Let me introduce myself…
My name is Marcus, and as a student of storytelling, I’ve spent the past 20+ years attempting to remove ambiguity in communication so brands and audiences can achieve a shared understanding of truth, together.
One of my core beliefs is that trust exists within the shared understanding of truth, and as such I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the magical moments of clarity.
Whether it is producing national advertising campaigns, developing go-to-marketing strategies, or building a brand from scratch, my goal is to remove as much ambiguity as possible so that true relationships can flourish on a foundation of trust. And what is true for people is also true for brands… a company’s relationship with their customer is no different.
As a result I’ve had the privilege of working with businesses large and small. From Fortune 500 companies, such as United Healthcare, Rite-Aid Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, to great local businesses across the pacific northwest. .
“Trust exists within the shared understanding of truth.”
— Edgar Papke
Love
Loyalty
Trust
What every brand wants, and why so few obtain it.
A little background…
I began my career serving in the US Navy aboard the USS Carl Vinson during Operation Enduring Freedom as a Avionics Technician, achieving the rank of Petty Officer, Second Class by the end of my tenure. In response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11, my team supported tactical air operations in support of our first-strike response. This experience taught me the value of relentless discipline and a systems-design approach in my leadership style.
After four years of service, I utilized my GI Bill and returned home to attend Boise State University. In 2007 I obtained by Bachelor’s in Quantitative Economics while simultaneously managing the school news media organization.
During that time Facebook was in its infancy, Youtube didn’t exist, and podcasts were an unknown medium of communication. We had a chance to innovate during this time, experimenting with this “new media” and it was there that I discovered my passion for creative collaboration.
Following college I started my own company, building websites, creating video and other visual content as a small business freelancer. In the years to follow, I held other roles for various companies - everything from a video editor, to creative director, to live event production manager, and in those roles I found that it was possible to experience the freedom of creativity within the discipline of structure.
Eventually this led me to study storytelling and in 2014 I joined SmartStory Technologies as the Senior Director of Story. It was here that the culmination of these disciplines finally coalesced in an effective way.
During my time at SmartStory, I produced a number story-driven video campaign for BriovaRx (later acquired by United Healthcare), CVS Health, Rite-Aid, Ford Motor Company, Major League Baseball and many others.
Following my tenure, I joined Belief Agency in 2016 as Managing Director, leading a team of world class creatives to bring story-driven campaigns to life for United Healthcare, Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks and many more. In the next section I highlight three of my favorite projects from my time with these two companies.
Some of my favorite work.
Some of my favorite work.
What I’m up to now
2020 brought massive change in my family life, as it did for so many. These changes led me to move back to Boise to be closer to family in 2021 where I endeavored to start my own software company.
It was during that time I reconnected with some former colleagues from SmartStory, who had launched a new healthcare technology venture called Engage Technologies. At the end of 2024, after acquiring another healthcare software solution, I led the effort to rebrand the company, now known as Clarity Technologies.
I currently serve as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Creative Officer, leading all in-bound and out-bound marketing efforts, content development and curation, and practice development coaching to advance patient education and practice optimization into all markets that we serve.
Hit me up.
While I enjoy my full time role, I occasionally do consulting and coaching on the side. A few times a year I’ll direct a film project as well to keep my skills sharp. If you are interested in any of those things, feel free to fill out the contact form below and we’ll chat!