Thomas Ellingson

Brainstormer, Business leader, Consultant, Marketer, Parent

My mom wanted me to be a weatherman. The closest I got was the SnowReporter for Northstar-at-Tahoe when i was 21. So, not that close. I'm currently the COO of GDP, a brand studio that combines the best of strategy, design, and journalism to build story-driven brands. And I'm lucky to call it a career. Before joining GDP, I was with Landor for five years, where I ran the West Coast studios, including the founding studio in San Francisco and the emerging studio in Los Angeles. Some highlights from my career are the design partnership that revitalized Scout Motors, a rebirth of an iconic brand. Or the once-in-a-career opportunity to redesign the National Geographic publication. Or to have a front-row seat in the crash and rebirth of Silicon Valley Bank. When I'm not working or traveling, I can be found at home in Marin with my wife, our two sons, and two mutts.

Personal improvement every day of my life. And not dealing with bullshit.

“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you will help them become what they are capable of being.”

Advertising, Baseball, Branding, Operations, Snowboarding