You started at VMG in the early years. What was that like?

As the first San Francisco employee, I was assigned the task of supporting the partners, creating new company accounts and problem solving on a dime. Our leave-your-ego-at-the-door approach enabled us to collectively build, create, thrive and repeat daily. Those days were thrilling and punctuated by moments of sheer terror. We knew we were creating something special. It was magic!

What are some of the most exciting ways you’ve seen the company evolve?

VMG attracts extraordinary talent and then, in turn, attracts great brands and interesting entrepreneurs. We have morphed into a collegial, smart entrepreneurial community with a soul.

That’s wicked cool, which brings me to your hometown.

Ha. Yeah, I’m from Boston. It’s a beautiful place to live with four distinct seasons, each of which is glorious in its own way. It’s also a walkable city that can bring you through many diverse neighborhoods, and it smells like seafood, Regina’s pizza, and sports! But when I found my heart in San Francisco, I did leave behind my Boston accent.

Ha! What was it like to grow up in your family?

I was one of six siblings in an Irish Catholic household. We were our own little team. It was controlled chaos and there was always someone to hang with or talk to. We taught each other how to ice skate at the local frozen pond, roller skate and play tennis. There were no organized sports games, it was every kid for themselves! Our upbringing taught us how to accept people as they are, rely on ourselves and see the humor in almost everything.

Shifting to your work at VMG…what’s an aspect of working with brands that’s like second nature to you?

As part of our annual investor meeting, I create displays for some of our portfolio companies. It’s

rewarding to take beautiful brands and make them sparkle even more at the event. There’s always something unique to each product and I love finding the secret sauce to turn the spotlight on them. It’s creative and rewarding.

And what’s your favorite way to spend a Saturday?

Playing a round of golf with friends. It’s relaxing to simply chase a ball around for a few hours and look out at the Marin County hills. The only unrelaxing part of the day is adding up my score.