What is your professional background?

I am a product of a few different careers. I negotiated contracts and facilitated dispute resolution for AAA, worked in the television industry as a performer and dialogue coach, took a little time off to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees from Pepperdine University, and for the last few years worked in sales and marketing for a prominent fine art publisher.

What motivated you to create Second Story Fine Art?

Timing seemed to be the biggest factor. Sean and Meredith were looking to bring on a partner to expand their company, The Howse Collection. I consulted for a while but eventually made the commitment to become a partner. The three of us get along well and discovered that our goals were virtually identical. We have a compelling business plan unlike any other company out there. We expect to make mistakes, but they will be our mistakes to own.

What makes your business plan so unique?

It taps into each of our strengths; in fact, it’s dependent on them. Probably the most unique aspect is the entertainment cross over. We have also formed Second Story Entertainment, which focuses on feature film script sales and development. These two companies will cross promote each other and elevate the stature of the fine artists and raise awareness of film projects in development. There are other elements to our plan as well, but it’s best to let those be discovered.

What do you specifically bring to your team?

I have asked myself this question a few times. I think I bring a certain degree of fearlessness to the team. I am always thinking about business development and am unafraid to go after it. I have ambitious goals, which necessitate short-term and five-year plans. I am passionate about what I do.

Why does your business partnership work so well?

In my opinion our partnership works because we have differing views and strengths while sharing the same goals. If we always agreed then two of us would be unnecessary. Some of our decisions take longer because we are not of a like mind. However, when we all come to agreement after a debate there is a visceral reaction because we have created something very special. I don’t mean to suggest that we are constantly arguing because we are not. But on those rare occasions when we are not seeing eye to eye, the three of us go out and get frozen yogurt and then all is right with the world.