Open to full time and contract work
As a startup design leader and former entrepreneur, I understand the direct connection between achieving business goals and positive user experiences. I strive to build products that deliver both through clear design, research, human connection, and a healthy amount of joy.
More fun things I've created
My Product Design principles
Understand first, then design
Start by understanding the business goals, market drivers, and user motivations.
Research builds confidence
Research, data, iteration, and rigorous testing lead to confident design decisions.
Collaborate broadly
Work with people across various disciplines to bring in diverse viewpoints and insights.
Outcomes over output
Product value comes from positive changes in behavior and experience, not the quantity of artifacts.
Share (and fail) early and often
Perfection doesn't exist. Share early, fail fast, learn quick, and stay curious.
Build processes, stay flexible
Work with teams to create processes that deliver repeatable results while staying open to improvement.
The professional side
Since 2010, I've been involved in all things digital design. I began my journey with graphic design, which shifted into UX design and frontend development, and eventually led me to product design.
In 2015, I co-founded the marketing and ecommerce consultancy, Craftpeak. We were acquired by Arryved in 2022 where I went on to become the lead UX Designer and Manager of Product & UX.
Now I'm looking for my next adventure building products that bring value and meaning to the world, working alongside inspiring people, and continuing to learn and grow.
The personal side
I live with my wife, Leigh, and our dog, Ava (aka Miss Ma’am, Ava Maria, Avery Bullman, and for some reason, Ava Zalinsky the Auto Parts Queen). We live in coastal South Carolina but spent most of our lives in the mountains of western North Carolina.
Before pursuing design as a career, I spent my early years as a touring musician. In fact, that’s how Leigh and I met. She needed a guitar player for a show and I ended up just sticking around. Years later, we were married. Persistence pays off 🙂.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling to beautiful and weird places and exploring parks of all varieties (national, state, community). I'm an active volunteer with the Creative Mornings Charleston chapter. I got hooked on running a few years ago (I'm ok-ish) and try to work out often. However, my addiction to pastries gnaws at my soul 🥐.
