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Co-Founder and CMO at Shinesty

Where has life taken you since graduating Leeds? After graduating, I worked in brand strategy and innovation consulting for large CPG companies (think Coca-Cola, Nestlè, Starbucks, New Belgium, etc.). I  learned a lot about businesses from the inside, as well as the way consumers think. But I’ve always wanted to start my own business, so I left consulting to start with another Leeds alumnus, Chris White (JD/MBA ’15). We wanted to create an outrageous clothing line with a brand and business to match. It’s been three years since then. We employ about 40 incredible people, have filmed a six-episode TV series called Shinesty on MTV2, and I have more fun coming to work every day than I ever could have imagined. It’s by far the most stressful, enjoyable, and fulfilling thing (all at once) I’ve ever undertaken. I get to run the marketing team, which at Shinesty basically means creating entertaining content and finding the best ways to get it in front of people.

How did your time at Leeds impact you as a person? It was transformative. It’s where I met almost all of my close friends and my (now) wife. It’s also where I got exposure to some really incredible professors and learned to push my thinking. When I got to Leeds I became genuinely excited and invested in my education. My Leeds education is a huge reason why I’ve been successful in my career.

What experience was particularly memorable? The Leadership Challenges experience as a whole. Not only did I meet my wife at a challenge, but the format of the class, hearing stories directly from influential executives, really learning how to think critically…it was truly a standout experience for so many reasons and probably one of the most incredible experiences offered anywhere in higher education.

What is one piece of advice that has stuck with you? "Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” My Dad used to tell me this all the time because he was so enamored with his work. What he didn’t say was how many temptations there are to prioritize other things. I’ve had a ton of friends who took jobs for the wrong reason, only to have to press the reset buttons to work toward something they were truly passionate about. When we were starting Shinesty, I was able to think about what I really wanted to be fulfilled holistically and tactically in my day-to-day. So, even though it’s often more stressful than anything else I’ve ever done, and even though I work longer and harder than I ever have, there’s still nothing I would rather be doing. 

To nominate yourself or a fellow Leeds alumnus or alumna to be in an upcoming alumni newsletter, email LeedsSuccess@colorado.edu.

August 2017