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Meet this month’s member spotlight, James, Founder and Principal of 820MKTG | The Collective and VP of Partnerships and Development at ACS, a dynamic consulting firm focused on training, marketing, partnerships, branding, and events. A visionary with a deep passion for bringing people together, James thrives at the intersection of experiential marketing, hospitality, and community building.
Coming out of the pandemic and away from the traditional office structure, James sought out a place that offered more than just a workspace. In this candid conversation, he shares insights on staying balanced in a fast-paced career, finding joy in connection, and even what superpower he’d choose (spoiler: it’s a profound one). From sideline weekends with his sons to uncovering the next culinary gem, James embodies both hustle and heart. Let’s dive in.
Kay: What is your profession/job title?
James: Founder/Principal of 820MKTG I The Collective
VP, Partnerships and Development at ACS
(A consulting firm that works with clients on training, marketing, partnerships, events, branding, concept development)
Kay: What are you passionate about in your professional life?
James: I love bringing people together via events, experiential marketing, and hospitality.
Kay: What is one career goal you're currently working towards?
James:Continue to grow, learn, and stay current.
Kay: What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
James: Work hard but remember to maintain balance, fill your tombstone with a list of family, friends, and life moments beyond, he was a hardworker.
Kay: What motivated you to join this group/community?
James: Leaving the traditional office setting coming out of the pandemic was a challenge. I was looking for a place to still maintain connections with people and have a clear separation of work/homelife.
Kay: What is your favorite aspect of being a member?
James: The diversity of people and industries everyone works within. The entrepreneurial spirit and community we have here. Not to mention having a good members lunch day doesn’t suck 😉
Kay: What are your hobbies or passions outside of TPW?
James: Having two teenage boys who are active in sports my hobbies tend to be an unrated uber driver, PA announcer for Monterey High Football, Basketball, and Baseball. When not at a ball field or gymnasium. A nice dinner/night out with the wife is a treat.
Kay: What is your ideal weekend activity?
James: Sports with the kids, cooking for the week, finding the latest culinary hotspot
Kay: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
James: The power of empathy; a gift that would help open hearts and minds—not by force, but by feeling. With just a touch, a glance, or a word, I would help others truly see the world through someone else's eyes. Bridge the emotional gaps between people, helping them understand pain they’ve never felt, joys they’ve never known, and struggles they’ve never considered.
It wouldn't be about controlling thoughts— but more about awakening connections. Not just read emotions; but help others feel them too, deep down, in a way that fosters compassion, understanding, and unity.
James’s journey is a testament to the power of connection, balance, and purpose in both work and life. At The Pearl Works, professionals like James find more than just a place to work… they find inspiration, collaboration, and a supportive community that understands the unique challenges of modern entrepreneurship and leadership.
Curious how The Pearl Works can support your growth, connections, and work-life balance?
👉 Come take a tour, meet our members, and see how this vibrant coworking community can help you thrive!