I was in second grade when my grandfather gave me a four-hundred and sixty page book entitled The Art of Walt Disney. The book was an in-depth look at the life of Walt Disney. His early childhood, failures and triumphs, and of course, his fascination for the story. Every chapter was filled with knowledge that would shape me into the man I am today, but it was the last chapter entitled “The Magic Kingdoms” that completely changed my life. You see, my father is in the real-estate development business. For someone who spent most of my time on construction sites and having a fascination for the Disney Theme Parks, the chapter completely blew my mind.
It talked about a company (W.E.D.) made up of talented individuals called Imagineers. Their job was to design world-class theme parks. This world took what I grew up around and merged it with my passion. From that point on, I dedicated myself to learning everything I could about themed entertainment design.
As I got older, I founded TAL Creative, and began working on the renovation of a historic Olympic-swimming pool in Northern New Jersey. Rebranded as Lake Mohawk Pool & Spa, we completely reimagined the property, adding cabanas, an arcade, a mini-golf course, and an onsite restaurant (I became the head chef there for six years!)
In 2016, I started an editorial internship at AfterShock Comics, where I worked alongside Editor-In-Chief, Mike Marts. I was quickly promoted to Editorial Assistant where I worked on artistic asset management, creative team development, inventory management, assisting franchise and new IP development, and the creation of pitch decks for our film and television projects. It was here where I discovered my passion for producing and creative writing.
Being inspired by the tremendous talent at AfterShock Comics, I began a two year R&D project at TAL Creative. Entitled Mind Control: An A.R. Experince I oversaw a worldwide, cross-discipline team including animators, V.R. app developers, artists, colorists, proofreaders, and composers, as we developed and launched Mind Control, and it's first in the industry augmented reality companion app at New York Comic Con 2018.
That same year, we began our creative development on Founders Boutique Hotels, a new location-oriented boutique hotel brand. Partnering with the world-renowned Danny Forster & Architecture, Marquis Latimer + Halback Landscape Architects, and DMD Modular, we are developing the future of boutique hospitality.
That same year, we began our creative development on Founders Boutique Hotels, a new location-oriented boutique hotel brand. Partnering with the world-renowned Danny Forster & Architecture, Marquis Latimer + Halback Landscape Architects, and DMD Modular, we are developing the future of boutique hospitality.
In 2020, I participated in the Cornell Themed Entertainment Design Competion, began development on a direct-to-consumer digital comics and animation platform, and graduated from Flagler College with a B.A. in Sociology with focuses in African American History and Hospitality & Tourism Management. I fell in love with Sociology because it is a major filled with stories. Stories of real-life triumph and sacrifice. Stories of pain and despair. Stories of compassion and empathy. Our experiences as individuals will differ tremendously—one’s life is their own—but what we do share are the same emotions. These emotions are at the center of Sociology, the center of all great stories, and at the heart of the themed entertainment industry.
