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Work Background
Self-employedPublic Speaker; Meditation / Breathwork Instructor
May. 2025Denver, Colorado, United StatesI build cultures people believe in—and brands customers can feel. For over a decade, I led Marketing & PR at Chipotle Mexican Grill in its early years, where we learned a simple truth: when your people know the values, feel heard, and see leaders walk the talk, the brand builds itself from the inside out. My career since has included leading sales and PR teams, founding two food companies, and guiding organizations through growth and change. Today I speak and advise on: Culture as a competitive advantage (clarity, communication, and consistency) Internal communications that reduce turnover and increase ownership Manager toolkits and rituals that make values tangible Practical mindfulness for high-pressure work (meditation & breathwork that actually fits in a calendar) My sessions are candid, actionable, and built for the real world. And yes—book me for your corporate culture keynote and your team leaves with a surprising bonus: the Chipotle guacamole recipe (sometimes made live). If you’re building a culture everyone buys into—and a brand people trust—let’s talk.
Corporate GuruCreator
Sep. 2023 - Sep. 2025Denver, Colorado, United States
Crave ItAdvisory Board of Directors
May. 2020 - Sep. 2023San Francisco Bay AreaAdvising the company Founder and CEO with branding, messaging, social media, and go-to-market sales strategy. Have developed nearly all internal communications from diversity statement and employee handbook to investor pitch deck.
JA CommunicationsFounder
Mar. 2017 - Sep. 2023Denver, COJames Adams Communications is a consulting firm that meets the sales, marketing, and branding needs of a wide array of commercial clients, particularly early-stage and venture-backed technology companies that are ready to scale. Recent projects including rebranding and creation of all sales collateral for Fishbowl; foundational communications development and creation of all sales collateral for Ataraxis Biosciences; and commercial video production for Powerizer Home Cleaning Products.
QRUNCH Foods, LLCCo-Founder/CEO; Head of Sales
Dec. 2010 - Mar. 2017Denver, Colorado, United StatesJoined with two partners to launch this organic food business and developed a portfolio of eight products, including a veggie burger made from organic quinoa. Responsible for all sales efforts, including prospecting, pitch decks, and in person presentation to retailers, securing nationwide distribution agreements with Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger, Wegmans, Publix and other top retailers. Directed a staff of three professionals and in addition to sales, managed corporate identity, branding and messaging. Generated a peak of $3MM in revenue, Entered into co-manufacturing agreement to expand production operations while maintaining compliance with food safety guidelines and other regulatory requirements. Worked with regional food brokers to maximize brand visibility and distribution.
Redbud's Gourmet Raw Dog FoodFounder; Sales Director
Nov. 2008 - Jul. 2020Denver, COFounded and launched a premium raw dog food made from human-grade ingredients, produced at a USDA-inspected production facility. Built a portfolio of five SKUs and placed products in 40 pet boutiques around the state of Colorado. Responsible for all aspects of sales including prospecting, presentation creation, and face-to-face selling with pet shop owners.
Chipotle Mexican GrillExecutive Director, Marketing
Jul. 2000 - Oct. 2008Denver, COMaintained authority over imaging, communications messaging, and market awareness, with responsibility for a $20MM annual budget. Developed and executed marketing and public relations strategies that created brand distinction in a highly competitive industry and drove double digit YOY comp sales. Worked with the founder of the company to develop strategies for internal and customer-facing messaging; credited with establishing a lean enterprise-wide marketing framework. Defined the corporate brand in the early years of the business; from 2001 to 2008, increased new store openings by 100%, working with over 18,000 employees and ensuring success through public relations, local marketing, and traditional advertising channels. Introduced the Master Burrito Ambassador customer rewards and loyalty program, reaching over 5000 registered participants over a decade. Chosen as the keynote speaker for the International Association of Culinary Professionals Annual Convention in 2007. Featured in the cover story for Marketing Hub Magazine focusing on the marketing philosophy behind the success of the Chipotle brand.
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