I wasn’t supposed to end up in the events world.
At 21, I was a college dropout selling real estate and running marketing for a few real estate teams. It was good money, sure—but it wasn’t it. I was searching for something else, something with art, music, and community at its core.
That itch led me to SkipFiction, a little idea that turned into something real. It started as a Grand Rapids-based blog where we told the real stories of Midwest art, fashion, and culture. We weren’t chasing trends; we were spotlighting the artists who deserved to be heard. Somehow, 20+ volunteers came together to make it happen—writers, photographers, designers, all working for nothing but the love of their city and their craft.
What I didn’t know then was that SkipFiction wasn’t just a passion project—it was a door opener.
Meeting Number Project
At the time, I wasn’t looking for a job. I was looking for knowledge. That’s what led me to Kevin, the founder of Number Project—a guy who had built an agency putting on some of the most unique, culture-driven events in the country.
I just wanted to pick his brain. How could I be a better artist manager? How could I help uplift the artists in my community?
That conversation didn’t end the way I expected. Instead of advice, I walked out with an invitation to shadow his team. Shortly after, I was asked to interview.
Then came the real challenge.
The Interview That Changed Everything
It wasn’t a normal interview. The pool of candidates was huge, and instead of a sit-down Q&A, we were thrown straight into the fire. We had to concept an entire event from scratch—on the spot—with a group of other interviewees, then pitch it to the team.
I wasn’t the most qualified. I wasn’t the most experienced. Some of the people in that room had resumes that blew mine out of the water. But I knew one thing: I could pay attention to every detail and outwork everyone in that room.
And it worked.
That opportunity turned into nearly six years with Number Project, and to this day, it’s one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
The Work: Legends, Prisons, and Unforgettable Nights
Working with Number Project meant wearing every hat imaginable. It meant long nights, high stakes, and some of the most unique experiences I could’ve ever dreamed of.
Some of my favorite moments?
🔥 Working with legends like Taylor Hawkins, Chad Smith, and the Hamilton cast—absolute icons who defined entire eras of music and performance.
🎤 Producing events inside the prison system—bringing live music and energy to places that had never seen anything like it before.
🏙 Creating culture-driven events across the country—whether it was an underground party in Chicago or a festival takeover in New York, we built experiences that mattered.
It wasn’t just about throwing events—it was about crafting moments that stuck with people.
The People: A Family, Not Just a Team
The best part of those years? The people.
Most of my closest friends today? I met them at Number Project. The kind of people who thrive under pressure, who live for the work, who create just for the love of it.
Even now, I still try to make it to an event whenever I can. It doesn’t matter how much time has passed—when you work in the trenches with people like that, the bond doesn’t go away.
Looking Back
It’s crazy to think that a random blog in Grand Rapids set off a chain of events that changed my life. That saying yes to a meeting I wasn’t even sure I deserved got me in the door. That betting on myself in a room full of more qualified people actually paid off.
SkipFiction was about building something for the community—and in the process, it built me. It led me straight into the world I had been searching for.
To anyone chasing something bigger: start small, say yes, and trust the process. You never know where the next door will lead.