To me, problems are like puzzles; they need the right pieces for a solution. I’m a versatile, experienced, and adaptable marketing communications leader with a strong skill set in storytelling, strategy, direction, and problem-solving. How did I get here?
Enrollment Marketing
For five years, I was a decision-maker and eventually director of the enrollment marketing department at Niagara University, the largest private university in Western New York. I combined my creative and analytical skills to immediately improve upon current campaigns while rising to the challenge of leadership development. In 2024 I lead our marketing team in executing a multi-channel rebranded marketing campaign, “Find Your Wings,” that drove an 13% increase in annual student enrollment.
digital media
I’m the founder and owner of Capen Media, an online consultation company looking to help small business owners improve their digital platforms. The company brings together all of 25+ years of media, communications, and marketing experience, including writing, campaign strategy, responsible budget spends, digital and legacy earned and paid media placements, social media management, and public relations. I’m also a certified Social Marketing consultant through Hootsuite.
journalism
I have an extensive career in professional and freelance writing, including two decades of contributions to The Buffalo News, one of the country’s largest regional newspapers. I’ve won several Catholic Press Association awards for his work writing for the Western New York Catholic newspaper. As a multi-skilled reporter, with experience writing about communities, crime, budgets, religion, sports, and entertainment, I focus on finding the humanity in each story. I’ve also interviewed many public figures like John Cleese, David Cross, Weird Al Yankovic, Steven Wright, Colin Quinn, Nikki Glaser and Hulk Hogan. Read all of my stories here.
author
I’m the creator and writer of the Ultimate Movie Year, a weekly column on Medium that looks back into the past to rediscover the best films that came out that weekend to form an all-star lineup of cinema. Along with Brian Meyer, I’ve co-authored the bestselling 2013 book, “Buffalo Bizarre,” which recounted weird, unusual and funny stories about Western New York.
live audience engagement
I’ve not only written extensively about comedy, I also trained for the job with onstage experience, spending a half-dozen years writing and performing standup and sketch comedy in venues like Helium Comedy Club, Babeville and Nietzsche’s in Buffalo. I also wrote and produced a Second City revue show after graduating from the Second City Toronto writing program.
Adapting to the future
Consistent adaptation to the evolving marketing and communications field has been the core principle of my career, along with an ethical mindset that values creative talent. I have extensive experience at every level and medium to direct and align compelling messaging and campaigns for your benefit.
You can contact me here for inquiries.