Always exploring. Always innovating.
From learning how to wireframe in Figma and becoming certified in UX and SEO, to leading the charge on concepting and adapting interactive experiences for GE Appliances and starting EP+Co’s social team from scratch, I love learning and evolving my skillset as a creative entrepreneur. Here are some high-level highlights:
Started EP+Co’s social team as VP, GCD and grew it to 10+ team members.
Started, built and grew two in-house production companies to the point of becoming standalone entities.
Led The Ovare Group’s charge to adapt GE Appliances’ House of Brands to the virtual showroom space by leveraging CG, 3D, AR, VR and development technologies.
Built and led an interactive team for many years. Google UX and SEO certified. Knowledgeable with Figma and Indesign.
17 new business wins in the past 6.5 years.
Have led design teams, creative teams, blog teams, interactive teams, production companies and more.
Have helped numerous eComm brands increase sales by 200% or more.
Have led global brand redesigns and refreshes for multiple brands.
Earned organic PR and creative recognition for numerous national brands in shows like The One Show, Communication Arts, Webbys, National Addys and many others
Have overseen large, multi-national brands from the highest level work down to eComm and below-the-line work
I love staying up on my music skills as well. Check out some of the music I make on the side here.
Working with some amazing teams, I’ve been fortunate enough to receive recognition multiple times in the One Show, National Addys, the Communication Arts Ad Annual/Exhibit Issues and many other shows that recognize innovation.
What People Are Saying
“He has an amazing ability to translate strategic insight into brilliant creative solutions aimed at growing the bottom line.”
— Jennifer Stillwell, EVP Greenville SC Tourism
“Always in pursuit of an idea that grabs someone and leaves a lasting mark - Stephen is simply relentless. His passion makes the team better, and well, the work better. And I'm bummed (ticked on some days) that we're not working together.”
— Tom Sloan, Founder “Have Spacesuit”
“His uncanny way of crafting words along with his keen eye for design can only be described as the next generation of design media.”
— Chris Rucker, Founder Kruhu
“Stephen stands out as one of the most inspired and talented creatives I've had the pleasure to work with in my career.”
— Jason Locke UX/Product Experience Leader
The Coxswain Leadership Award is the most meaningful award I’ve been fortunate enough to receive.
This award is given out by the CEO of the OvareGroup Holding Company to someone across their entire network of agencies that demonstrates leadership, creativity and gets results. The recipient gets an oar with their name on it that is displayed at the headquarters for a year.
Six things about me.
1. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on many well-known brands including: Denny’s, L.L. Bean, Verizon, Michelin, Quicken Loans, Wyndham Hotels, Fifth Third Bank, Microsoft, GE Appliances, Daimler-Chrysler, Sears Auto Center, Red Cross, KFC, Arm & Hammer, Goof Off, Idahoan, South Carolina Tourism and many other notable brands in tourism, finance, technology, real estate, retail and healthcare.
2. My first agency job was in a mailroom at an agency in Los Angeles. I took that unique opportunity to learn how an agency works, discovered portfolio school, and never looked back.
3. Building teams has been some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I was lucky enough to be a part of building the content team at EP + Co. as VP, GCD. As CCO at Scoppechio, &well and Ad Cucina, I had the opportunity to help build several teams, including an interactive team and working with our agency producer and CEO at the OvareGroup to build a production company called The 3. And I have helped start and build our in-house production company at Brandon and restructure the creative department and studio.
4. I love teaching and have taught advertising and branding classes at both Clemson University and the University of Louisville.
5. I’ve helped many agencies garner creative recognition for the first time in shows like The One Show, The Communication Arts Ad Annual, The Communication Arts Exhibit Issue, The New York Festivals, The National Addys and more while achieving great results.
6. I’ve applied a lot of what I’ve learned playing music throughout my life to my career as a creative. Playing music with others has taught me about the creative process, refining ideas, collaboration, improvisation, and presenting.