ABOUT ME
MY START
The internet was much smaller place in 1997. It was small enough for a group of twenty-somethings to build a media company and gain a global clientele.
In 1997, I joined three partners to build a multimedia company with a focus on animation and website design. With no start-up capital, we grew the business by focusing on novel interface design utilizing motion and sound. Fusion Media Group (FMG) gained international recognition for its cutting-edge design making use of Macromedia's Flash software. Within two years of incorporation, we had expanded our team and attracted a geographically diverse customer base from such countries as England, Japan, Australia, United States and Canada.
Over a period of five years, I learned innumerable lessons about design, marketing, and more generally, how to run a business. Looking back, we made plenty of mistakes, but I wouldn't trade those formative five years for anything.
When the Dot Com bubble burst, FMG's revenues began to dry up. The company was sold to a US firm and I made my exit. It wasn't the ending I'd hoped for, but I'll always cherish the experience of working with such an incredible group of staff and clients.
SCREEN SHOT OF FUSION MEDIA GROUP LANDING PAGE. CIRCA 2000
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
I believe that leadership works best when your team is fully engaged and participating in finding the best way forward together.
For the majority of my career, I've been privileged to work with high performing teams in a leadership capacity. Here is a brief summary of my leadership experience:
Fusion Media Group
As an ownership partner, I managed multiple, concurrent marketing and communications projects while overseeing a team of full-time graphic designers and web developers.
Enfocom International Corporation
As Creative Director, I was a member of the company's Leadership Team and participated in high-level business planning and implementation. I also managed several, concurrent client projects over a period of two years.
Defrost Design Works
As the founder of the company, I hired and managed a hybrid team consisting of several full-time and contract employees.
Calgary Real Estate Board
As Managing Editor, I managed a team of writers and photographers, producing 8 to 10 news articles per week. I also provided guidance for an in-house team of print designers in the production of the CREB Now print edition.
Communicate Public Affairs
As the Manager of Marketing & Communications, I was a member of the company's Leadership Team. I led a small sales and marketing team with one direct report and one intern.
For over 20 years, I've provided guidance and leadership to the next generation of communicators.
Tyler Klinkhammer
CONTENT MANAGER / FORESIGHT CANADA
Working for Jesse was an amazing experience. Not only is he a talented, passionate, and competent business owner, he's a dedicated mentor and teacher. He shared his technical know-how with me in practical terms that translated into a noticeable increase in the quality of my work and a deeper understanding of the industry. My time working for Jesse was the foundation from which I've launched my career as a professional communicator. I couldn’t have asked for a better starting point.
Maral Bahman
DIGITAL CHANNELS MANAGER / LAUREUS
Jesse was my supervisor at Communica Public Affairs. He always brought incredible insight and unique perspectives to the table. His leadership style led to a more ambitious and productive workplace. Jesse truly is one of the most diligent and hard-working individuals I've had the pleasure to work with. His positivity and enthusiasm for bringing the best out of people is an absolute delight.
JOURNALISM AWARDS
Canadian Association of Journalists Award
First place for Risky Decisions for Canadian Cancer Patients (2016)
Associated Collegiate Press Award
Third place in Design of the Year category for
We Are All Treaty People
(2016)
CLIENT ENDORSEMENTS
Ron Thiele
CEO & FOUNDER / XPAN INTERACTIVE LTD.
Jesse has always been a great resource for our clients. His business acumen and creative designs have always combined to create a professional solution for our clients.
Nancy LeBosquain
PRINCIPAL / BEST UNDERSTOOD COMMUNICATIONS
I've worked with Jesse over the years on a variety of communications projects. It was known that if we wanted something done well, we'd call Jesse. He helped us (CGGVeritas) create a new employee intranet and provided invaluable council on all of its elements, helping make it a huge success.
Eric Josue
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER / SYMEND
Meticulous, detail oriented, and business-minded, Jesse takes any project from concept, through design, to final product. A definite asset to any company and a pleasure to work with.
Kristen Shue
B2B MARKETING CONSULTANT / SUN, HP & ADOBE ALUMI
Two things set Jesse apart from the rest of the pack: good communication, and a great eye for design. It's easy to work with him. He asks the right questions up front to understand the kind of look and feel I want, and he simply delivers. His designs are clean, elegant, and appealing. A lot of times design is the face of your company. Hire Jesse if you want to look good!
Craig Bedard
CEO & FOUNDER / NERDER
I've known Jesse for many years, during which time we've worked together on a variety of communications and branding projects. Jesse has always been a valuable asset to the team. He reliably conceives novel ways to communicate with target audiences and has an excellent eye for design as well.
Dan Giercke
FOUNDER / A MENTORED LIFE
Jesse was a welcome addition to our team at Gurutropolis. Initially he was hired because of his web design, branding and project management skills for the creation of Gurutropolis.com. We quickly recognized he would be a valuable asset to our organization for his vast expertise, marketing abilities and business knowledge. His insight was very valuable to us in developing our organization and bringing it to the market.