Brett lives by an African proverb that says: “Calm seas do not make skillful sailors.” It reminds us that while adversity is often tough to bear, “it’s where growth happens.” Brett is no stranger to that fact.
A few years before he joined SNOW, he had watched his father battle, and ultimately succumb to, an aggressive melanoma. “He died at home the morning after Christmas, surrounded by his family.” It was a loss that shaped Brett and his loved ones in profound ways. “My father’s death became an event that time was measured by. We had a time ‘before Dad died’ and a time ‘after Dad died.’”
Ever since this profound experience, Brett has been prioritizing purpose in life. “I had never had any interest in designing Kleenex boxes or candy bar wrappers.” So, when he heard about a design job at a small company in Williamsburg that helped patients and caregivers tell their stories and share them around the world, he wanted in. “It just felt right. I knew I wanted to do work that meant something.” Brett joined SNOW in 2008.
The Moment It All Clicked
One early experience still defines how Brett sees the power of patient connection. He remembers photographing a Welcome Dinner for multiple myeloma patients in Boston. Within seconds, people who had never met were exchanging phone numbers, laughing, and leaning in to share experiences they had held alone for years. Caregivers found the same relief in each other.
“We helped start a community that night. Their resolve was strengthened and they all felt more hopeful. All it took was getting them into a room with others who had walked a mile in their shoes.”
That moment has guided him ever since. It’s why he puts such care into every story, design, conversation, and creative choice.
What Drives Him, On and Off the Clock
Brett stays motivated by his team and the people whose stories SNOW helps share. “I’m always amazed by what people can endure,” he says. “I’ve met patients with devastating diagnoses who were still the most optimistic, fun-loving people in the room.”
Outside of work, he spends his time with his wife and daughter, plays guitar, tackles woodworking projects, and enjoys long walks and movie nights. A little-known fun fact: Brett is an identical twin and was born without a sense of smell — something his twin shares, too.
When asked what advice he gives new team members, he keeps it simple. “When in doubt, ask a question. I’ve seen so many things spin out of control because someone stayed quiet. Curiosity is how you learn.”
Brett laughs about his “current obsession with Ken Burns documentaries,” but it’s not surprising he’s drawn to them, considering they all tell narratives of people navigating challenging situations and unfavorable odds. It’s a reminder, after all, that the most skillful sailors emerge from the roughest seas.
