About Me

👋 Hey there! I’m Brent. I’m a dad, designer, musician, and speaker, working remotely from the comfort of my home in Austin, TX. I really enjoy collaborating with open-minded folks and creating software that makes work feel like fun.

👋 Hey there! I’m Brent. I’m a dad, designer, musician, and speaker, working remotely from the comfort of my home in Austin, TX. I really enjoy collaborating with open-minded folks and creating software that makes work feel fun.

The image featured in the middle of the about us page
The image featured in the middle of the about us page
The image featured in the middle of the about us page

Core Values

Working in various countries and team sizes has evolved my core beliefs in collaboration, decision-making, and inclusivity.

🤝 Problems (over Pixels)

The majority of a Designer's time is “glue work” outside of Figma — it’s crucial for teamwork and solving pressing issues to avoid being seen as merely the aesthetics department. In my experience, I've seen plenty of vision projects linger in Figma, simply because the visuals without the storytelling don't move an organization forward.

🙋 People (over Process)

When you have the right team, any strategy succeeds. If the team isn't right, no strategy will work. A group of intelligent, kind, and giving individuals can tackle almost any challenge. No process can compensate for the presence of negative influences. In my experience, flailing projects stem from lacking or damaged relationships.

⏩ Progress (over Perfection)

Focus on gaining momentum instead of chasing the elusive "perfect" result. I'm all about being practical and swapping the fear of making errors with the thrill of moving forward. Aim for steady improvements towards a major goal. Build momentum and "flow."

Work History

My focus is B2B SaaS, designing reporting and productivity tools from startups to Forbes Cloud 100 firms.

Product Design Consultant

Now

I've been fully immersed in tackling tricky UX and UI problems alongside some incredible companies. Teaming closely with founders, engineers, and customers, I've developed design systems, improved existing platforms, and crafted new products from scratch. I help companies in discovering their "fit," especially when there's no room for error. Clients include Dell, Instacart, QuotaPath, Awning, Tango, and more.

Product Design Manager @ Mixpanel

2022 - 2023

I led the Product Design org of nine at Mixpanel, where we enabled teams of all sizes to understand customer data without requiring an analytics background. How might we give brands instant access to customer insights that can improve their business—no statistics degree required?

Director of Product Design @ Fast

2022

As Director of Product Design at this short-lived, made-for-TV startup Fast, our remote product design team built tools to help merchants sell goods online. We sought to make 1-click checkout with Fast easier, and safer than traditional credit card payments.

Principal Product Designer @ Point Health

2020 - 2021

I launched Point Health's mobile app on iOS and Android, hitting 2,000 monthly active users by Q1 2021. I also developed Confetti design system for mobile/web and managed a team, including a Brand Designer and Senior Product Designer, contributing to our vibrant, user-centric design culture.

Senior Lead, Product Design @ Proof

2019 - 2020

Before Fast, I was Head of Design at the defunct startup Proof (now Jasper). Proof lets you easily personalize your website for every visitor to increase conversions. I designed everything from PLG strategy to koozies.

Design Lead @ Carwow

2018 - 2019

I’ve also lived and managed teams overseas at Carwow in London, making selling and buying vehicles in the UK painless.

Product Design Manager @ Zendesk

2016 - 2018

At Zendesk in France, my team led the successful UI/UX integration of the locally acquired startup, BIME–now Zendesk Analytics

Director, User Experience and Design @ Cision

2014 - 2016

I designed the first version of TrendKite, which was later acquired by Cision (NYSE:CISN) for $225 million. At TrendKite, I ran the entire design practice, covering everything from research and product development to branding.

Product Designer @ Various companies

2001 - 2014

The image featured in the middle of the about us page
The image featured in the middle of the about us page
The image featured in the middle of the about us page

Speaking

I'm grateful to share my journey around building effective teams, PLG, and collaborating with customer support.

Availability

Occasionally taking freelance opportunities, so if you are looking to work with me, or just to chat, get in touch.