Experience

Against the Grain Communications

• Owner

  • Jan 2000 - Present

  Provide strategic and turn-key project work in the areas of branding, business development, organizational structure, communication/marketing and social media to clients in entertainment, real estate, retail and not-for-profits including arts, third-world development and education. Worked with such diverse clients as the United Nations, Activision, The Shopping Center Group, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Running Subway, 615 Music in Nashville, and Safe Water Network, a not-for-profit founded by Paul Newman. To broaden my ability to help clients I have a close connection to Beardwood & Co, a boutique branding firm in SoHo with clients like Budweiser, the Limited, and Kate Spade.I also help musicians and writers navigate the independent world of the 21st Century. Most are helped on a confidential basis, some have won Grammys and Pulitzers (no Oscars yet!).We also have the privilege of introducing to America the Irish singer/songwriter Declan O'Rourke. The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and NPR's World Cafe are all raving about his talent. Google him to learn more.



CBGB Holdings LLC

• President

  • May 2008 - Nov 2010

  Developed digital platform for CBGB including social media, internet radio with Clear Channel, and web site.Was executive producer of highly acclaimed comic book series. Also co-authored one of the eight stories. Nominated for a Harvey Award -- Best Anthology 2010.Licensed and oversaw development of CBGB into Guitar Hero VI. Launched game with a CBGB pop up on the Paramount Studio back lot featuring Soundgarden.Was a consultant, then became president in 2010 and steered company through a restructuring and Chapter 11 process.



HMV Group

• United States
• Leasing Non-residential Real Estate
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Sr VP Business Development

  • Jan 1989 - May 1998

  Started out in London ended up in EMI's retail division HMV. Helped launch companies in France, Canada, USA, Japan, and Australia.As VP of Marketing challenged US record retailing status quo and redefined the playing field: $0-$100m in three years. Helped launch Lifebeat (music industry AIDS charity) off of Madonna’s Sex Book with a Confessional Booth promotion generating international headlines.As Business Development Manager based in London, was part of the team that launched Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, US, France and Ireland. Responsibilities included business strategy, site selection, and marketing. Designed, sourced and introduced the world’s first in-store listening systems.Ended up on the board of directors of the HMV USA and Canada. Held both board level business development and marketing positions.



Harvard Business School

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Associates Fellow

  • May 1988 - Aug 1989

  Wrote cases for George Lodge on business / government relations. Wrote a book for the American Management Association -- The World's Largest Market -- published 1990. Wrote cases for George Lodge on business / government relations. Wrote a book for the American Management Association -- The World's Largest Market -- published 1990.