my background in front-end design, I often bypassed traditional documentation to build high-fidelity Figma mockups and interactive prototypes. This visual approach clarified requirements for the engineering team and reduced misinterpretation. My design contributions also extended to external performance; I collaborated with external partners to A/B test new landing pages, utilizing data-driven insights to refine layouts and improve click-through rates on advertisements.

Recognizing that a tool is only as good as its user, I also spearheaded the enablement side of product launches. I streamlined user training by creating a blend of hands-on sessions and written documentation, ensuring that internal teams could navigate complex features with confidence. This role required balancing rapid innovation with strict governance; I managed high-stakes relationships with stakeholders to ensure every release not only improved usability but also adhered to rigid regulatory and legal compliance standards.


Suited Connector

Product Manager

TroutHouseTech

Mobile Front-End Engineer

Denver, Colorado

Date: 10/2021 - 02/2022

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Operating within a high-velocity development agency, I engineered Go-To-Market mobile experiences for a diverse portfolio of clients. My role required a hybrid mindset, blending the technical execution of React Native and Firebase with the strategic foresight needed to define Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). I collaborated closely with external stakeholders to facilitate critical engineering trade-offs, ensuring that we delivered robust applications that met immediate business goals without sacrificing future scalability.

I focused heavily on user engagement and product quality, most notably developing a non-profit platform that secured 8,000 new users and elevated customer satisfaction ratings from 3.0 to 4.5 stars. By utilizing Figma and mobile simulators, I was able to rapidly prototype and iterate on designs, streamlining the profile management systems and significantly improving the end-user experience.

Beyond the front-end interface, I took ownership of critical security and compliance architectures. I implemented Single Sign-On (SSO) across multiple applications to balance user convenience with security, and successfully navigated the complexities of HIPAA and PIPEDA compliance for a medical application, ensuring the protection of sensitive PII data. This role demanded adaptability; whether I was conducting user research or managing agile sprints, my focus remained on solving complex problems through clean, efficient code.


TroutHouseTech

Mobile Front-End Engineer

TroutHouseTech

Mobile Front-End Engineer

Denver, Colorado

Date: 10/2021 - 02/2022

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Operating within a high-velocity development agency, I engineered Go-To-Market mobile experiences for a diverse portfolio of clients. My role required a hybrid mindset, blending the technical execution of React Native and Firebase with the strategic foresight needed to define Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). I collaborated closely with external stakeholders to facilitate critical engineering trade-offs, ensuring that we delivered robust applications that met immediate business goals without sacrificing future scalability.

I focused heavily on user engagement and product quality, most notably developing a non-profit platform that secured 8,000 new users and elevated customer satisfaction ratings from 3.0 to 4.5 stars. By utilizing Figma and mobile simulators, I was able to rapidly prototype and iterate on designs, streamlining the profile management systems and significantly improving the end-user experience.

Beyond the front-end interface, I took ownership of critical security and compliance architectures. I implemented Single Sign-On (SSO) across multiple applications to balance user convenience with security, and successfully navigated the complexities of HIPAA and PIPEDA compliance for a medical application, ensuring the protection of sensitive PII data. This role demanded adaptability; whether I was conducting user research or managing agile sprints, my focus remained on solving complex problems through clean, efficient code.


TroutHouseTech

Mobile Front-End Engineer

TroutHouseTech

Mobile Front-End Engineer

Denver, Colorado

Date: 10/2021 - 02/2022

Tap for Details

Operating within a high-velocity development agency, I engineered Go-To-Market mobile experiences for a diverse portfolio of clients. My role required a hybrid mindset, blending the technical execution of React Native and Firebase with the strategic foresight needed to define Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). I collaborated closely with external stakeholders to facilitate critical engineering trade-offs, ensuring that we delivered robust applications that met immediate business goals without sacrificing future scalability.

I focused heavily on user engagement and product quality, most notably developing a non-profit platform that secured 8,000 new users and elevated customer satisfaction ratings from 3.0 to 4.5 stars. By utilizing Figma and mobile simulators, I was able to rapidly prototype and iterate on designs, streamlining the profile management systems and significantly improving the end-user experience.

Beyond the front-end interface, I took ownership of critical security and compliance architectures. I implemented Single Sign-On (SSO) across multiple applications to balance user convenience with security, and successfully navigated the complexities of HIPAA and PIPEDA compliance for a medical application, ensuring the protection of sensitive PII data. This role demanded adaptability; whether I was conducting user research or managing agile sprints, my focus remained on solving complex problems through clean, efficient code.


TroutHouseTech

Mobile Front-End Engineer

TroutHouseTech

Mobile Front-End Engineer

Denver, Colorado

Date: 10/2021 - 02/2022

Tap for Details

Operating within a high-velocity development agency, I engineered Go-To-Market mobile experiences for a diverse portfolio of clients. My role required a hybrid mindset, blending the technical execution of React Native and Firebase with the strategic foresight needed to define Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). I collaborated closely with external stakeholders to facilitate critical engineering trade-offs, ensuring that we delivered robust applications that met immediate business goals without sacrificing future scalability.

I focused heavily on user engagement and product quality, most notably developing a non-profit platform that secured 8,000 new users and elevated customer satisfaction ratings from 3.0 to 4.5 stars. By utilizing Figma and mobile simulators, I was able to rapidly prototype and iterate on designs, streamlining the profile management systems and significantly improving the end-user experience.

Beyond the front-end interface, I took ownership of critical security and compliance architectures. I implemented Single Sign-On (SSO) across multiple applications to balance user convenience with security, and successfully navigated the complexities of HIPAA and PIPEDA compliance for a medical application, ensuring the protection of sensitive PII data. This role demanded adaptability; whether I was conducting user research or managing agile sprints, my focus remained on solving complex problems through clean, efficient code.


TroutHouseTech

Mobile Front-End Engineer

Istonish

Information Technology Specialist

Englewood, Colorado

Date: 11/2019 - 06/2020

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Operating under the company ethos of "Service Beyond Reason," I served as a Tier 2 Specialist dedicated to high-stakes clients, including public safety organizations and government agencies. My role was critical to maintaining infrastructure stability; I collaborated directly with local and federal officials to co-develop IT solutions that slashed downtime by 20%, ensuring that essential community services remained operational.

I approached technical support with an analytical mindset rather than just a transactional one. Managing a volume of over 100 issues per week, I maintained a 90% non-escalation rate by diagnosing root causes and translating client needs into actionable technical outcomes. This feedback loop didn't just solve immediate problems; it provided data that helped improve future iterations of client applications.

Recognizing that many technical issues stemmed from knowledge gaps, I took the initiative to build systemic solutions. I constructed visual training guides and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that empowered users to solve problems themselves, reducing repeat support requests by 40%. I also led the onboarding of three major clients, fostering a culture of growth by training users and ensuring they had operational functionality within their first month.


Istonish

Information Technology Specialist

Istonish

Information Technology Specialist

Englewood, Colorado

Date: 11/2019 - 06/2020

Tap for Details

Operating under the company ethos of "Service Beyond Reason," I served as a Tier 2 Specialist dedicated to high-stakes clients, including public safety organizations and government agencies. My role was critical to maintaining infrastructure stability; I collaborated directly with local and federal officials to co-develop IT solutions that slashed downtime by 20%, ensuring that essential community services remained operational.

I approached technical support with an analytical mindset rather than just a transactional one. Managing a volume of over 100 issues per week, I maintained a 90% non-escalation rate by diagnosing root causes and translating client needs into actionable technical outcomes. This feedback loop didn't just solve immediate problems; it provided data that helped improve future iterations of client applications.

Recognizing that many technical issues stemmed from knowledge gaps, I took the initiative to build systemic solutions. I constructed visual training guides and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that empowered users to solve problems themselves, reducing repeat support requests by 40%. I also led the onboarding of three major clients, fostering a culture of growth by training users and ensuring they had operational functionality within their first month.


Istonish

Information Technology Specialist

T-Mobile

Product Launch Specialist

Denver, Colorado

Date: 07/2018 - 06/2019

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As part of the founding team for T-Mobile's TV Entertainment Department, I operated in a high-velocity "startup within a corporation" environment. My primary mandate was to execute the Go-To-Market strategy for a disruptive new service, successfully leading the launch of 10 new sales markets and directly contributing to a 50% growth in departmental footprint. This role required bridging the gap between field sales and corporate strategy, ensuring that market expansion was supported by data-driven decision-making.

My approach was deeply rooted in user research. I conducted over 1,000 customer interviews, translating raw qualitative feedback into actionable insights regarding pricing, feature sets, and competitive positioning. I executed ongoing competitor analysis to ensure our offering stayed ahead of industry trends, acting as the voice of the customer to inform product development and refine our value proposition.

I applied these insights to solve critical business challenges, specifically customer retention. Internally, I drove culture and product awareness by producing internal promotional campaigns, event messaging, and product highlights that kept the team aligned and high-morale during rapid scaling. Simultaneously, I partnered with the social media team to refine our external voice. By sharing granular data on user sentiment—ranging from specific pain points to regional trends that resonated with local customers—I helped tailor our public messaging, directly boosting the effectiveness of our broader marketing efforts.


T-Mobile

Product Launch Specialist

T-Mobile

Product Launch Specialist

Denver, Colorado

Date: 07/2018 - 06/2019

Flip for Details

As part of the founding team for T-Mobile's TV Entertainment Department, I operated in a high-velocity "startup within a corporation" environment. My primary mandate was to execute the Go-To-Market strategy for a disruptive new service, successfully leading the launch of 10 new sales markets and directly contributing to a 50% growth in departmental footprint. This role required bridging the gap between field sales and corporate strategy, ensuring that market expansion was supported by data-driven decision-making.

My approach was deeply rooted in user research. I conducted over 1,000 customer interviews, translating raw qualitative feedback into actionable insights regarding pricing, feature sets, and competitive positioning. I executed ongoing competitor analysis to ensure our offering stayed ahead of industry trends, acting as the voice of the customer to inform product development and refine our value proposition.

I applied these insights to solve critical business challenges, specifically customer retention. Internally, I drove culture and product awareness by producing internal promotional campaigns, event messaging, and product highlights that kept the team aligned and high-morale during rapid scaling. Simultaneously, I partnered with the social media team to refine our external voice. By sharing granular data on user sentiment—ranging from specific pain points to regional trends that resonated with local customers—I helped tailor our public messaging, directly boosting the effectiveness of our broader marketing efforts.


T-Mobile

Product Launch Specialist

T-Mobile

Product Launch Specialist

Denver, Colorado

Date: 07/2018 - 06/2019

Tap for Details

As part of the founding team for T-Mobile's TV Entertainment Department, I operated in a high-velocity "startup within a corporation" environment. My primary mandate was to execute the Go-To-Market strategy for a disruptive new service, successfully leading the launch of 10 new sales markets and directly contributing to a 50% growth in departmental footprint. This role required bridging the gap between field sales and corporate strategy, ensuring that market expansion was supported by data-driven decision-making.

My approach was deeply rooted in user research. I conducted over 1,000 customer interviews, translating raw qualitative feedback into actionable insights regarding pricing, feature sets, and competitive positioning. I executed ongoing competitor analysis to ensure our offering stayed ahead of industry trends, acting as the voice of the customer to inform product development and refine our value proposition.

I applied these insights to solve critical business challenges, specifically customer retention. Internally, I drove culture and product awareness by producing internal promotional campaigns, event messaging, and product highlights that kept the team aligned and high-morale during rapid scaling. Simultaneously, I partnered with the social media team to refine our external voice. By sharing granular data on user sentiment—ranging from specific pain points to regional trends that resonated with local customers—I helped tailor our public messaging, directly boosting the effectiveness of our broader marketing efforts.


T-Mobile

Product Launch Specialist

T-Mobile

Product Launch Specialist

Denver, Colorado

Date: 07/2018 - 06/2019

Tap for Details

As part of the founding team for T-Mobile's TV Entertainment Department, I operated in a high-velocity "startup within a corporation" environment. My primary mandate was to execute the Go-To-Market strategy for a disruptive new service, successfully leading the launch of 10 new sales markets and directly contributing to a 50% growth in departmental footprint. This role required bridging the gap between field sales and corporate strategy, ensuring that market expansion was supported by data-driven decision-making.

My approach was deeply rooted in user research. I conducted over 1,000 customer interviews, translating raw qualitative feedback into actionable insights regarding pricing, feature sets, and competitive positioning. I executed ongoing competitor analysis to ensure our offering stayed ahead of industry trends, acting as the voice of the customer to inform product development and refine our value proposition.

I applied these insights to solve critical business challenges, specifically customer retention. Internally, I drove culture and product awareness by producing internal promotional campaigns, event messaging, and product highlights that kept the team aligned and high-morale during rapid scaling. Simultaneously, I partnered with the social media team to refine our external voice. By sharing granular data on user sentiment—ranging from specific pain points to regional trends that resonated with local customers—I helped tailor our public messaging, directly boosting the effectiveness of our broader marketing efforts.


T-Mobile

Product Launch Specialist

Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

Production Craftsman

Arvada, Colorado

Date: 05/2015 - 07/2018

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At the Arvada Center, I functioned as a technical anchor for a high-volume production house, staging seven major productions annually with an $8.3 million operating budget. My role was to translate abstract artistic visions into tangible, safe, and functional realities. I collaborated directly with renowned designers and directors from around the globe, conducting in-depth design meetings to ensure that creative ambition never compromised structural integrity or project timelines.

My workflow was deeply rooted in engineering and precision. I utilized AutoCAD to generate precise 3D drafts and construction blueprints, meticulously outlining every step of the build process. This technical foresight allowed me to manage massive material inventories and execute orders exceeding $500,000, utilizing Excel programming to balance budgetary constraints with build quality. Beyond standard fabrication, I performed critical load calculations and mechanical analysis for rigging systems, ensuring the seamless and safe operation of complex theatrical elements.

Project management was central to my success in this role. I implemented rigorous production schedules and safety protocols that proactively identified hazards, resulting in a 20% reduction in safety incidents. By optimizing the planning phase and refining material management strategies, I increased overall set construction efficiency by 15%, fostering a collaborative environment that delivered 100% of productions on time without sacrificing artistic quality.



Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

Production Craftsman

Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

Production Craftsman

Arvada, Colorado

Date: 05/2015 - 07/2018

Flip for Details

At the Arvada Center, I functioned as a technical anchor for a high-volume production house, staging seven major productions annually with an $8.3 million operating budget. My role was to translate abstract artistic visions into tangible, safe, and functional realities. I collaborated directly with renowned designers and directors from around the globe, conducting in-depth design meetings to ensure that creative ambition never compromised structural integrity or project timelines.

My workflow was deeply rooted in engineering and precision. I utilized AutoCAD to generate precise 3D drafts and construction blueprints, meticulously outlining every step of the build process. This technical foresight allowed me to manage massive material inventories and execute orders exceeding $500,000, utilizing Excel programming to balance budgetary constraints with build quality. Beyond standard fabrication, I performed critical load calculations and mechanical analysis for rigging systems, ensuring the seamless and safe operation of complex theatrical elements.

Project management was central to my success in this role. I implemented rigorous production schedules and safety protocols that proactively identified hazards, resulting in a 20% reduction in safety incidents. By optimizing the planning phase and refining material management strategies, I increased overall set construction efficiency by 15%, fostering a collaborative environment that delivered 100% of productions on time without sacrificing artistic quality.



Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

Production Craftsman

Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

Production Craftsman

Arvada, Colorado

Date: 05/2015 - 07/2018

Tap for Details

At the Arvada Center, I functioned as a technical anchor for a high-volume production house, staging seven major productions annually with an $8.3 million operating budget. My role was to translate abstract artistic visions into tangible, safe, and functional realities. I collaborated directly with renowned designers and directors from around the globe, conducting in-depth design meetings to ensure that creative ambition never compromised structural integrity or project timelines.

My workflow was deeply rooted in engineering and precision. I utilized AutoCAD to generate precise 3D drafts and construction blueprints, meticulously outlining every step of the build process. This technical foresight allowed me to manage massive material inventories and execute orders exceeding $500,000, utilizing Excel programming to balance budgetary constraints with build quality. Beyond standard fabrication, I performed critical load calculations and mechanical analysis for rigging systems, ensuring the seamless and safe operation of complex theatrical elements.

Project management was central to my success in this role. I implemented rigorous production schedules and safety protocols that proactively identified hazards, resulting in a 20% reduction in safety incidents. By optimizing the planning phase and refining material management strategies, I increased overall set construction efficiency by 15%, fostering a collaborative environment that delivered 100% of productions on time without sacrificing artistic quality.


Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

Production Craftsman

Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

Production Craftsman

Arvada, Colorado

Date: 05/2015 - 07/2018

Tap for Details

At the Arvada Center, I functioned as a technical anchor for a high-volume production house, staging seven major productions annually with an $8.3 million operating budget. My role was to translate abstract artistic visions into tangible, safe, and functional realities. I collaborated directly with renowned designers and directors from around the globe, conducting in-depth design meetings to ensure that creative ambition never compromised structural integrity or project timelines.

My workflow was deeply rooted in engineering and precision. I utilized AutoCAD to generate precise 3D drafts and construction blueprints, meticulously outlining every step of the build process. This technical foresight allowed me to manage massive material inventories and execute orders exceeding $500,000, utilizing Excel programming to balance budgetary constraints with build quality. Beyond standard fabrication, I performed critical load calculations and mechanical analysis for rigging systems, ensuring the seamless and safe operation of complex theatrical elements.

Project management was central to my success in this role. I implemented rigorous production schedules and safety protocols that proactively identified hazards, resulting in a 20% reduction in safety incidents. By optimizing the planning phase and refining material management strategies, I increased overall set construction efficiency by 15%, fostering a collaborative environment that delivered 100% of productions on time without sacrificing artistic quality.


Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

Production Craftsman

Curious Theatre Company

Assistant Technical Director

Denver, Colorado

Date: 05/2015 - 07/2018

Flip for Details

As Assistant Technical Director, I managed the technical execution for a season of provocative, award-winning contemporary works. Working in an environment that prioritized a "No guts, no story" philosophy, I took ownership of large-scale builds from initial CAD drafting through final installation. My role was to partner with the Technical Director to engineer the physical environments for multiple world premieres, ensuring that our technical delivery matched the artistic boldness of the production.

I focused heavily on operational efficiency to support the season's demanding schedule. I implemented new workflow systems that streamlined the build process, successfully reducing installation time for complex sets by a full day. My involvement in budget management went beyond tracking expenses; by utilizing strategic sourcing and resource allocation for seven productions, I helped reduce cost overruns by 10%, ensuring resources went toward high-quality production values rather than waste.

Beyond the physical build, I championed the human element of production. I managed crews with varying levels of experience, developing and delivering comprehensive training programs that increased crew productivity by 30% and minimized on-site errors. This focus on training and protocol also ensured a flawless safety record for the entire season, creating a culture where artistic risk-taking was supported by rigorous technical safety standards.



Curious Theatre Company

Assistant Technical Director

Curious Theatre Company

Assistant Technical Director

Denver, Colorado

Date: 05/2015 - 07/2018

Flip for Details

As Assistant Technical Director, I managed the technical execution for a season of provocative, award-winning contemporary works. Working in an environment that prioritized a "No guts, no story" philosophy, I took ownership of large-scale builds from initial CAD drafting through final installation. My role was to partner with the Technical Director to engineer the physical environments for multiple world premieres, ensuring that our technical delivery matched the artistic boldness of the production.

I focused heavily on operational efficiency to support the season's demanding schedule. I implemented new workflow systems that streamlined the build process, successfully reducing installation time for complex sets by a full day. My involvement in budget management went beyond tracking expenses; by utilizing strategic sourcing and resource allocation for seven productions, I helped reduce cost overruns by 10%, ensuring resources went toward high-quality production values rather than waste.

Beyond the physical build, I championed the human element of production. I managed crews with varying levels of experience, developing and delivering comprehensive training programs that increased crew productivity by 30% and minimized on-site errors. This focus on training and protocol also ensured a flawless safety record for the entire season, creating a culture where artistic risk-taking was supported by rigorous technical safety standards.



Curious Theatre Company

Assistant Technical Director

Curious Theatre Company

Assistant Technical Director

Denver, Colorado

Date: 05/2015 - 07/2018

Tap for Details

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Curious Theatre Company

Assistant Technical Director

Curious Theatre Company

Assistant Technical Director

Denver, Colorado

Date: 05/2015 - 07/2018

Tap for Details

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Curious Theatre Company

Assistant Technical Director

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Scenery Operations Supervisor

Cedar City, Utah

Date: 05/2014 - 10/2014

Flip for Details

Overseeing the complex logistics of a nine-show repertory season, I managed the daily scenic operations across four distinct venues, ranging from open-air Elizabethan stages to modern indoor theaters. My primary focus was operational fluidity; I coordinated large stage crews and managed the rigorous schedule of daily scenic changeovers required to rotate productions. By overhauling the crew scheduling and documentation systems, I successfully reduced scenic installation and strike times by 10%, allowing for more rehearsal time and smoother transitions between performances.

My role extended into strict asset management and financial stewardship. I oversaw the maintenance of all four theatrical spaces, implementing proactive safety protocols and repair tracking that reduced equipment downtime by 8%. I also took a strategic approach to purchasing and resource allocation, optimizing material sourcing to save the festival $5,000 in production costs.

Beyond the technical execution, I focused on team performance and public engagement. I developed comprehensive training programs that boosted crew productivity by 15% and minimized on-site errors. Additionally, I served as a bridge between the technical team and the public, leading audience "tech talks" that demystified the engineering behind the productions and enhanced the patron experience.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Scenery Operations Supervisor

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Scenery Operations Supervisor

Cedar City, Utah

Date: 05/2014 - 10/2014

Flip for Details

Overseeing the complex logistics of a nine-show repertory season, I managed the daily scenic operations across four distinct venues, ranging from open-air Elizabethan stages to modern indoor theaters. My primary focus was operational fluidity; I coordinated large stage crews and managed the rigorous schedule of daily scenic changeovers required to rotate productions. By overhauling the crew scheduling and documentation systems, I successfully reduced scenic installation and strike times by 10%, allowing for more rehearsal time and smoother transitions between performances.

My role extended into strict asset management and financial stewardship. I oversaw the maintenance of all four theatrical spaces, implementing proactive safety protocols and repair tracking that reduced equipment downtime by 8%. I also took a strategic approach to purchasing and resource allocation, optimizing material sourcing to save the festival $5,000 in production costs.

Beyond the technical execution, I focused on team performance and public engagement. I developed comprehensive training programs that boosted crew productivity by 15% and minimized on-site errors. Additionally, I served as a bridge between the technical team and the public, leading audience "tech talks" that demystified the engineering behind the productions and enhanced the patron experience.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Scenery Operations Supervisor

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Scenery Operations Supervisor

Cedar City, Utah

Date: 05/2014 - 10/2014

Tap for Details

Overseeing the complex logistics of a nine-show repertory season, I managed the daily scenic operations across four distinct venues, ranging from open-air Elizabethan stages to modern indoor theaters. My primary focus was operational fluidity; I coordinated large stage crews and managed the rigorous schedule of daily scenic changeovers required to rotate productions. By overhauling the crew scheduling and documentation systems, I successfully reduced scenic installation and strike times by 10%, allowing for more rehearsal time and smoother transitions between performances.

My role extended into strict asset management and financial stewardship. I oversaw the maintenance of all four theatrical spaces, implementing proactive safety protocols and repair tracking that reduced equipment downtime by 8%. I also took a strategic approach to purchasing and resource allocation, optimizing material sourcing to save the festival $5,000 in production costs.

Beyond the technical execution, I focused on team performance and public engagement. I developed comprehensive training programs that boosted crew productivity by 15% and minimized on-site errors. Additionally, I served as a bridge between the technical team and the public, leading audience "tech talks" that demystified the engineering behind the productions and enhanced the patron experience.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Scenery Operations Supervisor

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Scenery Operations Supervisor

Cedar City, Utah

Date: 05/2014 - 10/2014

Tap for Details

Overseeing the complex logistics of a nine-show repertory season, I managed the daily scenic operations across four distinct venues, ranging from open-air Elizabethan stages to modern indoor theaters. My primary focus was operational fluidity; I coordinated large stage crews and managed the rigorous schedule of daily scenic changeovers required to rotate productions. By overhauling the crew scheduling and documentation systems, I successfully reduced scenic installation and strike times by 10%, allowing for more rehearsal time and smoother transitions between performances.

My role extended into strict asset management and financial stewardship. I oversaw the maintenance of all four theatrical spaces, implementing proactive safety protocols and repair tracking that reduced equipment downtime by 8%. I also took a strategic approach to purchasing and resource allocation, optimizing material sourcing to save the festival $5,000 in production costs.

Beyond the technical execution, I focused on team performance and public engagement. I developed comprehensive training programs that boosted crew productivity by 15% and minimized on-site errors. Additionally, I served as a bridge between the technical team and the public, leading audience "tech talks" that demystified the engineering behind the productions and enhanced the patron experience.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Scenery Operations Supervisor

Additional Experience

The experience listed above is just a small part of my overall background. I have previously worked for OU Media Services as a Graphic Designer on ad campaigns, served in the United States Air Force in Visual Information and Graphics, and held sales leadership roles at Kohl's and Target. Additionally, I have over 10 years of various backstage and entertainment work, including Technical Direction, lighting design, drafting, rigging, and special events coordination. If you have questions about any of my experience, please feel free to contact me.

Additional Experience

The experience listed above is just a small part of my overall background. I have previously worked for OU Media Services as a Graphic Designer on ad campaigns, served in the United States Air Force in Visual Information and Graphics, and held sales leadership roles at Kohl's and Target. Additionally, I have over 10 years of various backstage and entertainment work, including Technical Direction, lighting design, drafting, rigging, and special events coordination. If you have questions about any of my experience, please feel free to contact me.

Educational Journey

Educational Journey

The Route at a Glance

  • United States Air Force
    Role: Graphic Designer & Information Specialist

  • Pima Community College
    Degree: Associate of Arts (Theatre Technology)

  • University of Oklahoma
    Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre Technology)

  • Regis University & Turing School of Software & Design
    Focus: M.S. Computer Science Coursework (4.0 GPA) & Frontend Engineering Certification

  • Professional Alignment
    Current Focus: Operating at the intersection of Product Strategy, Technical Enablement, & Creative Design.

The Route at a Glance

  • United States Air Force
    Role: Graphic Designer & Information Specialist

  • Pima Community College
    Degree: Associate of Arts (Theatre Technology)

  • University of Oklahoma
    Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre Technology)

  • Regis University & Turing School of Software & Design
    Focus: M.S. Computer Science Coursework (4.0 GPA) & Frontend Engineering Certification

  • Professional Alignment
    Current Focus: Operating at the intersection of Product Strategy, Technical Enablement, & Creative Design.

Introduction

A resume is usually a straight line—a tidy list of dates and degrees that ignores the beautiful messiness of real life. My map is topographical. It’s full of steep climbs and unexpected detours. It started when I signed my name on the dotted line for the Air Force, traversed the dusty backstage of community colleges, and eventually navigated the abstract logic of software engineering. It is a story not of finding a single path, but of mastering the art of navigation itself. It’s about finding a craft, losing it to circumstance, and having the courage to build it again, stronger than before.


United States Air Force

After high school, I enlisted. I was hunting for a trade and landed on "Graphic Designer and Information Specialist." The title suggested art; the reality was art with a heavy dose of military discipline. I designed ads and managed sensitive files—and I was good at it. To this day, a military challenge coin I designed sits on my desk.

My day didn't end when the shift did. I’ve always had a restlessness that pushes me to find the next task. I took over the Advanced Fitness Program to shake up the training routine and ensure the flight met their standards, and I stepped into leadership simply because I wanted to support the unit. It was about the quiet satisfaction of being useful to the team. I found a purpose in that kinship, and I was ready to build a life on it.

But life had other plans.

A year in, the Armed Forces announced a massive downsizing. It was a numbers game. My number came up, and just like that, I was handed an honorable separation and a ticket home.

Introduction

A resume is usually a straight line—a tidy list of dates and degrees that ignores the beautiful messiness of real life. My map is topographical. It’s full of steep climbs and unexpected detours. It started when I signed my name on the dotted line for the Air Force, traversed the dusty backstage of community colleges, and eventually navigated the abstract logic of software engineering. It is a story not of finding a single path, but of mastering the art of navigation itself. It’s about finding a craft, losing it to circumstance, and having the courage to build it again, stronger than before.

United States Air Force

After high school, I enlisted. I was hunting for a trade and landed on "Graphic Designer and Information Specialist." The title suggested art; the reality was art with a heavy dose of military discipline. I designed ads and managed sensitive files—and I was good at it. To this day, a military challenge coin I designed sits on my desk.

My day didn't end when the shift did. I’ve always had a restlessness that pushes me to find the next task. I took over the Advanced Fitness Program to shake up the training routine and ensure the flight met their standards, and I stepped into leadership simply because I wanted to support the unit. It was about the quiet satisfaction of being useful to the team. I found a purpose in that kinship, and I was ready to build a life on it.

But life had other plans.

A year in, the Armed Forces announced a massive downsizing. It was a numbers game. My number came up, and just like that, I was handed an honorable separation and a ticket home.

Pima Community College

Suddenly, a civilian again, I felt lost. I didn't know where I fit anymore. I missed the camaraderie—that feeling of being part of a unit where everyone carries the weight together. I thought I might find it in firefighting, but the odds told a different story. I applied for a role that summer, but I was just one face in a crowd of thousands, all competing for three open spots.

So, while I waited for the next fire exam, I enrolled at Pima Community College in Tucson to knock out some basic credits. That’s when a friend reached out: the theatre program needed 'overhire' help. I said yes. I walked in green, eager for the opportunity but blissfully unaware of the journey I was starting. I found exactly what I needed: a chaotic, high-stakes environment filled with people who depended on each other. It was the connection I had been missing.

I signed up for one theatre class, which quickly snowballed into becoming a full-time Theatre Tech student. Before I knew it, I was working a permanent position in the shop, leading load-ins and programming lighting boards.

But the education went deeper than the tools. My instructors taught me that a problem isn't a dead end; it's just a process waiting to be solved one step at a time. They showed me how to harness creativity to build productive, tangible solutions. That shop is where I truly fell in love with the act of learning.

Somewhere between the sawdust and the late nights, I realized I wasn't waiting for the Fire Department anymore. I was building a career.

Over the next few years, I became a staple of the Tucson theatre scene. I wasn't just building for the college; I was out in the community, working as an educational assistant for a children's playwriting program and managing builds for local non-profits. I had finished my basics and assumed I would stay in Arizona, but my dad—stationed in Oklahoma at the time—suggested I look at the University of Oklahoma. I was skeptical. Then I visited Norman.

Pima Community College

Suddenly, a civilian again, I felt lost. I didn't know where I fit anymore. I missed the camaraderie—that feeling of being part of a unit where everyone carries the weight together. I thought I might find it in firefighting, but the odds told a different story. I applied for a role that summer, but I was just one face in a crowd of thousands, all competing for three open spots.

So, while I waited for the next fire exam, I enrolled at Pima Community College in Tucson to knock out some basic credits. That’s when a friend reached out: the theatre program needed 'overhire' help. I said yes. I walked in green, eager for the opportunity but blissfully unaware of the journey I was starting. I found exactly what I needed: a chaotic, high-stakes environment filled with people who depended on each other. It was the connection I had been missing.

I signed up for one theatre class, which quickly snowballed into becoming a full-time Theatre Tech student. Before I knew it, I was working a permanent position in the shop, leading load-ins and programming lighting boards.

But the education went deeper than the tools. My instructors taught me that a problem isn't a dead end; it's just a process waiting to be solved one step at a time. They showed me how to harness creativity to build productive, tangible solutions. That shop is where I truly fell in love with the act of learning.

Somewhere between the sawdust and the late nights, I realized I wasn't waiting for the Fire Department anymore. I was building a career.

Over the next few years, I became a staple of the Tucson theatre scene. I wasn't just building for the college; I was out in the community, working as an educational assistant for a children's playwriting program and managing builds for local non-profits. I had finished my basics and assumed I would stay in Arizona, but my dad—stationed in Oklahoma at the time—suggested I look at the University of Oklahoma. I was skeptical. Then I visited Norman.

The University of Oklahoma

I arrived in Norman carrying a heavy dose of skepticism, but it vanished the moment I walked into the shop. It was a technician’s wonderland. I went from intimate 180-seat theaters to building towering, intricate sets for the opera stage. The designs were wild, the summer opportunities were elite, and standing there amidst the scenery, I felt like a kid in a candy store.

So, I packed my bags and headed for the Prairie.

At OU, they handed us the keys to the kingdom. I practically lived in that shop, working from dawn until midnight, balancing the builds with weekend retail shifts and pre-dawn hours as a graphic designer at the newspaper just to keep the lights on.

The work demanded a collision of disciplines. It wasn't just carpentry; it was calculating fleet angle trigonometry, and drafting in 3D AutoCAD. I balanced the history of architecture with the chemistry of epoxies, all while managing five-figure budgets and negotiating with vendors. It was a crash course in the physics, finance, and leadership of creation.

The grind yielded results. I spent a summer building in Solvang, California, then returned to drive Fiddler on the Roof as Assistant Technical Director. By senior year, I was pushing the limits again. I taught the entire 'Intro to Theatre Tech' course as my capstone project. Even outside the shop, I loved the sheer process of learning. In a US History elective, I became so enthralled by the research that a standard ten-page final turned into a genuine uncovering of history—a fifty-page wild adventure that my instructor pushed to publication.

But the technical climax happened in Shreveport, where we went head-to-head with dozens of universities in a national load-in competition. It was a race against the clock, but battles are won in the planning. I arrived armed with AutoCAD blueprints for every contingency, having accounted for every single bolt long before the truck doors opened.

Later that night, the victory tasted sweeter when we saw the numbers. We didn't just walk away with the trophy; we shattered the record, setting a standard that stood for years to come.

The University of Oklahoma

I arrived in Norman carrying a heavy dose of skepticism, but it vanished the moment I walked into the shop. It was a technician’s wonderland. I went from intimate 180-seat theaters to building towering, intricate sets for the opera stage. The designs were wild, the summer opportunities were elite, and standing there amidst the scenery, I felt like a kid in a candy store.

So, I packed my bags and headed for the Prairie.

At OU, they handed us the keys to the kingdom. I practically lived in that shop, working from dawn until midnight, balancing the builds with weekend retail shifts and pre-dawn hours as a graphic designer at the newspaper just to keep the lights on.

The work demanded a collision of disciplines. It wasn't just carpentry; it was calculating fleet angle trigonometry, and drafting in 3D AutoCAD. I balanced the history of architecture with the chemistry of epoxies, all while managing five-figure budgets and negotiating with vendors. It was a crash course in the physics, finance, and leadership of creation.

The grind yielded results. I spent a summer building in Solvang, California, then returned to drive Fiddler on the Roof as Assistant Technical Director. By senior year, I was pushing the limits again. I taught the entire 'Intro to Theatre Tech' course as my capstone project. Even outside the shop, I loved the sheer process of learning. In a US History elective, I became so enthralled by the research that a standard ten-page final turned into a genuine uncovering of history—a fifty-page wild adventure that my instructor pushed to publication.

But the technical climax happened in Shreveport, where we went head-to-head with dozens of universities in a national load-in competition. It was a race against the clock, but battles are won in the planning. I arrived armed with AutoCAD blueprints for every contingency, having accounted for every single bolt long before the truck doors opened.

Later that night, the victory tasted sweeter when we saw the numbers. We didn't just walk away with the trophy; we shattered the record, setting a standard that stood for years to come.

The University of Oklahoma

I arrived in Norman carrying a heavy dose of skepticism, but it vanished the moment I walked into the shop. It was a technician’s wonderland. I went from intimate 180-seat theaters to building towering, intricate sets for the opera stage. The designs were wild, the summer opportunities were elite, and standing there amidst the scenery, I felt like a kid in a candy store.

So, I packed my bags and headed for the Prairie.

At OU, they handed us the keys to the kingdom. I practically lived in that shop, working from dawn until midnight, balancing the builds with weekend retail shifts and pre-dawn hours as a graphic designer at the newspaper just to keep the lights on.

The work demanded a collision of disciplines. It wasn't just carpentry; it was calculating fleet angle trigonometry, and drafting in 3D AutoCAD. I balanced the history of architecture with the chemistry of epoxies, all while managing five-figure budgets and negotiating with vendors. It was a crash course in the physics, finance, and leadership of creation.

The grind yielded results. I spent a summer building in Solvang, California, then returned to drive Fiddler on the Roof as Assistant Technical Director. By senior year, I was pushing the limits again. I taught the entire 'Intro to Theatre Tech' course as my capstone project. Even outside the shop, I loved the sheer process of learning. In a US History elective, I became so enthralled by the research that a standard ten-page final turned into a genuine uncovering of history—a fifty-page wild adventure that my instructor pushed to publication.

But the technical climax happened in Shreveport, where we went head-to-head with dozens of universities in a national load-in competition. It was a race against the clock, but battles are won in the planning. I arrived armed with AutoCAD blueprints for every contingency, having accounted for every single bolt long before the truck doors opened.

Later that night, the victory tasted sweeter when we saw the numbers. We didn't just walk away with the trophy; we shattered the record, setting a standard that stood for years to come.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Graduation gave me a trophy, but the Utah Shakespeare Festival gave me a reality check. I stepped into the role of Stage Supervisor for the historic Adams Theatre—a replica of the Globe in its final, legendary season. The mandate was to go out with a bang, though I had no idea of the logistical hurricane I was about to face.

I was managing four productions rotating across four stages every single day—a relentless, swirling tempest of scenery and schedules. I was up before the dawn for load-ins and striking sets under the moonlight, running on adrenaline and caffeine.

The waves were unrelenting. The festival didn't care about my college accolades, and the sheer weight of the operation crashed down on me. Early on, I wasn't just struggling; I was drowning in the logistics.

Before I lost the crew to the unrelenting storm, I had to step back. I analyzed the system and refined the workflow until the chaos turned into precision maneuvers. This discipline was on full display during our daily 'Theatre Magic' showcase, where I narrated the process for an audience of 500. My crew moved with such speed that I had to engineer intentional pauses just to let the crowd see the mechanics. We had transformed a desperate struggle for survival into a performance that rivaled the plays themselves.

After the festival, I was all set to move to Boston. My car was packed, and my compass was set for the East Coast.

But life had other plans.


Denver & The Pivot

Curious Theatre in Denver called with an offer: Assistant Technical Director. I took the detour to the Rockies and never looked back. Denver became the backdrop for a massive period of growth. I spent years honing my craft on hundreds of productions, leveling up with every show. If there was a complex build or a leadership void, I stepped in to fill it. I was building momentum, establishing a reputation, and finally making real progress.

But life had other plans.

Then, in a split second at the Arvada Center, the momentum came to a halt. I was helping a coworker load a heavy dance floor onto a steel rack when it slipped from his grip. In a stroke of cruel luck, it landed just inches above the safety of my steel-toe boot, shattering my foot.

I lost my upcoming summer contract, but I gained a hard truth: a physical career is only as durable as the body performing it. My ambition was unbreakable, but my body wasn't. It was time to take my final bow and leave the stage.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Graduation gave me a trophy, but the Utah Shakespeare Festival gave me a reality check. I stepped into the role of Stage Supervisor for the historic Adams Theatre—a replica of the Globe in its final, legendary season. The mandate was to go out with a bang, though I had no idea of the logistical hurricane I was about to face.

I was managing four productions rotating across four stages every single day—a relentless, swirling tempest of scenery and schedules. I was up before the dawn for load-ins and striking sets under the moonlight, running on adrenaline and caffeine.

The waves were unrelenting. The festival didn't care about my college accolades, and the sheer weight of the operation crashed down on me. Early on, I wasn't just struggling; I was drowning in the logistics.

Before I lost the crew to the unrelenting storm, I had to step back. I analyzed the system and refined the workflow until the chaos turned into precision maneuvers. This discipline was on full display during our daily 'Theatre Magic' showcase, where I narrated the process for an audience of 500. My crew moved with such speed that I had to engineer intentional pauses just to let the crowd see the mechanics. We had transformed a desperate struggle for survival into a performance that rivaled the plays themselves.

After the festival, I was all set to move to Boston. My car was packed, and my compass was set for the East Coast.

But life had other plans.


Denver & The Pivot

Curious Theatre in Denver called with an offer: Assistant Technical Director. I took the detour to the Rockies and never looked back. Denver became the backdrop for a massive period of growth. I spent years honing my craft on hundreds of productions, leveling up with every show. If there was a complex build or a leadership void, I stepped in to fill it. I was building momentum, establishing a reputation, and finally making real progress.

But life had other plans.

Then, in a split second at the Arvada Center, the momentum came to a halt. I was helping a coworker load a heavy dance floor onto a steel rack when it slipped from his grip. In a stroke of cruel luck, it landed just inches above the safety of my steel-toe boot, shattering my foot.

I lost my upcoming summer contract, but I gained a hard truth: a physical career is only as durable as the body performing it. My ambition was unbreakable, but my body wasn't. It was time to take my final bow and leave the stage.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Graduation gave me a trophy, but the Utah Shakespeare Festival gave me a reality check. I stepped into the role of Stage Supervisor for the historic Adams Theatre—a replica of the Globe in its final, legendary season. The mandate was to go out with a bang, though I had no idea of the logistical hurricane I was about to face.

I was managing four productions rotating across four stages every single day—a relentless, swirling tempest of scenery and schedules. I was up before the dawn for load-ins and striking sets under the moonlight, running on adrenaline and caffeine.

The waves were unrelenting. The festival didn't care about my college accolades, and the sheer weight of the operation crashed down on me. Early on, I wasn't just struggling; I was drowning in the logistics.

Before I lost the crew to the unrelenting storm, I had to step back. I analyzed the system and refined the workflow until the chaos turned into precision maneuvers. This discipline was on full display during our daily 'Theatre Magic' showcase, where I narrated the process for an audience of 500. My crew moved with such speed that I had to engineer intentional pauses just to let the crowd see the mechanics. We had transformed a desperate struggle for survival into a performance that rivaled the plays themselves.

After the festival, I was all set to move to Boston. My car was packed, and my compass was set for the East Coast.

But life had other plans.


Denver & The Pivot

Curious Theatre in Denver called with an offer: Assistant Technical Director. I took the detour to the Rockies and never looked back. Denver became the backdrop for a massive period of growth. I spent years honing my craft on hundreds of productions, leveling up with every show. If there was a complex build or a leadership void, I stepped in to fill it. I was building momentum, establishing a reputation, and finally making real progress.

But life had other plans.

Then, in a split second at the Arvada Center, the momentum came to a halt. I was helping a coworker load a heavy dance floor onto a steel rack when it slipped from his grip. In a stroke of cruel luck, it landed just inches above the safety of my steel-toe boot, shattering my foot.

I lost my upcoming summer contract, but I gained a hard truth: a physical career is only as durable as the body performing it. My ambition was unbreakable, but my body wasn't. It was time to take my final bow and leave the stage.

Regis University

I waited out the healing process in a sales and product-launch role at T-Mobile. It was a holding pattern, but it bought me the quiet I needed to recalibrate. I started dabbling in code and stumbled onto a realization: drafting complex plates in AutoCAD wasn't all that different from writing software. Whether you are framing a set or framing a function, the requirements are the same—logic, syntax, and structure. I realized I didn't have to leave my craftsman mindset behind; I just had to change my tools.

My manager steered me toward Computer Science, so I enrolled in a Master's program at Regis University. On paper, I was perfect—I held a 4.0 GPA—but the victory felt hollow. The curriculum was pure theory, floating somewhere in the abstract. I felt like a carpenter who had memorized the biology of wood but had never actually swung a hammer. I realized I didn't just want the credential; I wanted to hone the craft.

Turing School of Software & Design

I found the Turing School in Denver. It had a reputation for difficulty, but it was the specific kind of difficulty that tears you down to build you back up stronger. That drew me in. The program was a return to the rhythm of my theater days: impossible deadlines, high caffeine, and deep focus. I lived in the online student hall, troubleshooting code for peers and soaking up advanced concepts.

For the final challenge, I pitched a concept to the group: a social platform leveraging Google Locations to visualize a user’s literal 'ring of influence.' It was selected for development. Taking point on the build, I found my stride in the chaos of implementation. I loved the constant cycle of learning—figuring out what was working, diagnosing what wasn't, and knowing exactly when to pivot to keep the project alive.

After finishing the program, I went straight into contract work, building mobile apps with React Native. But the work felt too narrow. I realized my interest wasn't just in the syntax; it was in the architecture of the solution. I missed the challenge of analyzing what wasn't working and learning how to fix the strategy in real-time. At Trout House Tech, I expanded my role to match that ambition, taking on project leadership and volunteering as an Associate Product Manager.

Mortgage Tech & The Present

I secured a role as an Internal Product Manager at Suited Connector. It was the strategic work I was after, but it was cut short by a layoff when the market turned.

I didn't rush the next step. I took the time to recalibrate. While waiting for the market to recover, I focused on upskilling and rigorously evaluating exactly where my experience added the most value. I stayed in the arena—taking on side projects, attending industry conferences, and doubling down on my education.

That reflection led me to Mortgage365 as a Technical Communication Specialist. This role felt like a true convergence. I made it my mission to take in everything I could, collaborating across departments to bridge the gap between engineering and business teams. I wasn't just writing text; I was creating visual and multimedia resources to support training and product demos, translating complex logic into clear, usable knowledge. I wasn't looking for the next stepping stone. I was ready to pour the foundation for the long haul.

But life had other plans.

The mortgage industry is volatile. Markets shifted, interest rates spiked, and companies began to downsize. Despite the upskilling and terrific quarterly reviews, my department was closed due to restructuring, and I was laid off.

Life might have other plans from time to time, but I have learned to take those opportunities and make the best of them.

Whether I’m debugging a React component, drafting a set for a Shakespeare play, or designing a new ad campaign, I keep moving forward. I keep learning, and I continue to find joy in the education itself.

Regis University

I waited out the healing process in a sales and product-launch role at T-Mobile. It was a holding pattern, but it bought me the quiet I needed to recalibrate. I started dabbling in code and stumbled onto a realization: drafting complex plates in AutoCAD wasn't all that different from writing software. Whether you are framing a set or framing a function, the requirements are the same—logic, syntax, and structure. I realized I didn't have to leave my craftsman mindset behind; I just had to change my tools.

My manager steered me toward Computer Science, so I enrolled in a Master's program at Regis University. On paper, I was perfect—I held a 4.0 GPA—but the victory felt hollow. The curriculum was pure theory, floating somewhere in the abstract. I felt like a carpenter who had memorized the biology of wood but had never actually swung a hammer. I realized I didn't just want the credential; I wanted to hone the craft.

Turing School of Software & Design

I found the Turing School in Denver. It had a reputation for difficulty, but it was the specific kind of difficulty that tears you down to build you back up stronger. That drew me in. The program was a return to the rhythm of my theater days: impossible deadlines, high caffeine, and deep focus. I lived in the online student hall, troubleshooting code for peers and soaking up advanced concepts.

For the final challenge, I pitched a concept to the group: a social platform leveraging Google Locations to visualize a user’s literal 'ring of influence.' It was selected for development. Taking point on the build, I found my stride in the chaos of implementation. I loved the constant cycle of learning—figuring out what was working, diagnosing what wasn't, and knowing exactly when to pivot to keep the project alive.

After finishing the program, I went straight into contract work, building mobile apps with React Native. But the work felt too narrow. I realized my interest wasn't just in the syntax; it was in the architecture of the solution. I missed the challenge of analyzing what wasn't working and learning how to fix the strategy in real-time. At Trout House Tech, I expanded my role to match that ambition, taking on project leadership and volunteering as an Associate Product Manager.

Mortgage Tech & The Present

I secured a role as an Internal Product Manager at Suited Connector. It was the strategic work I was after, but it was cut short by a layoff when the market turned.

I didn't rush the next step. I took the time to recalibrate. While waiting for the market to recover, I focused on upskilling and rigorously evaluating exactly where my experience added the most value. I stayed in the arena—taking on side projects, attending industry conferences, and doubling down on my education.

That reflection led me to Mortgage365 as a Technical Communication Specialist. This role felt like a true convergence. I made it my mission to take in everything I could, collaborating across departments to bridge the gap between engineering and business teams. I wasn't just writing text; I was creating visual and multimedia resources to support training and product demos, translating complex logic into clear, usable knowledge. I wasn't looking for the next stepping stone. I was ready to pour the foundation for the long haul.

But life had other plans.

The mortgage industry is volatile. Markets shifted, interest rates spiked, and companies began to downsize. Despite the upskilling and terrific quarterly reviews, my department was closed due to restructuring, and I was laid off.

Life might have other plans from time to time, but I have learned to take those opportunities and make the best of them.

Whether I’m debugging a React component, drafting a set for a Shakespeare play, or designing a new ad campaign, I keep moving forward. I keep learning, and I continue to find joy in the education itself.

Regis University

I waited out the healing process in a sales and product-launch role at T-Mobile. It was a holding pattern, but it bought me the quiet I needed to recalibrate. I started dabbling in code and stumbled onto a realization: drafting complex plates in AutoCAD wasn't all that different from writing software. Whether you are framing a set or framing a function, the requirements are the same—logic, syntax, and structure. I realized I didn't have to leave my craftsman mindset behind; I just had to change my tools.

My manager steered me toward Computer Science, so I enrolled in a Master's program at Regis University. On paper, I was perfect—I held a 4.0 GPA—but the victory felt hollow. The curriculum was pure theory, floating somewhere in the abstract. I felt like a carpenter who had memorized the biology of wood but had never actually swung a hammer. I realized I didn't just want the credential; I wanted to hone the craft.

Turing School of Software & Design

I found the Turing School in Denver. It had a reputation for difficulty, but it was the specific kind of difficulty that tears you down to build you back up stronger. That drew me in. The program was a return to the rhythm of my theater days: impossible deadlines, high caffeine, and deep focus. I lived in the online student hall, troubleshooting code for peers and soaking up advanced concepts.

For the final challenge, I pitched a concept to the group: a social platform leveraging Google Locations to visualize a user’s literal 'ring of influence.' It was selected for development. Taking point on the build, I found my stride in the chaos of implementation. I loved the constant cycle of learning—figuring out what was working, diagnosing what wasn't, and knowing exactly when to pivot to keep the project alive.

After finishing the program, I went straight into contract work, building mobile apps with React Native. But the work felt too narrow. I realized my interest wasn't just in the syntax; it was in the architecture of the solution. I missed the challenge of analyzing what wasn't working and learning how to fix the strategy in real-time. At Trout House Tech, I expanded my role to match that ambition, taking on project leadership and volunteering as an Associate Product Manager.

Mortgage Tech & The Present

I secured a role as an Internal Product Manager at Suited Connector. It was the strategic work I was after, but it was cut short by a layoff when the market turned.

I didn't rush the next step. I took the time to recalibrate. While waiting for the market to recover, I focused on upskilling and rigorously evaluating exactly where my experience added the most value. I stayed in the arena—taking on side projects, attending industry conferences, and doubling down on my education.

That reflection led me to Mortgage365 as a Technical Communication Specialist. This role felt like a true convergence. I made it my mission to take in everything I could, collaborating across departments to bridge the gap between engineering and business teams. I wasn't just writing text; I was creating visual and multimedia resources to support training and product demos, translating complex logic into clear, usable knowledge. I wasn't looking for the next stepping stone. I was ready to pour the foundation for the long haul.

But life had other plans.

The mortgage industry is volatile. Markets shifted, interest rates spiked, and companies began to downsize. Despite the upskilling and terrific quarterly reviews, my department was closed due to restructuring, and I was laid off.

Life might have other plans from time to time, but I have learned to take those opportunities and make the best of them.

Whether I’m debugging a React component, drafting a set for a Shakespeare play, or designing a new ad campaign, I keep moving forward. I keep learning, and I continue to find joy in the education itself.

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

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Lets Talk

Lets Talk

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