Q people

How do you stay sharp?

I’ve been with Quarry for more than 15 years now, and I’ve yet to experience one month that was like the month before. I started out as a copywriter, became the team lead, then Associate Creative Director. My role now runs the gamut from insight to brand strategy to planning to craftsmanship. Because I work with a variety of smart, ambitious clients and my responsibilities pretty much morph to fit their specific needs, I’m always at the slightly scary learning edge of my capabilities in something or another I’m tackling. And that’s how I like it.

Why do clients choose Quarry?

What do they find here that they won’t get elsewhere? Smart ideas, great work, ya da ya da ya da. I mean, for sure, those things matter a lot. But I think our clients find it refreshing and energizing to work with people who genuinely like each other and get jazzed by building together. The “yes, and” ethos of improv is woven into our culture, and it leads to collaboration that is more fruitful and a whole lot of fun.

What is the last book you read and would you recommend it?

I always have multiple books on the go, usually piled precariously on my bedside table. Right now, there’s Homegrown Tea by Cassie Liversidge, The Story of the Human Body: Evolution, Health, and Disease by Daniel Lieberman, The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver, Blood Lite, a compilation of humorous horror short stories, and Big Nate Flips Out by Lincoln Peirce. (Reading is a family sport in our house.) You’ll not go wrong with any of those, but you should read The Lacuna. With its cast of colorful characters (Frida Kahlo! Leon Trotsky!), fascinating premise and masterly craftsmanship, this novel rewards your attention. Barbara Kingsolver’s use of language knocks me out. Beautifully crafted without being precious. Plus, she seldom (never?) resorts to parentheses for expansions or digressions. (It’s a weakness.)