Award-winning Creative & Design Leader—Upgraded to Product Mastermind.
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And let’s get real—fueled with (not so) healthy amounts of coffee. As an executive-level product manager who began as a full-cycle designer, I focus on big-picture goals and I know how to get everyone there. What I don’t know is how it’s possible to do all of that without passion and coffee.
I love what I do!
I really, truly do.
Honestly, we could end the bio right here, but that seems a little…boring.
You Know What’s Not Boring?
Buildin’ sh*t! I got into the business of design—particularly digital marketing & building websites—because I found the entire process to be a challenging-yet-rewarding experience (not to mention really, really fun). For as long as I can remember, I’ve also had a serious interest in knowing how things work. I reverse-engineered my bicycle when I was 11 and did my first oil change at 15. Thankfully, I didn’t have any bolts left over when I was done with either. Phew!
“La Chaise” (1948), designed by my heros, Charles & Ray Eames, for a MoMa competition.
It’s Never Been About Just “Making Things Pretty.”
That’s the last step in the “form should always follow function” process. I believe every experience deserves to be as pleasing as possible. That’s probably why I try to spend as much time in the beautiful city of Chicago, IL, as I possibly can. I’m inspired every time I step outside and look up! I’m also one of those “foodies,” and a coffee & beer enthusiast. Should I brew a cup of single-origin coffee, hop online for work, create something awesome, then end the day by cooking a delicious meal paired with a cold, local brew? Sign me up, buttercup.
No Longer “Jen the Designer”—Now, I’m “Jen the Brand Fixer”
If design has taught me anything, it’s that any product can be improved (except for maybe BMW’s broken turn signals). I transform a sluggish brand (or product) into a success story by digging deep to uncover what’s really holding them back—whether it’s mis-aligned creative, product workflow issues, overly-complex data, unclear product-market fit…or poor UX. I find the hidden growth opportunities and rally the right team to deliver real impact.
Alternatively, during high-growth phases, I apply these same principles to accelerate momentum. By creating targeted marketing campaigns, streamlining workflows, and refining UX, I help brands scale while ensuring rapid expansion doesn’t compromise the experience or quality.
Okay, You Figured Out My Secret.
I’m a total nerd*.
If you’re still reading this, there’s no doubt you figured out how I got this far…when it comes to hands-on design, I still get lost within it. I’ve been known to pound a coffee or two (or six), blast some music in the background, and start a new wireframe or finish up the interaction details in a prototype. Once I’m inspired, I hit the ground running—usually not even noticing the time pass by.
I’ve also participated in a few of those code-challenges, too. You know, the “hackathons” where a bunch of us nerds* get together, set a completely unrealistic timeline for ourselves, and build something awesome just to…be nerdy*.
remember, nerds are cool now, so don’t hate.
Hey Jen, Just Give Me The ‘TL;DR’, Would Ya?
When you break it down, all I really do is use organization, communication, and a bit of visual sass to solve problems. And I gotta’ tell ya’, it is a damn wonderful thing to do for a living.
Biographical Details
Pronouns
She/Her
Age
Old enough to remember building websites in <table>
Desired Role
Leadership in design & product for a small or medium-sized company looking to save costs by bringing on a high-performing & multidisciplinary leader.
Industry Experience
- Advertising & Marketing
- SaaS Design & Product
- Enterprise Software
- Financial/FinTech
- Internet Marketplaces
- Start-ups & High-growth
Hobbies
- Cooking & Mixology
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Automotives (Detailing, Performance, Photography)
- Hanging out with the coolest doggie, ever
I’m always open to consulting or freelance! Let’s talk about your needs.
Want to Learn More About Me? No problem.