The four following life experiences have given me the unique ability to reduce complex brand stories to their most simple and powerful solution.

1: Fundamental belief in simplification.

Born a Quaker. You may be more familiar with Shaker, as in shaker furniture. The guiding principle of Quakers/Shakers is simplicity, functionality and honesty. Non-essential ornamentation, decoration or other complexity that could obscure truth and hinder intent is removed. Brands that are authentic don't need to hide behind trends, fancy graphics or complex verbiage. Brands need to be bold, honest and comfortable with who they proclaim to be.

2: Lifelong Creative Development.

Grew up in a very rural environment. Entertainment options were limited so my friends and I put imagination & creativity to work every single day. This gave me the ability to create and imagine possibility where others see nothing. I was just being a kid building forts, obstacle courses and puppet shows. Looking back I now realize it was 18 years of on the job training. I still find it funny when someone from a major city comes to visit and says, “There is nothing out here - what do you do for fun?”. Your story already exists, you just need a partner that can see it.

3: Hard Work & Perspiration.

Work ethic required. Some people think design is a split-second of inspiration when in reality it is hours of perspiration. Being able to dig, sift and sleuth to find the true story takes stamina and fortitude. Hard work was just part of life growing up on a cattle farm and it happens to be just a way of life at the office too.

4: Role Models & Mentors.

Great leaders. I was fortunate to have great parents, teachers, coaches, professors and mentors. They took my strengths and encouraged me to grow in a way that was unique to the a tools that I possessed. The combination of hard work and their guidance culminated into my ability to find and unlock brand value in an extraordinary way. 

Work History

Justin began his journey with the world’s leading branding firm, Landor Associates, San Francisco. He continued his career by taking positions with ProWolfe Partners in St. Louis and finally with Walsh Associates in Tulsa. While working for these agencies he gained experience developing brands and corporate communications for Walmart, Walmart Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, Minute Maid, Chevron, Cinergy Corp. (Now Duke Energy), E.W. Scripps (parent company of HGTV, DIY, and The Food Network), ONEOK, WPX Energy, Cox Communications, Arby’s, QuikTrip, SemGroup, Crafton Tull Sparks, Baylor University, among others.

Recognition

His work has been acknowledged by Print Magazine, HOW Magazine, American Corporate Identity, Creative 32, AIGA, IABC National Gold Quill, Logo Lounge, Dallas Society of Visual Communications, Best of Show Awards at ADDY’S, Targeted Advertising and Marketing, AIGA St. Louis and Graphex.