What is your job? Where do you work?
I am the President and Executive Creative of The Groop, multi-disciplinary design firm that specializes in brand strategy, identity design and user interface design for innovative online product ventures. Or like to say, we build websites.

What are your inspirations?
My employees. They inspire me everyday. They keep me young (I sound really old). I owe a great deal to their creativity, inspiration and loyalty.

What are you currently working on?
We are currently working in what I call the "Positive Living" space. Meaning we are working with companies and organizations that are making a concerted effort doing good. From entrepreneur Mallika Chopra and entrepreneur Ryan Scott who are both doing yet to be announced start-ups in this space to a green initiative for Scripps Networks the parent company of HGTV, Food Network and Fine Living. In addition we just finished launching 5 sites for French Laundry Chef Thomas Keller one of the most recognized American chefs working today.
http://www.frenchlaundry.com/
http://www.perseny.com/
http://www.bouchonbistro.com/
http://www.bouchonbakery.com/
http://www.adhocrestaurant.com/

What do you like most about what you do? What do you dislike most?
The union of business and creativity. One of the things that excites me most is that moment when strategy & design are united in perfect harmony. Keeps me getting up in the morning.

That said I enjoy the people and sales components of my job. Finding solutions for clients, pitching creative solutions and coming up with the "wildest" ideas (That solve business problems) possible. Waving my hands in meetings with clients and having "jesus" speak through me. Sort of speaking.

Dislike? I have a short attention span. I have a hard time focusing on long tasks.

How do you balance your life between work and non-work? Or, what do you do in your spare time?
Is this a trick question? Actually on weekends we like to check in to LA hotels. We spent some of the Christmas break at the Standard in Downtown. We also like Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica.

What is your worst client experience?
I can't say I have had many. That said there are always challenges. We have been fired from a job once. It was for the better. Recently I made the mistake of letting my "need to be right" supersede the "client is always right." Did I gain anything? Not really.

I don't believe there are bad clients. Just bad matches. If you have had a bad client I have some harsh news for you. IT'S YOUR OWN FAULT! Meaning that it takes two to tango.

What is the most valuable thing you learned in school (or your career)?
How to leverage your school mates. Meaning reaching out to your network and collaborating. Doing events and fun projects together.

What are you currently listening to?
A friend (Gabrielle Rivera) has hooked me up with some great mixes. Everything from Quantic, Zeph & Azeem to Timbaland, Money Marke, The Isley Brothers and M.I.A. You should hook up some mixes from her. Email me if you want some.

What are you currently reading?
Made To Stick, Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath & Dan Heath and Post Office by Charles Bukowski

What's the strangest project you've ever done?
I can't talk about it. It was for a secret government organization. Not kidding either.

What do you feel is your most eccentric behavior or habit?
Wow. Do we have space? I like to jump in meetings/presentations with clients. To get my blood pumping.

What product or gadget strikes your fancy?
A hybrid Porsche 911. (Don't go looking it up on the internet)

What are your favorite websites?
http://www.Bnet.com
http://www.inc.com
http://kuler.adobe.com/
http://del.icio.us/zuzio
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=691447594

Do have your own website?
Yes, http://www.thegroop.net and http://www.evilbusinesman.com

Are you currently looking for work or projects and why should a potential employer or client that is reading this contact you?
If you are interested in changing the world in a positive way call us.

Do you have anything to add or information to share with other designers?
Change comes from power. How can we as creatives own the future?

If you would like to add a question to this list, what would it be and what is your answer?
Evil or Flakey?

Member Spotlight is an opportunity to showcase the diversity of our chapter's members. Promote yourself or a new project while sharing your experiences, interests and opinions with your local design community. Wanna be profiled next? Let us know.