Against the Grain

I started Against the Grain in 1999 to help bridge the gap between a company's creative and business sides. At first this was about breaking down barriers between artistic types and bean counters, but today companies require creativity from all departments to remain competitive.

Against the Grain now helps executives challenge the status quo, think outside of the box, and refocus effort on what really matters. We breakdown department barriers, encourage teamwork, and help senior management create a narrative that inspires employees to make better decisions. We're all about strategy, people and communication.

We have worked with a diverse collection of companies and not-for-profit organizations including the United Nations, Concern Worldwide, CBGB, Paul Newman's Safe Water Network, Northwest Atlantic Real Estate Services and Nashville's 615 Music.

I am an accomplished branding executive with over 15 years of international experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments. I'm known for in-depth market analysis, innovative business strategies and strong management skills. ATG creatively aligns technology, brands, celebrities and media to maximize revenue.

I was a senior vice president of HMV Records, a division of EMI Music Group, for ten years. I'm a Harvard Business School Graduate, and co-author of the best selling business book, The World's Largest Market, released by the American Management Association. I am on the board of Westtech Research, a leading wireless technology consultant based in Palo Alto. I'm also an award winning fiction writer, musician, and songwriter. The CBGB Comic Book Series, of which I was the executive producer and co-writer of Story 7, was nominated for a 2011 Harvey Award.

I work closely with two Manhattan based companies, Beardwood & Co, a boutique design and branding group who work with companies like Budweiser and the Limited; and Oui 2, a pr/​events agency with clients like EMI Publishing and the Friars Club. Both extend the reach of ATG to provide a seamless portfolio of services.