A part of my past is closing their doors (and I'm ferklempt)

Good afternoon, Friday. TGIFF.

So yesterday I heard the news that my former workplace, CP+B was closing their Miami office in March 2018. And man, did I get the feels. I wasn't expecting to have such a strong reaction, but apparently I wasn't the only one. I'm not alone in the realization that in the ad world, if you worked at CP+B at a certain period in time, it was truly game changing. Let me explain.

I chose a path in advertising and that path led me to Miami. Miami? Me? Ha. I know.

As many of you know, I spent a long chunk of time at CP+B Miami, where I had the pleasure to work with some of the most talented, hilarious, wonderful humans I have ever known, and for 7 years. I can't think of a work experience (with the exception of my time working in trends) that felt more transformative and important to my growth. For those who don't work in adland,  CP+B was THE PLACE to be for a good long stretch and I was so very lucky to have been there. Serendipitous to say the very least.  I'm class of 2004-2011 ps. What a bunch of misfit toys we were.

I learned a tremendous amount- about myself, about when to push, about fighting to protect great ideas. I have never seen so many badass people come together and make things together. We were all in on it and I'll tell you- it was hard as hard gets. I'm not going to pretend every minute was magic, because there were many straws that broke my back and I just walked around hunched over. But the pros far outweighed the cons and I will never, ever forget my time there. It was important. Exciting. And ultimately, the most fun I've ever had at work. And work we did. Constantly. But we loved it and it challenged every fiber of my being in the best of ways. So so thankful for those years.

Many of those who worked with me then are now lifelong friends. I was able to enjoy a healthy freelance career because of all the people i met there. We got each other. Spoke each other's unspoken languages. We laughed, cried, and everything in between. And damn- we could PARTY. It was an endless party really. Because we all needed the release. Some unforgettable moments there. I could write a book and so could many of you. And the fact that they're closing that office (keeping all others open of course) is so intense to me. A huge part of my history, and really pop culture history, is closing their doors. I know CP+B is still open and very much still standing, but it's more representational. It's a tough one. 

I hope some of you have had the opportunity to work for your heroes. There's truly nothing like that. To strive for better and better every day. To walk into a place feeling your heart race a bit because you had no idea what the day would bring. To pinch yourself from time to time because the work was that good. And that's what drives me and has always driven me- I admire and respect and worship great ideas and creativity. It has always been what moves and shakes me. And trust me, there was a whole lotta shakin' going on at that place. I'll never, ever forget it and am eternally grateful for it. My first week there involved standing on a rooftop on LA's skid row with Common. Stuff like that happened. And shooting the Burger King king in a heart shaped tub at Caesar's Pocono Palace. That happened too. As did the most challenging project of my career- transforming an entire city block in Philadelphia to a gigantic canvas for artists to live paint for HIV awareness. Amazing.

Now if anyone in leadership from CP+B happens to read this, PLEASE I BEG YOU. Throw a huge party and go out with the bang you deserve. I'll buy my plane ticket right now. As will so many of you out there. They have to invite Manny. From Jackass. Remember when he showed up? Yea, you do. And the empanada lady. And the Cuban coffee lady. And everyone who lived that life. 

Just another love letter to CP+B. Surely days that tried our souls but enriched them and enlivened them beyond belief. Got nothin' but love for ya. Cause that's what's up this reflective Friday in the 212. Yours, with love to the 305. Mad love. XO