I started by making the work. Then I learned to build the business around it.

I started a window-washing company at sixteen. Since then I’ve worked in media, technology, consulting and my own neighborhood, and the pattern keeps repeating. I find something worth starting, bring good people in, and try to make it last.

At NBC, I went from intern to editor, shooter, and producer, eventually working on new digital ventures and experiences. That included companion platforms for Heroes, fantasy football shows, virtual-world productions, and the skunkworks project that became Hulu.

I also founded Why Leave Astoria, a neighborhood social network that grew to more than 10,000 members. We brought people together through events and charitable activities, and worked with local businesses on deals and loyalty programs.

At AOL, I helped launch AOL Industry and establish partnerships with trade publications across defense, energy, and government. I later became GM of AOL Entertainment, responsible for a portfolio including Moviefone, AOL TV, Cambio, and AOL Music, with a $40M P&L and a 70-person organization.

After helping North Kingdom launch its US operation, I co-founded Wildebeest. For nine years, we built products, platforms, and experimental experiences for clients including Google, YouTube, Disney, and GM.

Today I’m Managing Director and a board member at thoughtbot. My work spans business growth, organizational design, delivery, and new offerings. I also serve as President of Ruby Central, helping strengthen the organization that supports the Ruby ecosystem.

In Ladera Heights, I’ve organized produce pickups, sixteen weeks of drive-in movie nights, and a monthly neighborhood cleanup that continues six years after it began.

What I believe

• AI should raise a team’s ambition. I don’t think its job is to make teams smaller.
• As code gets cheaper to write, experienced judgment matters more.
• The best prototypes get people to agree on what to build.
• It’s never been easier to build the wrong thing, so start with the problem.
• Trust what people do over what they say.
• Be honest when something isn’t working, especially when it was your idea.