Meet Our Lead Creatives

Music, but especially electronic music. During a semester abroad in Sydney, Australia I was introduced to house music by the locals and I was forever changed. There was something about the constant 4/4 drum beat to the music that was instantly energetic and equally comforting. When I returned to the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, I became involved with DJing at nightclubs and eventually started my own DJ company. 10 years after returning from Australia, I'm still obsessed with the hypnotic and infinite sounds of electronic music. 

When I look back on my life, I have many memories of the influences that lead me to digital media - disassembling our family PC at 8, hooking up my computer to our television years before Apple TV, or creating a Facebook account within its first year of inception - but the single most important influence in my life was my parents. They were always open and willing to allow me to indulge my technical interests, well before it was considered normal. To them, I am forever grateful. 

Cursing. I haven't entirely figured out why I love to swear, but there is something therapeutic about a good [email protected]*!

Not really a breakfast guy... I'll take a turkey sandwich, please! 

"The unexamined life isn't worth living." Thank you, Socrates. Your words have changed my life. 

I'm inspired by the possibility for technology to create a better world for everyone. The history of humanity has been a history of technological innovation: new industries that drive progress, new medicines to cure, new appliances for efficiency, etc. Having the opportunity to educate people on how technology can propel their personal and professional success motivates me on a daily basis. 

There's been a lot in this life to be thankful for, many of which I'd consider proud personal achievements. However, I was once told after DJing a wedding that I "made a wonderful memory for our family that we will never forget." I was pretty proud of that. 

Practically any supper club. I'm what you'd call a supper-club-kind-of-guy. Supper Club beer by Capital Brewery is also one of my favorite brews. 

Anywhere my friends or family are ... that generally means a cafe, restaurant or some fun local event!

Organizing and planning ... it's an odd past-time but one I love to indulge in. Be it organizing my closet, my vacation or some fun outing for my friends and family, I really love seeing the results of a well-thought out plan.

Cereal. Hands down and no questions asked. Lucky Charms, Captain Crunch and more! Now, that being said, I have not actually had a box of cereal in my home in over 10 years (because my self-control in that area is sorely lacking.) It's a long standing joke with friends and family.

Music in all forms but especially the musical/classical singing genre. I love to find that exact soundtrack to fit my life, no matter what I am working on. I have particular types of music for every event; songs for driving, running, writing or doing something artistic. The perfect song can set the perfect tone to get you through almost anything.

Sci-fi. I admit it, I'm a nerd. I read sci-fi/fantasy and love that genre in movies.

Everything is simple but that doesn't mean it's easy.

Anyone and everyone. I try to see the best in people and to learn from or be inspired by others.

At community events, bike riding, kayaking, traveling or helping my family.

1- Treating others with kindness; a simple smile may make a real difference to someone you encounter. 2- Straightening wall art; I will straighten a frame hanging anywhere, anytime. 3- Table manners!!!

A comfortable kitchen, mine or yours with family and friends; or relaxing on a deck with the same group.

Elsie Mae’s pies. I haven’t met an EM pie that I didn’t like.

I love all things breakfast! Hash browns-breakfast out must have hash browns to go with my omelet. Throw in a spicy Bloody Mary, I’m set!

At the yoga studio, working on a pen and ink drawing  or on my balcony relaxing with a book, glass of wine and my sassy little cat, Chloe.

My surroundings inspire my creative side. I enjoy finding beauty in all things simple and complex-art, music, fashion, architecture, furnishings. My most important inspiration, hands down, is my mom. She is the strongest, most compassionate, and loving person I know. Understanding where she came from and what she accomplished as a single parent makes me proud to be her daughter. Whether she chooses to believe it or not, she’s one badass Mama!

Refer back to my guilty pleasure and add a glass or two of dry red wine.

My education and background in interior design instills a desire to provide a client with design plans that makes them happy. I am confident that I can translate that into my role at Dooley and Associates. Client satisfaction is paramount. 

I am honored to be a first generation college graduate. General education was never my forte; it became a game changer when I enrolled in the design program. Work experience along with my education gave me the courage to start Shaye Interiors and work for myself for several years.