"The word "unfair" comes to mind when observing James in his element. Unfair, because it seems unfair that one person can not only possess such a broad skillset but that there is real depth to each and every one of those skills. A master of all design trades, James could be dropped into any situation and not help but to provide immense value and make meaningful progress towards all challenges involved in launching successful products.

Everyone claims that they contribute to the success of product launches, but James is one of the few people I've ever worked with who doesn't need to make this claim, his track record speaks for him, his process and accompanying results speak for him, and the people he has worked with, managed, and influenced can all attest to the fact that James actually does contribute to the success of product launches, in a way that few others can."

Dave Hughes

Staff Product Designer, RMS

"James is a rare individual — equally talented as a visual designer, UX designer, business strategist, team leader, mentor, presenter, listener…. you get the idea. If you have a complex, thorny challenge, put James on the case and watch what happens. I’m a better designer and manager for working with James, and you will be too."

Nancy Essex

Design Director, Morningstar Managed Portfolios

"James' strategic thinking is always a few steps ahead of the customer problem or business goal we’re trying to solve. He’s a great storyteller and has successfully opened hearts and minds of some pretty tough audiences (Compliance, C-suite) to unprecedented ways to solve problems. I’ve stated many times that hiring James was one of the best decisions we’ve made and I continue to stand by that. He’s a true unicorn in the field of UX/product design."

Deb Moll

Senior Manager UX, Principal Financial Group

"James is a top notch designer across the board. He's a natural coach with strong instincts about what approach to take with junior designers while pushing work forward, never content to hang back and wait. He has a strong familiarity with process and applies it judiciously, and in service of getting work done."

Derek Thorn

Head of UX, Principal Financial Group

"Within weeks of working together, James converted me into a true believer of how integral design is to the customer experience. As a stakeholder and peer, I had the opportunity to witness his people management skills, often in awe. His reverence for design is apparent and can be seen in everything he touches, even whiteboards. He excels at building personal connections and is a fierce advocate for his team. Any team he is on truly will get sh*t done and have fun doing it."

Heidi Christensen

Senior Product Manger, Charter Spectrum

"James is an outstanding manager. He is excellent at motivating, guiding, and pushing me to do the best work that significantly impacts the organization by launching products faster. He places his people first and always creates a safe environment to discuss difficult situations. James is simply the best manager I've ever worked with."

Danny Tran

Sr Product Designer, Blockchain Creative Labs

"James is an absolute powerhouse of a designer. If you give him the runway, we will own and take any project to the next level. He is an excellent storyteller and can take a room from uncertainty to understanding and enthusiasm. Every decision he makes directly generates tangible value for the company, and he isn't afraid to push and elevate the work of others. I'd love to get the chance to work with him again someday, as would any designer."

Annie Veneruso

Design Systems UX/UIDesigner, Principal

"I cannot say enough good things about James. His work ethic and commitment to excellence and delivery demonstrated many of his strengths in some of the most demanding corporate environments. He was able to direct both incoming upper management requests as well as directly interface with the engineering team with professionalism I have never witnessed before in the industry.

Which leads me to recommend James’ most prominent trait; James’ ability to lead. The team was faced with many difficult scenarios that were both a challenge on morale as well as the team's ability to succeed. James' demonstration of leadership and dedication to excellence was the driving factor for the team to be the most successful engineering team of the current software development organization at Charter."

Scott Heimmer

Data Engineer, Zions Ban

"James is by far one of the most talented people that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. His ability to manage meetings and communicate design is both impressive and unparalleled. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to collaborate with him on a few projects, and I just all around enjoyed having a conversation with him. I’m confident he will continue to excel in his career and his life, and any company that he works for will be better because of him."

Mike Theodorou

Senior Frontend Engineer, Major League Baseball