Projects
& Interests
stl.org
What began personal project and collaboration amongst friends, has morphed into a robust effort to promotes small business, artists, craftspeople, creators, makers, and doers in St. Louis. Our new site, STL.org, is the home of our classic Spotlight Series® films along with written interviews and other creativity-centric content. As a grassroots nonprofit, STL.org strengthens the community by spotlighting unique characters and connecting their work to a regional audience. We believe that by telling deeply human stories, we share the richness of St. Louis culture.
once films
Once Films is a boutique video production firm found in the heart of St. Louis. We are the only National Addy Awards winners in both cinematography and editing — a testament to the holistic approach we have about filmmaking. Once is an amazing team of aligned individuals focused on serving our clients with the best work possible as efficiently as possible. We are meticulous about process, but treat each story like art. It’s beauty and pragmatism rolled into one.
Once is nationally recognized for its documentary work, has a wall full of Emmy, Addy, and Clio Awards — but the crowing achievement is the $1,000,000,000+ we’ve helped raise for St. Louis non-profits. It makes us proud to do good work for good people.
Curiosity Building
Found on Locust Street in St. Louis’ Midtown Alley, you can’t drive by and miss the neon sign bearing it’s name. Curiosity houses the Once Films studio along with an independent gallery, living space, and workshop. It features many original elements from its 1913 origin, but also modern technologies like a solar array that generates 100% of the occupant’s power. You’ll see custom-engineered stairs and hidden doors, and each element created in a thoughtful and cost-conscious manner. The building project was recognized with St. Louis’ Business Journal’s Building 2020 Award as the most socially and economically impactful development project under $5 Million. The space serves as an experimental play space and evolving example of adaptive re-use within the city.
volunteer Service
It’s important to me to be of service; it’s how I grew up and how I’m wired. While I hope that shows up in everything I do, there are times I make that extra leap. I’ve spent countless hours involved in global and domestic disaster response. I’ve trained in everything from rescue diving to firefighting. I’m an EMT. I’ve been there for people’s worst days. Those worst days are where I’m challenged to be my best.
Fine Print
Small Press
Sometimes, when you want to see cool things in the world, you need to help make them. Along with my good friend Jim Harper, we started Fine Print Small Press Publishing as a shot to make things and complicate the process. We’ve created some really cool books, and records, and whisky, and posters, and cards. Did we bite off more than we can chew? Sure. Who knows whats’s next.
Civic Advocacy
I believe In the bright future of St. Louis; I think its a great place to live, work, and play. This city has served as an incredible canvas for me to build a business and great life, and pursue all of the interests on this page. I hope to spread that good feeling to as many people as possible.
I’m proud to be part of the #STLMade movement, am a founding member the Greater St. Louis Inc. Chair’s Council, have championed dozens of non-profits though various works, and aim to be a small but influential part of driving St. Louis forward in any way I can.
Photography & photojournalism
There are few things I love better than having a camera in my hand. It’s always be easier me “show you what I mean” than tell it with words. It’s embarrassing, but sometimes it shift the way I stand just so my eyes have a better composition in the real world. I just love the way things look.
My photography has made so many things possible: travel to far-flung places, deep human interactions, the discovery of countless subjects. It’s my chance to share the world though my own eyes.
