January 2010
Began my career in marketing and event planning. It all started with a YouTube video submission for an out-of-the-box marketing position.
I am an innovator. An out-of-the-box thinker. My brain is filled with boundless creativity. Where most people see the problem, I see the potential. I thrive in situations that challenge me. I plan events for a living because I love seeing dreams and ideas come to life.
I was born in Okinawa, Japan in 1983. I moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, about 18 months later. That's where I grew up. In 2002, I moved to Charleston, South Carolina. I've been here ever since.
Plain and simple: I’m a people person. I value relationships and experiences. Whether that means grabbing coffee and talking about life, or getting in the car and finding an adventure, I live for the moments that I spend with others. If you find me by myself, I'm probably making something. I love finding purpose in things often overlooked. Thrift shops and flea markets, to me, are like treasure hunts. Once I've found somebody's unwanted possessions, I take them home to make them wanted again.
More like, where don’t I find inspiration? Ok, I'll try to narrow it down a little bit…
Home improvement stores. Sporting events. Schools. Airports. Festivals. What do these places have in common? Diversity. Trends. Art. Humans, young and old, all colliding in one place. The truth is, it seems like anywhere I go, there's something to learn; something to observe; something that sparks a desire to start creating something new.
Underdogs. Dinner Parties. Documentaries. Making new friends. Exploring. Straight lines. Creative communication. Chinese food. Thrift shops. Clean design. Aircooled Volkswagens. Chick-fil-A.
Broccoli. Car commercials. Taxes. Unnecessary sequels. The DMV. Full House.
Designing. Making videos. Concerts. Basketball. Playing cajon. Dancing. Beatboxing.
Began my career in marketing and event planning. It all started with a YouTube video submission for an out-of-the-box marketing position.
Took a tour of Water Missions International and my eyes were opened to the crisis that impacts the lives of millions around the world. I left there determined to make a difference
Completed first Change for Change fundraiser, raising funds for the people of Musubi, Uganda. Through the month of April, our fundraiser raised $16,000.
Planned and executed my first week-long summer camp experience for 300 students. From planning activities, coordinating speakers and creating all creative elements, this was the largest event I had planned.
I visited Musubi, Uganda, the community sponsored through the Change for Change fundraiser. With a camera in hand, I traveled to communities all along Lake Victoria, learning first hand how safe water changes lives.
Completed second Change for Change fundraiser for Kimmi Island, Uganda. This time we raised $19,500.
After three years of using a franchised marketing product, I launched a new marketing product/brand for South Carolina Federal Credit Union, saving the organization over 60% the operational costs, annually.
Accepted a job offer at Water Missions International. With years of event experience and a commitment to make a difference through safe water, I jumped in head first, gearing up for Water Missions International's annual fundraiser, the Walk for Water.
Completed Water Missions Internationals 8th annual Walk for Water, growing participation by 42% and raised over $200,000. The highest performing walk up to that point.
Completed Water Missions Internationals most successful Walk for Water. Growing the crowd from 3,100 people to 4,500 people. Raising over $265,000 (and counting).
Robert T. Bridges - Former Executive Vice President for Advancement, Water Missions International
Read More / LessI knew from the first lunch we had together that we needed to hire Kyle. He is articulate, resourceful, creative, cooperative and professional. He brings to the table a set of gifts and experiences I was convinced would elevate our Walk for Water and other special projects. Because of his talent and abilities, as well as his drive, Kyle will accomplish far more than goals given to him. I have more confidence in him than most anyone I have ever hired.
JC Lopez - Founder of The Zyndicate Group
Read More / LessKyle has proven to be one of the most creative and talented people I have ever known. He has the ability to step outside the mold and see things from a 30,000ft perspective. He gets the big picture and somehow always amazes me with everything he does. Whether it is crafting a piece of furniture to be used as a focal point in a wedding he is planning or organizing and planning a fund raising event, he excels at everything he is involved in.
Lea Caswell - Event planner
Read More / LessMy wedding wouldn't have been the success it was without Kyle's involvement, attention to detail, passion, and creativeness. Kyle wasn't even the hired wedding planner, but he stepped in where he saw a need and did the job better than my official wedding planner. The reason Kyle excels at what he does is because of his love of people and his love of making something new. When he can combine those two passions, something awe inspiring happens and his events are always a success! Kyle loves to be creative and break the mold even from the little things such as a organizing a follow-up meeting to the big things like picking wedding venues to planning city wide event. I trust him with the big picture plan to the smallest detail and can't wait to attend his events in the future.
Jamie Costa - Actor
Read More / LessKyle is a pleasure to work with. He and I have worked on several projects together and I'm always walking away with nothing but great memories. He, of course, is a friend now, but that's only because of experiencing his wonderful work ethic and a warm heart. I'm honored to know Kyle and I'm sure anyone else who works with him will be as well.