The BJ Grand Prix: A 3 Month Sprint In The Bay
In this life: There are no guardrails. I've known this fact since I can remember. I didn't always live like it. This year: I've approached things my way. And I plan to; every year of my life moving forward.
In June: I took a leap of faith, moving the country across from NYC to the Bay Area. I started an advertising program at @TheAcademyatGoodbySilverstein. Launched an experience design company. Joined a startup to lead the go-to-market motion. Taking that leap to chase my dreams: has created the kind of happiness you chase once you get a taste.
Embracing the Chaos: August
August marked the dawn of our third month at the Academy. The experience has been invaluable to my perspective:
- On advertising.
- On writing.
- On concept creation.
- On life.
Diving into Intro to Copywriting was rough in the best way. Having already exposed myself to the world of bad copy, I have some unlearning to do.
(Screw you, LinkedIn direct response marketers).
(J/K I love (some) of you). Not the ClickFunnels dudes. GoHighLevel better chill out too.
Anyways, Trevor & Rachel softened the landing for me. They helped shatter this glass ceiling that corporate sterility puts on creativity. Big props to them.
Shoutout Trevor for loaning me a physical copy of Hey Whipple Squeeze This. Really my G.
Advertising is an obscure craft with far-reaching known impacts. Its root: the generation of great ideas. The craft of making good ideas is (almost) dead. I’m trying to help keep it alive.
We wrapped up our Intro to Strategy class with Kelly this month. I am more dangerous as a strategist after listening to her. Her superpowers of observation are what I learned from the most. She can see an idea and articulate it as a finished vision. She's a bowl of pop culture references, and one of the best presenters I've watched. I hope a little bit of her angel dust sprinkles on me.
New Startup Journey: Joining SERV
SERV(ing) an Industry
In July, I consulted with a CRM startup in Campbell, CA. It's in the South Bay Area if you don't know. They expressed a need for a Demand Gen leader.
I thought the product SERV(ed) a market with a huge need. It aligned with my professional & personal endeavors. This felt like more than a career move. It was a commitment to help a great founder grow a product that has a chance to impact an entire industry. I started on August 1st.
The MYX didn’t just host Milk & Honey.
We dressed down in white and gold. We ate, drank, and sang together. We gave to an amazing local cause. We blended creativity and community. For conscious consumption. We became part of the community. We've got a few activations planned for the rest of the year, but this was the perfect way to wrap up Q3.
Building Momentum: September
September became a training camp of launches and learnings. SERV 2.0 wasn’t a website update. We redefined our message and digital presence. And my first real mark on the organization.
Springboard 2024 In Philly
Attending our first trade show in Philadelphia expanded our horizons. Spending time with Nickhil was helpful. Hearing his passion for the brand and mission strengthened my belief in my decision. I'm excited to help build a world-class product.
GSP Team Projects: Big Green Egg with Ray
We started in September and finished in October. I’m gonna talk about it up here. Gabe is an amazing creative/instructor. His feel, ability to create a strong voice, and feedback helped me grow as a creative. Ray and I started off rough. Life was rough—for both of us. We pushed through, though. The growth from Week 1 to Week 3 is something I’m proud of.
A Note On "The Town".
This month: Oakland became more than a city I live in. It became a playground for (symbiotic) growth. I experienced its essence. I attended events. I met new people. At First Friday. At Oakland Run Club. On the street. I connected with vibrant minds. Spirited souls. Personal and professional connections.
