As a child, Carl’s inspiration to be an architect came with a chance visit to the Hyatt Atlanta. He was in awe of Portman’s futuristic design with elevators that evoked a Star Wars vibe and a restaurant that looked to hover over the roof like a spaceship. At that moment, he knew he had to learn more; he had to design that experience and evoke that feeling in others.

It is no surprise that Carl Winstead embodies what it means to be Chief Experience Officer. He understands people in a way that others cannot. Voted most outgoing by his Senior class, his power of empathy, ability to read a room, and positive outlook on any situation contribute to our sought-after culture and our client’s satisfaction.

Author of the upcoming book, Branding from Within, Jerry Gennaria leverages 30 years of experience in strategy and communications to help organizations more effectively tell their story, build a stronger business, and reach their full potential.

Jerry leads TOKY, a St. Louis-based branding and strategy firm, serving a variety of industries, particularly professional service firms, healthcare, and the built environment. His pragmatic approach delivers actionable insights and frameworks to help marketers and business leaders move past the tropes to build a stronger brand experience.