I live in Northern California with my wife, an expert in the tech+art intersection and eight-year-old Australian Shepherd (the real brains in the family). My 19-year-old son is a music producer and A&R in Los Angeles. I speak about “The Art of Connection” on college campuses and my award-winning novel, DINNER AT GOD’S HOUSE, was published the spring of 2024. I love street art and spend lots of time walking and wondering about all the answers to a simple question, “What’s possible?” Much of the time it looks like I’ve got my head in my phone, but I’m really jotting down notes, thoughts, and random musings. Many of which are never to be read again. Some, though, are the answer to that question.
For more than 30-years in brand building, marketing, communications, coaching, and more, I have worked with individuals and organizations of all shapes and sizes to uncover (sometimes recover) and develop their most aligned, authentic messaging and narratives. I approach this work the same way music producers approach their work with artists. It’s like trying to find a sound. We iterate. We take risks. We get super quiet. And at some point, we know… that’s it. That’s the sound. That’s what we need to say.
Todd helped us develop messaging and strategy around several sales communications challenges. His ability to effectively translate the diverse needs of multiple teams to craft a variety of outputs helped us define our industry leadership position.
Rod Johnson, EVP Applications, North America, Oracle
My experiences include being the founder and chief creative officer of a Bay Area-based creative shop, Skadaddle Media. I grew the agency from conception to employing more than 20 staffers while bringing in millions of dollars in annual fees. I oversaw and developed all creative for Skadaddle’s clients, including Mutual of Omaha, Airstream, Sovos Brands, and Oracle among others. We created and produced national advertising campaigns, experiential tours, social media campaigns, iPhone applications, attention-grabbing events, partnerships, and even developed and sold an animated golf-themed TV show. I scaled back after the pandemic and now offer my services as an individual.
Prior to starting Skadaddle, I worked with industry-leading companies like Rogers & Cowan, Hill & Knowlton, CBSSportsline.com and TiVo. I worked on the largest events in the world, including World Cup (soccer), Super Bowl, Rose Bowl, Ironman Triathlon and Pete Newell Challenge, among others. I also engaged with athletes and teams like Shaquille O’Neal, Gabby Reece, Keyshawn Johnson, Joe Namath and the SF 49ers, and managed marketing communications programs for brands like adidas, Doritos, Mazda, Columbia TriStar Home Video, Mirage Resorts and others.
I view this work as the creation of art. Of finding the sound. Years (and years and years) ago, I met with the head of an agency to discuss a position in his firm. After talking about my experiences with major brands, start-ups, events, influencers, media, and more… and after sharing my philosophies about problem solving, emotional connections, and the way I work, he said, “You’re kind of an artist, aren’t you?” I thought it was a high compliment. After all, who better connects to audiences than artists? So, I don’t have a process. I do much of this work by feel. And I’m not driven by analytics. I believe “the truth will set you free” and it will also provide the foundation for the best results.
