Howdy!

Pleased to see you around these parts. Stick around, I’d love to tell you a little about myself.

A “crash course” in marketing

During my time as a professional mountain bike racer, I received a crash course (pun intended) in personal branding, marketing, and sponsorship relations. The nickname “Darth Veda” stuck as I used “The Force” to earn 3 national titles and represent Team USA. I got my start in copywriting by penning comedic autobiographical stories for cycling magazines.

    • Gaining sponsorship with Specialized, Oakley, & nutrition companies.

    • Getting published in the most-read mountain bike magazine at age 14.

    • Earning a spot on the top team in the US and Team USA.

Getting my PhD

Doctorate of Humor

In college, I found out I couldn’t major in comedy so I majored in Entrepreneurship & Marketing where I could pitch my theoretical comedy club. I was obsessed with taglines and punchlines, realizing that good jokes and headlines had a lot in common. David Ogilvy, the “Father of Advertising,” once said, “The best ideas come as jokes. Make your thinking as funny as possible.”

    • The university accepted my request for $3,000 to book my favorite comedian.

    • My scholarship essays earned me support that exceeded my tuition.

    • My request to replace classes with paid work experience was approved.

A certified “Inno-Veda” & Maverick

After receiving the Maverick Scholarship for out-of-the-box thinkers, I worked part-time at the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerator. My independent study on student entrepreneurship inspired me to present my findings at Techstars’ Startup Week, a talk that earned me an Inno Under 25 award for “bucking the stigma associated with young innovators.” I graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors and faced the reality that I wouldn’t open a comedy club.

“Exca-Veda” digs into blue collar branding.

After working in a few generalized marketing roles, I set my sights on a specialized career in copywriting. Much like my participation in shooting sports, copywriting requires sharp-shooter precision with words to hit the target (audience). I honed my skill at an agency where — of the 10+ industries I dabbled in — I found myself most interested in critical infrastructure and essential workers. This led me to my current role at BuildWitt, helping those who build our world rebuild their brand and digital voice. I call it “creative construction” with Exca-Veda.

    • Securing my dream job out of 4K+ applicants 6 months out of college. Here’s how.

    • What's next: Helping YOU find the right words to expand your opportunities.

      Contact me HERE!