The Story Behind the Story
Nearly 15 years of farm work before high school graduation built an unshakeable work ethic — up before dawn, responsible for living things, accountable to a team. These values still drive every project.
From the live stage at MSU Mankato to a graduate MFA in Motion Picture & Television earned Magna Cum Laude (3.986 GPA). The equivalent of an MBA focused on media production, creative leadership, and strategic communications.
Deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Led a 12-member multimedia and communications team at Camp Bucca — producing audience-targeted messaging where the stakes of getting it wrong were irreversible. Trained allied forces from the UK and Germany in influence operations and multimedia strategy.
1,500+ video and digital campaigns produced. Emmy Award-winning documentary for PBS. VR/360° work across 50+ clients. Campaigns for nonprofits, veterans organizations, public health, and mission-driven brands. The story continues.
Recognized for excellence in historical storytelling for the documentary following Larry Tillemans — believed to be the last living clerk-typist from the Nuremberg Trials.
Over 12 years teaching storytelling, video production, 360° VR, and media communication at the university level — helping the next generation of creators develop skills rooted in purpose-driven communication.