Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Travis York is a seasoned creative professional with over 15 years of experience in the retail and coffee industries. As the Founder and Creative Director of Groundwork Coffee LLC and the Owner/Founder of strangegentcandles.com, he leverages his deep expertise in brand development, product design, and marketing to drive innovation and growth.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Founder/Creative Director at Groundwork Coffee LLC (2016-05-01 to Present)

• Oversee all creative and strategic aspects of the Groundwork Coffee brand, including product development, marketing, and business strategy

• Lead a team of designers, marketers, and coffee experts to create exceptional coffee experiences and build a strong brand presence

• Collaborate with industry partners to source high-quality, sustainably-grown coffee beans and develop unique blends and products

• Spearhead the company's expansion into new markets and distribution channels, driving consistent revenue growth

Owner/Founder at strangegentcandles.com (2018-11-01 to Present)

• Conceptualize and develop a line of premium, artisanal candles under the "Strange Gent" brand

• Oversee all aspects of product design, manufacturing, marketing, and e-commerce operations

• Build a loyal customer base and establish the Strange Gent brand as a leading player in the high-end candle market

Previous Experience

Visitor Services Staff at The Museum of Modern Art (2001-05-01 to 2012-06-01)

• Provided exceptional customer service and art-related expertise to museum visitors

• Contributed to the development and implementation of visitor engagement initiatives

• Gained valuable experience in the arts and cultural sector, which has informed his creative approach in subsequent roles

Academic Background

Travis holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, where he specialized in Industrial Design. His education has deeply shaped his design-centric approach to product development and brand building.

Areas of Expertise

• Brand strategy and development

• Product design and innovation

• Creative direction and team leadership

• Digital marketing and e-commerce

• Sustainable sourcing and production

• Specialty coffee industry knowledge

Professional Impact

• Grew Groundwork Coffee from a single Los Angeles location to a multi-state specialty coffee roaster and retailer

• Launched the successful Strange Gent candle brand, capturing a niche in the premium home fragrance market

• Contributed to the visitor experience and engagement initiatives at the Museum of Modern Art, helping to attract and educate a diverse audience

Conclusion

With his proven track record of creative leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and industry expertise, Travis York is poised to continue driving innovation and growth in the retail and coffee sectors. His passion for design, marketing, and building sustainable businesses makes him a valuable asset in any creative or leadership role.