Recruitics

I lead the Brand & Creative team and am responsible for the oversight of high-quality brand and creative work, education, evangelism, and in partnering with Sales and marketing teams to win new business.

As the team lead, my role is in overseeing all facets of brand and creative development, from the foundational strategic brand, messaging, and creative ideas to the ways in which those ideas come to life through strategy, art direction, design, copywriting, video editing and motion design. I help develop repeatable processes and coach and mentor the team to deliver excellent work facilitated by these processes.

I embody a team-first mentality - striving to elevate those around me and bringing ourteammates together to strategize, design, develop, and deliver exceptional work.

VP, Brand & Creative

• Served as the Creative Director in the Los Angeles office working on national creative for Fortune 500 Brands; managing talent and projects for creative, account, and strategy in NY, ATL, and SF teams.

• Led creative development for new business opportunities and creation of case studies.

• Developed Recruitics re-branding for website, collateral, pitch decks and style guides.

• Creating client pitches, proposals, estimates and scope documents.

• Awarded the "Champion of the Year" for 2020.

CLIENTS: CommonSpirit Health, Dignity Health, Catholic Healthcare Initiatives, City of Hope,
DaVita, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Baylor Scott & White Health, BMC Software, iHerb,
CenturyLink, Lumen, Cedar Point, Kimberly-Clark, Quadient, GoTo, Chipotle, Dunkin’, Chewy,
Texas Roadhouse, Zillow, Noom, Virta Health, TouchPoint, ABS Kids,  inTulsa Talent, Dollar Tree, Inc.

Creative Director

CareyDesign

CareyDesign is a branding studio specializing in creative direction and art direction. Services include: brand identity and positioning; multi-channel campaign development; content production; graphic design, corporate identity, video development, pitches and presentation design; as well as production for online and offline communications.

CLIENTS: Nissan/Infiniti, ChristianAudio, Hovel Audio, One Audio Books, Bliss, Magnecomp, Murrieta Chamber of Commerce, Premier Nutrition, Wroten & Associates, Enclarity, L.A. Avengers, White Labs, Corovan, EPIC Doors, Inc.

Creative Director/Owner

J. Walter Thompson INSIDE

• Served as the Creative Director in the LA office working on national creative for Fortune 500 Brands; managing talent and projects for creative, account, strategy & developer teams in New York, Atlanta, Washington DC, Seattle, San Diego and San Francisco offices.

• Creative utilization for 2018 averaged 141.5%; achieved project profit margins of 17.81%.

• Led pitch deck development for new business opportunities and creation of top case studies and marketing materials. Team wins led to 6 of top 10 agency of record clients including: T-Mobile, Samsung, Hulu, Nestlé/Nestlé Purina, Dignity Health, Mayo Clinic.

• Created client proposals, estimates and scope documents; managed partnerships with vendors and suppliers in delivery of creative work; total creative development revenue margin (5 years) averaged 27.3%.

• Created a 3-person video solutions team generating over $1.14M in first 24 months.

• Directly managed multidisciplinary team of 6 direct report creatives with $500K annual budget.

• Developed and implemented JWT INSIDE’s Interactive Delivery Process deployed across organization over last 7 years.

• Won over fifty industry awards over last 10 years – from Webby to Telly.

CLIENTS: T-Mobile, Hulu, Samsung, Microsoft, Bloomberg, ANN INC., Mary Kay, Nestlé, Nestlé Purina, Panda Express, Jack in the Box, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, UCLA Health, Dignity Health, Stanford Health Care. City of Hope, Swedish Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Shell, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Raytheon, General Electric (GE Aviation), Sherwin-Williams, Waste Management, Allstate, Farmers Insurance, MUFG Americas (Union Bank), Pacific Life, Banfield Pet Hospital, Knowledge Universe, Toys”R”Us, Paramount Pictures

SCG Advertising & Public Relations (Success Communications Group)

• Creative Director for West Coast office servicing Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix offices; managed creative staff in San Diego office; pitched new business across underrepresented West Coast region.

• Landed 2 of the largest accounts for small agency with $4M in annual billings.

CLIENTS: Best Western Hotels, Public Storage, Real Mex Restaurants (El Torito, Chevy’s, Acapulco), AltaMed, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert,  Chandler Hospital, St. Rose, Valley Hospital Medical Center, San Diego State University, Corinthian Colleges, Inc.

Drive Industries Design Group

• Joined boutique firm to help expand business offerings beyond apparel design to corporate communications including corporate identity, marketing materials and interactive.

• Elevated design billings from $4M to $6M in just 24 months.

• Won 2 awards for WGSN’s The World's Trend Authority “Top Global Trends of 2004”- including best boardshort design for Billabong with “Tag-A-Trunk.”

• Concepted apparel design work, textiles and trims – from concept to physical construction – for leading brands across the action sports industry.

• Produced corporate guidelines for merchandising and licensing of global brands; managed and recruited freelance talent in creation of apparel, trims and textile designs.

• Managed client relationships and created cost estimates for corporate design projects.

CLIENTS: Quiksilver, Billabong, Tommy Bahama, Ocean Pacific, Maui & Sons, Rusty, Hobie, Jedidiah Clothing, Razor Scooters, Calavena, Boarding Trybe, CH3, Ænigma,  Ann Taylor, Sessa, Nautica, La Blanca, Rachel Hale, Sumba Foundation, Enclarity, Roll-A-Flex Doors, Inc./Roll Right Industries, Epic Industries

Partner/Creative Director 

Hodes

Initially hired as Senior Art Director and later promoted to Creative Director for the San Diego office in the recruitment advertising sector. Reported to the Managing Director with key responsibilities that included creative and strategic development (both online and offline) for San Diego's industry giants in technology, aerospace and healthcare. Assisted in the branding and advertising to create San Diego's first High Tech Consortium. Won numerous EMA awards for recruitment advertising and collateral design/packaging.

CLIENTS: Nokia, Qualcomm, Ericsson, SAIC, Cymer, Alaris, Legoland, Upper Deck Company, Callaway Golf, Geico, L-3 Communications, Raytheon, Copper Mountain, INS (International Network Services Inc.)

Creative Director/Senior Art Director

Independent News Corp./West Coast Community Newspapers

Responsible for sales collateral communications, editorial cover designs for special sections of publications and creation of display ads for both speculative and production. West Coast Community Newspapers was comprised of 14 community newspapers covering San Diego County. Won numerous editorial and CNAEA design awards.

Advertising & Marketing Designer

The San Diego Community Newspaper Group

As Art Director for The San Diego Community Newspaper Group, I assisted in both concepting the newspaper branding and design then assisting in launching the award-winning the "La Jolla Village News" weekly newspaper. I designed the editorial layout design, the promotional materials for the paper's launch and managing the design and production of all the retail ads in the weekly publication.

I managed a team of 6 graphic designers and production artists in creating weekly retail display and classified ads for the 3 papers (Beach & Bay Press, The Peninsula Beacon, La Jolla Village News) in this San Diego network.

Art Director & Manager

Orange County Register

Was one of a team of sixteen artists responsible for R.O.P. advertising design and layouts for the Orange County Register. Serviced eleven ad reps in my division and finished the years of 1994 and 1995 being recognized as one of the top producing ad designers in the company for work output and winner of numerous editorial and CNAEA design awards.

Advertising Graphic Artist

Created advertising collateral, special editorial covers and ad layouts for 8 weekly publications for coverage in the North Orange County Market owned by The Orange County Register. Serviced 15 account reps as well as the ad manager and publisher in creation of advertising and special promotional editorial and collateral winning numerous CNAEA design awards for creative.

At the heart of every story is an idea. Ideas are about smart thinking. Effective communication. Memorable branding. And inspired design. 

My life is about taking great ideas and expressing them thoughtfully and beautifully. 

In my role, I lead teams of idea makers: art directors, writers, designers, video editors and programmers. With them, I get to go inside and explore some of the world’s leading healthcare, technology, financial services and consumer goods companies. Where we create ideas that shape their cultures and support careers for talented people.

I create ideas that build great brands, Employee Value Propositions, internal communications, digital and video solutions, content strategies, social campaigns and experiential events.

What inspires me the most is the opportunity to create ideas that have great purpose in the lives of people everywhere. Because ideas touch every part of our lives...from the buildings we work in, to the devices that connect us, and the entertainment that inspires and delights. 

Ideas help us solve problems, discover opportunities and create new experiences for the world. Let’s make some ideas today!


Specialties:
-Creative Direction  & Story Making
-Brand Building & Corporate Identity
-Graphic Design & Digital Painting
-Typography & White Space
-Advertising & Social Media
-Video Direction & Editing
-Community Building & Participation

Inspirations:
-Steve Jobs, Joe Gibbs, Steven Spielberg
-Technology & Design
-NFL Football & Mountain Bike Riding
-Family & Cats
-Movie Geek Talk & Fantasy Football

Battle Gear:
-Pencil & Sharpie
-MacBook Pro & iPad Pro w/ Apple Pencil
-Keynote & Adobe XD
-Photoshop & Illustrator
–InDesign & iBooks Author
-iPhone XS Max & Apple AirPods
-DJI Osmo Pocket & GoPro Hero5 Black
-Snap Spectacles & Sony Alpha a6000
-Apple TV & AMC Stubs A-List
-Mountain Bike & Toyota 86

Today, I celebrate not just my anniversary, but the power of companionship.

In a world full of noise, it’s the trust and understanding with my partner that sparks my best ideas. 

Creativity thrives when rooted in connection – perspective, resilience, and authenticity. 

Having someone by your side makes the journey easier and the ideas richer.

Find your partner in the process. Together, you can create something truly impactful. #Companionship #Connection

Bruce Carey

Talks about #design, #creative, #brandingdesign, #employerbranding, and #creativedirection

Brand champion. Creative alchemist. Thought inspirer. I am an idea maker.

In a world obsessed with instant gratification, creativity often gets lost...but what if we sloooow down the unpredictable process of idea-making? ✨

Creativity isn’t just about fleeting inspiration; it’s a deliberate act of curiosity, experimentation, and courage. 

Every great idea starts somewhere...often in chaos or uncertainty and an investment of time in thinking about better solutions. 

The question is: Are we brave enough to sit with that discomfort and let it lead us to innovative breakthroughs? 

Think about the most memorable innovations. The ones that truly shifted paradigms. They all had one thing in common: persistence through uncertainty.

So here’s my challenge to you: Slow down. Carve out space for genuine exploration. Trust that even your wildest ideas have value, even if they seem imperfect at first glance. 

When you lean into the mess of idea-making, you might surprise yourself and turn chaos into clarity. #SlowDown

The art of unconventional creativity is everywhere!

Are we truly pushing the boundaries of what's possible, or are we just rehashing familiar ideas? 

Creative alchemy isn’t about following trends; it’s about rewriting the rules. When we challenge conventions and embrace the unpredictable, we open doors to innovations that can redefine entire industries. 

Sometimes, breaking free from comfort zones sparks the most memorable ideas — those that resonate deeply and stand the test of time. 

So, what’s your next bold move to transform a mundane concept into something extraordinary? 

Remember, creativity often begins with a single daring thought that refuses to settle. Let’s inspire each other to think differently—because real magic happens outside the box. #Extraordinary #Creativity

🥩🔥 Happy National Filet Mignon Day! 🥩🔥

Today’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself to something tender, juicy, and cooked just right. 🥂✨ No need to take down a steak the size of a hubcap like John Candy’s legendary “96er” feast...

Whether you’re rare, medium, or “burn it to a crisp” (we won’t judge), raise your fork to the king of cuts. 👑🍴

#NationalFiletMignonDay #SteakGoals #96erVibes #FeastMode

Creativity is often mistaken for a sudden brilliant lightning bolt strike. Instantaneous and explosive...filled with unmistakable power.

But what if creativity's more like tending a fire and slowly fanning the flames of your ideation? 🔥

Tiny sparks of inspiration and the willingness to carefully nurture small embers that can turn into a blazing idea that transforms your entire approach...

True creative alchemy happens when we don’t wait for the perfect moment but create it through deliberate action.

Are you cultivating your creative process daily? Are you intentionally exploring new perspectives and allowing space for ideas to simmer? 

Remember, even the brightest flames need oxygen...so keep feeding your curiosity.

Next time you feel stuck, think about what small action or spark could ignite your next big move. Sometimes, the most powerful ideas come from deliberately stoking the fire within. #IgniteIdeas

Ever wonder what separates a memorable idea from just another passing thought? 

It’s the spark that ignites transformation. Ideas aren’t static; they’re living entities waiting for the right moment to flourish. They thrive on friction...on challenging norms and inviting chaos into order.

The true "alchemy" lies in cultivating environments where ideas can collide and evolve into powerful narratives or solutions. Thought-provoking breakthroughs often stem from daring experimentation and fearless exploration.

Remember, great ideas aren’t born...they’re made through deliberate curiosity and relentless pursuit of what could be. 

Are you ready to unleash yours? #IdeaAlchemy #CreativeThinking

🐾🐶 Happy National Dog Day!🐶🐾

Tonight we celebrate our four-legged best friends. The loyal companions, treat enthusiasts, and tail-wagging happiness machines. 🐕❤️ Dogs make life better in every way, so give your pup an extra belly rub (or three) today! 🦴✨🐾
#NationalDogDay #PawfectCompanions #DogLoversUnite #FurryFriendsForever

Great ideas don’t just happen. 

They’re shaped by intentional storytelling and thoughtful design.

Yet we often chase shiny visuals and quick wins.

The most memorable brands are built on authenticity and purpose. Not just viral buzz or cool graphics. In today’s fast world, that’s what sticks. Create ideas resonate through stories, visuals, or real experiences.

Understand your audience’s needs and weave them into everything. Authenticity isn’t a trend; it’s the foundation of trust and action.

As we chase new ideas, ask:

• Are they rooted in purpose?
• Do they solve real problems?
• Do they spark opportunities?

In a noisy world, only authentic, purpose-driven ideas last. That’s how brands become legendary! #ShapingIdeas #Purposeful

Today we lost one of advertising’s true legends...Steve Hayden, the copywriter behind Apple’s iconic “1984” Super Bowl commercial (that inspired me to want to work in the ad business), has passed away at 78.

He was a creative force who helped redefine the relationship between tech and culture working for Chiat/Day, BBDO, to his role as Vice Chairman and CCO at Ogilvy Worldwide, Steve’s impact on our industry is immeasurable. 

"On January 24th Apple Computer will introduce Macintosh. And you'll see why 1984 won't be like '1984.'"

His work inspired generations of creatives, myself included, to think bolder, push boundaries, and create ideas that move culture forward. A true hero of mine...RIP Steve. #Advertising #CreativeLegends #Apple #Ogilvy

🍷✨ Happy National Red Wine Day!✨🍷

This evening's celebration is not just limited to Betty Draper waiting for Don to get home from building that next big campaign. 🥂 Whether you’re team cabernet, merlot, or pinot noir, today’s the perfect excuse to pour a glass, kick back, and savor the moment. 🍇 

Cheers to good friends, good vibes, and even better wine... 🥳🍷 #NationalRedWineDay #PourDecisions #WineNot #SipSipHooray

I never expected a lion and a cobra to teach me about branding.  

But then I scrolled through the finalists for the 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' 2025 competition here:

https://lnkd.in/gYCES_Rh


There it was. 
A young lion...standing definatly in front of a cobra.  
I stared at that photo for a long time.  

But because that image told a story more powerful than any campaign tagline I’ve ever written.  It was honest. It was immediate. It was unforgettable. 

And in that moment, I remembered something I tell my teams all the time:  Great brands don’t just communicate. They connect. They spark emotion. They make you FEEL something.   

That’s what the best photographers do.  
These photographers aren’t just lucky folks with expensive cameras and a lot of patience. They’re storytellers. They’re strategists. They’re relentless in chasing the moment nobody else saw.  

Sound familiar?  It should. Because that’s what we do in the creative world every single day. When you get it right, you don’t just get a nice photo...or a good ad.  You create a moment. You bake it into someone’s memory. That’s the power of a well told story. That’s the power of a well built brand.  

The lion and the cobra reminded me of this, but so did the potter wasps, the elephants, the gars, and yes, even the bats that made the final cut this year.  To bring out the wonder in the ordinary. To make someone stop, stare, and feel something real.  

You don’t need a camera in Antarctica to do it. You need curiosity. You need empathy. You need the guts to show something others miss.  

So next time you’re stuck staring at a blank page, a blank screen, or a blank wall, remember this:  Somewhere out there, a photographer is lying facedown in the snow in Antarctica, waiting for emperor penguin chicks to do dive from a 15-metre tall ice shelf into the water...  

Somewhere, a creative is hunting for the moment when everything clicks.  

Don’t just look for inspiration in award shows or ad reels. Look for it in the wild, the weird, the unexpected. Sometimes, the best stories come from the most surprising places. #CreativityEverywhere

🏔️☀️ Happy Mountain Day!

Here’s to fresh air, big views, and trails that make your legs burn just enough to earn that snack at the summit. 🥾🌲 Whether you’re climbing, hiking, or just admiring from afar...today’s about celebrating the peaks you climb in life. 

And you don't have you don't have to go "Free Solo" on us today Alex Honnold... #MountainDay #FreeSolo #PeakVibes #TrailTime #FreshAirFeel

Are we truly tapping into the limitless potential of our ideas...or are we just scratching the surface?

Innovation isn't just about new tools or flashy concepts; it's about rewiring how we think and approach challenges.

Every breakthrough begins with a simple, often overlooked question: "What if?" That spark of curiosity is your most powerful asset as a creator and brand champion.

The landscape of creativity is shifting faster than ever – embracing chaos, making bold bets, and daring to challenge the status quo are what set trailblazers apart.

So, how do you cultivate this mindset daily?  

Start by questioning everything, embracing ambiguity, and giving yourself permission to fail forward. Now's the time to ask: Are your routines nurturing big thinking, or are they reinforcing old patterns? #LimitlessIdeas

In a world flooded with ideas, true creativity isn’t just about inventing...it’s about connecting dots others can’t see. ✨ 

The most impactful innovations come when we step outside the conventional and challenge the norms. 

It’s not enough to think differently; you must think deeply, ask tough questions, and embrace uncertainty. That’s where ideas evolve into game-changers. 

So, here’s a thought as you lace up those creative kicks...what if your next breakthrough starts with one uncomfortable question? 

How might pushing boundaries today redefine your tomorrow? #ConnectTheDots #GameChangers #LaceThemUp

Creativity is a deliberate act of rebellion against the ordinary! 🌟

In a world saturated with content, standing out means breaking the mold, questioning conventions, and daring to think differently. 

Every great idea begins with challenging the status quo and asking, “What if?” Instead of following trends blindly, true innovators craft their own path...fueled by curiosity and courage.

So here’s my challenge: next time you're stuck in routine mode, pause and ask yourself, how can I approach this differently? How can I turn what seems mundane into a canvas for originality? 

Because in the end, it’s those bold steps that define who we are as creators-and-shapers of tomorrow’s ideas. #Rebellion #WhatIf

🦎☀️ Happy World Lizard Day! ☀️ 🦎

From the backyard fence climbers to the desert sunbathers, lizards remind us to slow down, soak up the sun, and keep life a little... chill. 😎🌴 

Here’s to the coolest reptiles with built-in shades and serious survivor vibes.

#WorldLizardDay #ReptileStyle #StayChill #SunSoaker

Think about the stories that truly stick with us. What makes some ideas linger while others fade into the background? 

It’s often the emotional core. An authentic spark that transforms a simple concept into a lasting impression. 

Creativity isn’t just about novelty; it’s about crafting messages that resonate on a deeper level, tapping into shared human experiences. 

When we approach design and idea-making with genuine empathy and bold storytelling, we create connections that transcend fleeting trends. 

So, ask yourself: Are your creative pursuits grounded in truth? Are you telling stories that people "feel?" 

Because in the end, memorable branding is less about what you say and more about how it makes others feel. 

Let’s aim to infuse every idea with purpose and passion...that’s where true impact lives. #IDEAS

Navigating the world of creativity often feels like navigating uncharted waters — exhilarating yet daunting. 

But what if the real breakthrough happens when we embrace discomfort as a catalyst for innovation?

Some of the most memorable ideas emerge not in comfort zones, but amid chaos and uncertainty. It’s in those moments of friction that new perspectives ignite, challenge assumptions, and reshape our understanding of design and storytelling.

So, I ask: Are you willing to sit with ambiguity? To let your ideas collide and clash until something truly extraordinary emerges? Because in the end, it’s those messy, unpredictable processes that birth the most compelling creations. Let’s dare to play in this space. 

The future belongs to the brave who see possibility where others see chaos.

Unlock the secret to crafting brands that truly linger in minds and hearts. ✨

Too often, we chase the latest trends or shiny tools without anchoring ourselves in authentic storytelling. Creativity isn’t just about aesthetics...it’s about sparking genuine emotional resonance. 

When your ideas are rooted in a clear purpose and communicated with sincerity, they become unforgettable.

Think of every brand as a living story waiting to be told—how do you ensure yours stands out amidst the noise? It starts with daring to be different, embracing imperfections, and infusing your unique voice into every idea.

Now is the time to challenge conventions and push boundaries. Because only by daring greatly can we create ideas that inspire, influence, and endure. #Unlock #EmotionalResonance

🍌🍨 Happy National Banana Split Day!🍨🍌

Throwing it back to my college days at Baskin-Robbins — where crafting the perfect split was an art form. 🎨✨ Slice that banana, add three 2.5 oz scoops of your favorite ice cream, then load up with hot fudge, strawberry, pineapple, whipped cream, chopped almonds (never “nuts” at BR 😉), and of course… the cherries on top. 🍒 Who’s grabbing a spoon? 🥄 #NationalBananaSplitDay #BaskinRobbinsDays #SweetMemories #SundaeBest

Taplio

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