Award-winning Creative & Design Leader—Upgraded to Product Mastermind.
↓
And let’s get real—fueled with (not so) healthy amounts of coffee. As an executive-level product manager who began as a multi-disciplined designer, I focus on the 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 designing & building websites in the late nineties—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.
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.