About Us

At Firelight Creative Co.

We help your business shine.

At Firelight Creative Co., we help small businesses shine brighter with clear strategy, compelling design, and authentic storytelling. We believe every brand has a story worth sharing—and our mission is to make that story warm, bright, and unforgettable.

Hi, I'm Ben.

I am the Creative Director and Owner of the Firelight Creative Co. For over 15 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of strategy and creativity- helping organizations clarify their message, design engaging experiences, and connect with the people who matter most.

In my work at Washington State University, I was responsible for the university’s strategic plan. I found a passion for processes and execution that brings transparency and results.

I’ve led strategic communication and planning at Washington State University, taught university-level courses in design and media, and partnered with dozens of small businesses and nonprofits through my own creative studio. Along the way, I’ve developed a deep love for helping entrepreneurs cut through the noise and tell their story with confidence.

CHECK OUT MY RESUME

I’ve built my career at the intersection of creativity and strategy.

Each step of my career has built on the last—combining creativity, communication, and leadership.

VIEW MY PORTFOLIO

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Strategic Communication

I have a strong foundation as a graphic and web designer, creating visuals and digital experiences with strong, clear messages. With broad understanding of advertising, public relations, and social media principles, I am able to build communication plans with strategies that are driven to produce results.

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Teaching

For 10 years, I taught university-level courses in design, advertising, social media, and web. Teaching kept me grounded in industry standards while giving me the opportunity to mentor and develop future professionals.

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Strategic planning & execution

At Washington State University, I facilitated systemwide planning processes, helping leadership define goals and move them into action. I specialized in execution and reporting—building dashboards, tracking progress, and working directly with leaders to keep strategies on course.

Experience you can measure. Skills you can see.

My career has given me the chance to wear many hats- designer, teacher, communicator, strategist- and each role has added to the skills and accomplishments I bring today. From mastering Adobe tools to leading systemwide strategic planning, I’ve learned how to balance creativity and execution in a way that drives real results.

years in communication and design

years teaching in higher ed

Facilitated implementation plans

Creative projects delivered

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Certifications and Awards

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Strategic Planning Institute

Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), 2023

– Completed all phases of SCUP’s Planning Institute, focused on integrated strategic planning, change management, and alignment best practices

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Oaks Academic Technology Teaching Award

Washington State University, April 2021

– Recognized for innovative use of technology to transform teaching and learning; nominated for leading the Murrow Adobe Lab’s virtual transition and expanded student support

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Honorable Mention- UCDA Design Awards

University & College Designers Association, 2023

– Honored for my website development for WSU’s Strategic Plan; recognized among top in-house digital design entries nationwide

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Comfort in Adobe Programs

InDesign 85% 85%
Illustrator 90% 90%
Photoshop 72% 72%
Premiere Pro 65% 65%
Lightroom 78% 78%