A little bit about me
Dan is a multidisciplinary brand and design leader, product developer, strategic thinker, and thoughtful creative with over 25 years of industry experience. Most recently he was the Director of Brand Design at Liberty Mutual where he defined and supported the company vision and end-to-end employee experience. He led a cross-disciplinary team of UX designers and developers, brand designers, and writers defining and shaping the branded physical, visual, and digital touch-points.
During his career, Dan has developed and reinvented other brands including Keurig, Vitamix, SimpliSafe, and the Ninja kitchen line of products. He believes that great storytelling creates great brands, and every interaction with the brand is an opportunity to connect with someone on a deeper, aspirational level.
Originally from upstate New York, Dan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design from Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is currently based in Boston.
Principles & Process
Put people first
Design with humility and empathy for the needs and desires of people.
Be open
Engage with diverse teams to uncover unique perspectives and ideas.
Think again
Trust your intuition, ask good questions and improvise.
Purpose-led
Explore deeper connections through experiences and
purpose-led storytelling.
Keep it simple
Eliminate the decorative to deliver a singular, powerful expression.
Recommendations
Melissa MacDonnell
President, Liberty Mutual Foundation
Dan O. is a wonderfully creative colleague with whom I’ve had the privilege to work on a number of very meaningful projects. He always brings more to the conversation and table than required or anticipated. He cares deeply about the purpose and quality of his work. Of course for us in the philanthropy world, these attributes mean an awful lot.
Greg Goins
Brand Designer, Liberty Mutual Insurance
Working under Dan during my four years at Liberty has been a pleasure. He is constantly inspiring our team, seeing creative opportunities even in the most straightforward asks. Dan also sees potential in his team members and has inspired all of us to grow even when we lack confidence in ourselves. As a creative director, he has a rare knowledge of the finer aspects of design that complements his conceptual thinking. He has helped create an open, inviting team culture that generates work that both designers and clients are proud of.
Sarah Jung Hess
Brand Strategy, Liberty Mutual Insurance
Dan is the kind of strategic creative partner one dreams of. His ability to take his design expertise and couple it with the vision of a campaign or project makes ideation, brainstorming and the entire process engaging, rewarding and super fun.
Dan’s desire and ability to collaborate is also such a gift. He wants to bring people in and is not afraid of constructive dialogue. His desire to create beautiful, meaningful work that considers every angle and perspective is refreshing. Working with him and the positive, uplifting environment he creates makes a huge difference.
Apart from his skills as a designer and creative leader, he is a genuine, thoughtful human. He studies trends, society, and he reads a ton. He is hopeful, open, and strives to create a better way & a better world through his work as well as in the relationships he builds with the people he works with.
Integrated Capabilities
Strategy
Brand Management
Brand Strategy
Brand Architecture
Brand Messaging
Design
Brand Design
User Experience
Experiential Branding
Digital Marketing
Talent Brand (Recruiting)
Visual Communications
Retail & Packaging Design
Naming
Identity Design
Culture
Talent Strategy
Talent Branding
Employee Engagement