1. How did you get interested in advertising and specifically account management?
I had been working in TV since 1986. I worked my way up to associate producer and then producer while working on “Firing Line” with Bill Buckley. I also hosted a national program called “DEBATE/DEBATE.” Later on, I started my own production company.

Years earlier, I had received my criminal justice degree from USC and then went on to get my masters in Criminal Research and Planning. After all that time in TV, I decided to get a master’s in something that would match my TV work so I received my masters in Mass Communications Integrated Marketing Communications. While I was taking the mass communications classes (Semaphore Account Executive) Ann Addy came to speak to one of my classes. She suggested that I look into Semaphore and here I am.

I enjoy being an account manager because of the opportunity to work with different clients with different viewpoints. You get to be involved with them, and with the creative side. This job allows me to be involved in several different areas simultaneously. I like that.

2. Who or what inspires you?
It’s funny how that changes over time. A couple years ago I would have probably said “Bill Buckley” because he’s someone I really admire. But right now I’d say that it’s my children (Katie, Garrett and Olivia “Libi”). Just the way they look at things and the way it changes the way you look at things. They really change your priorities and what you consider important.

3. What do you think makes an ad successful?
I think any ad that draws your attention. Any ad that makes you go further into it, is memorable and makes you take some kind of action.

4. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
It may sound sappy but it’s the truth. My idea of perfect happiness would be taking my wife Alicia and kids to a Carolina game, tailgating, having fun and then seeing Carolina beat Clemson.