Then: my life before Matchstic
I grew up in Atlanta and played in garage bands in high school and college. I was always the "business" guy in the band who, when everyone was trying to be a better musician, I was trying to book the next gig or get the recording budget together. After getting a Music Business Management degree from Georgia State in 1999, I immediately began managing rock bands at Sixthman, which at the time was an artist management company. I learned a lot during those four years about both business and understanding the mind of an artist.
Now: my life at Matchstic
Blake and I had met about six months prior to starting Matchstic and worked together very closely at Sixthman. We started purely out of the drive to do something on our own as well as our true belief that we could do this well and add value to companies.
Test: lessons in branding
Branding is in every single aspect of a business and should be experienced at every touchpoint. It has to infiltrate every tiny corner of a business. Also, it isn't just about visual communication, it's about accomplishing goals that are key to a business's success. If you don't see it that way, you could end up being just decoration without definition.
Favorite Quotes
“Your brand lies outside of your control. It’s not what you say it is – it’s what they say it is. The best you can do is influence it.” – Marty Neumeier, Zag
Another favorite quote is from Seth Godin from his book Purple Cow - "Sell to those that are listening" - focus your branding and marketing efforts first and foremost on people whose attention you already have.
“Don't sell...be attractive.” – This is my own, though I know my own thoughts are only a conglomeration of the many influences I’ve had when it comes to good branding.
Trophy: a recent accomplishment
Helping a client find an incredibly unique way of connecting with their customers in a way that they had never done before. Sixthman had 10,000 cruise customers in early 2008. We pitched the concept of sending out a "Survival Kit" to every cabin group of passengers. It was wildly successful. It was an example of "selling to those listening" and really heightened the experience for the cruisers and got them very excited about the event even before they stepped on board.
Confession: on working at Matchstic
It's great because the people are amazing. I'd want them on my team anywhere. I think we could be doing something completely different and I'd love it because of the people. Toughest thing is that everyone keeps you on your toes and can challenge me on anything. I need that. It doesn't let me get too comfortable. I am constantly being pushed.
Bite: first food that comes to mind when I think of Matchstic
Anything my Aunt Lauralee cooks. Every time she cooks I hate getting full because I don't want to stop eating. Feels that way here. I don’t want it to ever end.
Life: my world
Family: Married to my best friend, Kari, since ’01. Two Boys: Nathan (3) & Jasper (2). Hobbies: Atlanta Falcons fan – one of the few. Love getting new shoes. Enjoy playing the bass guitar and it was once my dream to be a rock star. First Car: My ‘81 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme - it was money. Favorite all Time band: Led Zeppelin. Family attends City Church – Eastside. www.citychurcheastside.org - Matchstic 2008 pro bono partner