Big career moves are like roller coasters—they start with anticipation, hit you with some stomach-dropping twists, and leave you exhilarated (and maybe slightly dizzy). After almost 6-years as CTO at Accela, I’m stepping into a new role as CTO of O2E Brands helping the business through a massive product, technology and data transformation.
Peter Thiel has this famous interview question: “What important truth do very few people agree with you on?” For me, it’s that there is enormous, untapped potential in taking non-technical industries and digitizing them. I’ve seen it firsthand in GovTech, where applying modern technology to slow, manual processes has transformed how governments operate and serve their citizens. Now, I get to apply that same thinking to a whole new challenge.
The Job Search Checklist
When I started thinking about my next step, I had a wish list for the kind of role I wanted:
- Good People: Life’s too short to work with anyone but the best.
- A Huge Opportunity: I wanted to be part of something that’s just getting started with big potential.
- Something Different: I didn’t need the same old thing.
- A Hard Challenge: Because if it’s easy, where’s the fun?
- A Big-Ass Transformation: Let’s take something good and make it exceptional.
Why O2E Brands?
For those unfamiliar, O2E Brands (which stands for “Ordinary to Exceptional”) is a company with a mission to redefine what great service looks like in some of the most overlooked industries. They’re the proud operators of:
- 1-800-GOT-JUNK?: Turning the dreaded task of junk removal into an easy, even satisfying experience.
- WOW 1 DAY PAINTING: Revolutionizing the painting industry with speed and quality that make you go, well, “Wow.”
- Shack Shine: Elevating home detailing to a premium, hassle-free service.
My role at O2E Brands will focus on product, technology, and data, driving the strategic transformation of the business. This isn’t just about tweaking what’s already working—it’s about rethinking how we leverage technology to serve customers better and scale smarter. And honestly, how often do you get to combine logistics, AI, cloud, and mobile innovation in mega large industries like junk removal and house painting?
Been Around the Block (and Loving the Journey)
This isn’t my first time diving into something big and bold, but every new challenge comes with its own unique flavor. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working across a diverse range of companies—venture-backed startups, private equity-driven businesses, and mature public companies. Each one taught me something new about leadership, innovation, and the art of solving hard problems.
Now, stepping into the world of a privately held company with O2E Brands, I get to explore yet another dimension of business. It’s a chance to take everything I’ve learned—about building products, harnessing data, and crafting strategies—and apply it to an organization that’s ready to level up in a big way. This isn’t about just doing a transformation; it’s about bringing a fresh perspective and a toolkit shaped by years of varied, rewarding experiences. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good challenge?
Looking Back, Moving Forward
As I turn the page on my time at Accela, I’m filled with gratitude for the amazing people I’ve worked with, the lessons I’ve learned, and the incredible impact we’ve had on communities around the world. It’s been a privilege to help modernize GovTech and see how technology can make government better for everyone.
But the road ahead with O2E Brands has me fired up. This is an opportunity to do something transformative in industries ready for reinvention, with a team that’s ready to tackle the challenge head-on.
Here’s to good people, big challenges, and bold transformations. Let’s do this. 🚀