My name is Joel Cook and I am a strategist and product designer with over 10 years of experience in the field. I currently live in Gilbert, Arizona with my amazing wife and 4 incredible kids. I love a good challenge, whether it's running Spartan Races, Competing in the PXH Highland games, or flexing my creative muscles to design and source manufacturing a custom commercial grade inflatable water slide for my kids.
Ever since a young age I’ve always been creative and was even inspired by Star Wars to one day work making special effects for movies. While my work never made it to the big screens, I naturally found a creative outlet through graphic design, which opened my eyes to the power of solving problems through creative solutions. I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelors of Science in Visual Communication Design. From there I’ve had the opportunities to work both in Agency and In-House environments. I’ve collaborated within and led cross-functional teams through many successful projects. I understand the importance of clear communication and open dialogue in order to achieve a common goal, and I have a track record of bringing people together to achieve outstanding results.
One of my recent accomplishments in this regard is the 16-week design internship program that I initiated, created the curriculum for, and lead. This program was incredibly successful, and it was a great way for me to give back to the community and to help shape the next generation of designers. I am proud of the impact that this program has had on the students who participated. The program provided hands-on experience, mentorship, and a deep understanding of the industry. The students were able to work on real-world projects and gain invaluable experience that would help them to stand out in the job market.
I also firmly believe that success comes from building each other up. I am dedicated to creating a positive and collaborative working environment and I believe that by fostering a culture of mutual respect and support, we can achieve great things together. Whether it's leading a team or mentoring interns, I always make sure to empower others to reach their full potential. My leadership style prioritizes collaboration, open communication and building a sense of community. I believe that by building each other up, we can create a more inclusive and successful workplace.
I believe in leading with empathy and putting the user at the center of everything I do, and I am constantly seeking new and creative ways to design and deliver impactful solutions. I strive to be an out-of-the-box creative who thrives on a good challenge.