I am a creative director at SKAR Advertising. I’ve been here for 21 years. I worked at a couple agencies before I landed here. I’ve been involved with AAF Omaha for a number of years – serving as president, on the board and helping out on several committees.
What do you do in your free time? Any hobbies? My son and I ride dirt bikes when we have the time. I also collect beer cans. There are about 1,200 different cans on the wall in my basement but it pales in comparison to the serious collectors. I have about 20 beer cans from the Storz brewery and I’ve been trying to add more, but some of those are extremely rare and can sell for $3,000 each. I have a pilot’s license but don’t fly as much as I’d like to because of the expense.
Where’s your favorite place to vacation? I loved the history and sights of London. Istanbul is a fascinating place. But believe it or not, my favorite place is the Ozarks. There’s something relaxing about renting a house on the lake, drinking, boating, jet skiing, drinking some more and spending time with family.
What was your first job? When I turned 14, I detasseled corn for $2 an hour. Miserable work but it built character and exposed me to some of the toughest, meanest characters I’d ever met.
What makes a good employee? The best employees have a true passion for advertising. They have a burning desire to constantly learn and they are not driven by the almighty paycheck. This quote from Cyrus H. Curtis sums it up nicely: “There are two kinds of men who don’t amount to much: those who can’t do what they are told and those who can do nothing else.”
What’s your favorite commercial currently on TV? To me, a good commercial is one that you never get tired of watching. I love the DirecTV Settlers spot with Jebediah plowing the land, hoping for a fertile spring. Well cast. Simple. Memorable message. And makes me laugh every time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MkQlpFW73w
