MY Story

My path – to put it mildly – would have been hard to predict.

I grew up on a thriving midwestern farm. Raised cattle and sheep, corn and soybeans. Went off to Purdue for a degree in Agricultural Communications, and learned to love writing, art and photography. And when it came time to return to the farm and join my parents and older brothers, ran smack into the ag recession.

So then came Plan B.

Two amazing stints in the newspaper business with Knight-Ridder and Gannett left me light on income but rich in experience. Next stop was Rhea + Kaiser, an ag-focused advertising agency in suburban Chicago. And suddenly, it all clicked.

Advertising’s crazy marriage of art and commerce, the unpredictable, spontaneous and energized atmosphere – it was tailor-made for me. I defied the lifespan of modern Mad Men, staying with R+K for 27 amazing years.

But the next chapter is even sweeter.

In October 2014, I partnered with Lou Simon to expand his successful design firm to an agency offering full creative services. The rebrand to Simon/Myers became official when the ball dropped on New Year’s 2015. You’ll find us at www.simon-myers.com.

I think that every farm kid has an entrepreneurial itch. It comes from the way they’re raised, from the constant risk and reward of the ag lifestyle, and from the merit earned by treating people right. That’s where I am today with Simon/Myers. That’s where I belong.