Get to know me.

Hello and welcome to the home of handcrafted creativity, where you’ll find my work as a writer, communicator, creative leader, spatial designer and artist. My name is Duane, and whether you are visiting for the first time, you’ve read one of my books or visited a place I’ve helped design, I’m glad you stopped by.

Over my years of experience in the commercial world, working with The Walt Disney Company, Microsoft, and many other global enterprises, nearly 20 years as a pastor at two of the largest churches in the Pacific Northwest, and my own creative studio (Thinks, Inc.), I’ve been lucky to do what I love most: tell stories that matter, inspire life change, and help people think differently.

As a creative problem solver and storyteller, my passion lies in inspiring people to create meaningful change. My unique approach is built on the foundation of imagination, optimism, and humor, drawing from people who’ve inspired me–from Walt Disney to Reggie Joiner, from Jon Acuff to Abraham Lincoln, with a little George Bailey and Edmund Pevensie for good measure.

I focus on helping individuals and organizations who seek a fresh perspective to make a difference in the world, both professionally and personally. I offer creative solutions enabling them to achieve their goals, with a proven track record of creating impactful stories connecting with diverse audiences across multiple industries and platforms. Whether it’s telling user stories for one of the world’s largest online communities or reflecting on a powerful verse from the book of Romans, I know how to engage and encourage audiences to connect with each other, with their purpose, and the inherent calling in humanity to be part of something greater than themselves.

With a friendly, optimistic, and creative personality, I approach challenges with a can-do attitude and an unwavering commitment to making things happen. My essence is “imagination meets activity” – a belief that creativity and action are inextricably linked, because it’s how God created the world. That is where creativity starts, in those “Let there be…” moments where action and imagination meet–because when that happens, we “think differently” about our lives, the spaces we share, and the ways we connect with each other.

I’ve written books about Christmas and acceptance, as well as contributed to national curriculum and publications for kids and families. The best-selling series, The Bear Necessities showcases two of my favorite things–encouraging people and drawing–in gift books meant for audiences of all ages. I currently develop content and communications for Microsoft Power Platform and other companies across the United States. I’m honored to have cowritten a best-selling curriculum for David C. Cook, contributed as an author to several best-selling books and projects for kids, and authored several other books of my own.

The new edition of my best-selling holiday book, Resting Merry: Discovering Joy & Peace at Christmas was released in 2022 and I am always surprised and blessed by the response. This series of thoughts and daily reminders about the most wonderful time of the year was full of personal reflections based on my past years creating and producing original Christmas musicals from 1999-2005.  This book has touched the lives of thousands of readers, who continue to buy copies and give them away as gifts–making “resting merry” part of their annual holiday traditions.

I’ve been lucky to lead teams creating branding, theming, and master plans for everything from Unclaimed Baggage Center in Alabama to AnimeExpo in Los Angeles, Tony’s Chocolonely in Amsterdam and mixed-use spaces in Florida, Colorado, Washington, Texas, and more.

With my original creative studio, Thinks, Inc, I was honored to be the creative director and designer on some pretty amazing projects, from a company culture book for one of central Florida’s largest retirement communities to menu design for two of Los Angeles’ most iconic restaurants and experiences and one of the healthiest restaurants in Arizona. My experience has also enabled me to be the long-term designer for cleaning services franchises in Tennessee, automotive dealerships in Chicago, an internet and cable company in Florida, as well as many small businesses and non-profits.

I’ve created environments for kids across the United States, each uniquely themed and designed to help tell a unique story, from the Aurora Borealis to pirates in space to recreating classic WPA posters and imaginative landscapes and creatures. Whether it’s designing a newspaper ad, a restaurant menu, or an imaginative third space–my unique style of handcrafted creativity will help make it a reality.

I’m honored to be a guest speaker at conferences around the United States, speaking on everything from my books to creating engaging environments. As a public speaker, I get to share my passion for telling stories and incredible truths with wonderful people both in person and online. I am available for speaking engagements, guest preaching spots, and even leading seminars and sessions. (I won’t always wear a sweater vest.)

So, welcome! I love to tell my own stories–and to help others tell theirs.