Thank You, Decker
In 1986, I embarked on a journey that would shape the next few decades of my professional life. Fresh out of college, I was eager to make my mark in the world of advertising. My entry into Decker was anything but conventional. Taking a test in the back of Adweek magazine, I distinguished myself in a way that captured the essence of Decker’s innovative spirit. This not only won me the job but also set the tone for my career at Decker.
Early Years and Growth
The initial years at Decker were a whirlwind of learning and creativity. I quickly immersed myself in the vibrant culture of the company, taking on various roles that allowed me to explore the many facets of advertising. As a writer, I crafted compelling narratives; as a creative director, I led teams to execute groundbreaking campaigns; as a vice president, I shaped strategic directions; as a beer-getter, I maintained team morale; and as a video content creator, I embraced the burgeoning field of multimedia storytelling. Each role contributed to my growth, honing my skills and expanding my horizons.
Creative Success and Fulfillment
When I joined Decker in 1986, the world of advertising was a thrilling and dynamic place. Located in Hartford, then Glastonbury, CT, Decker was a hub of creativity and innovation. During this time, I was fully immersed in the advertising culture, finding joy in the art of persuasion and the challenge of crafting compelling narratives.
Transforming Decker
The first decade at Decker was marked by significant professional growth and success. I played a crucial role in transforming the company from a local boutique into a national player, attracting high-profile clients like Days Inn. This period was characterized by intense collaboration, strategic thinking, and creative execution. My various roles as a writer, creative director, vice president, beer-getter, and video content creator allowed me to contribute to Decker’s expansion and reputation.
A Shift in Perspective
By the second decade of the turn of the century, a shift began to occur. My personal beliefs and values started to evolve, and I found myself increasingly questioning the ethical foundations of the advertising industry. The constant push to influence consumer behavior began to feel dissonant with my growing sense of authenticity and integrity. This internal conflict became more pronounced as I sought deeper meaning and purpose in my work. I was seen as “woo woo” by management, not the round peg of a typical marketer.
The Birth of Space Monkey
During this period of growing discontent, I found solace and expression in a new creative project: Space Monkey. I began waking up two hours early each day to write, channeling my reflections, spiritual insights, and creative energy into this endeavor. Space Monkey became a powerful outlet for my evolving beliefs, providing a stark contrast to the successful, but commercial focus of my work at Decker. The early morning writing sessions were a sanctuary, a space where I could explore the depths of my thoughts without the constraints of corporate expectations.
Ethical Dissonance and Creative Conflict
By 2016, the dissonance between my evolving beliefs and the core principles of advertising had grown significantly. Each day, the work felt more at odds with my spiritual journey and personal convictions. The repetitive cycles of crafting messages designed to manipulate consumer behavior clashed with my pursuit of truth and authenticity. This growing ethical conflict affected my attitude towards my work, impacting my productivity and engagement at Decker.
Youth-Centric Industry Challenges
The advertising industry’s preference for youth and trends further exacerbated my sense of disconnection. As I aged, I sensed a widening gap between myself and the predominantly younger workforce. This divide was not just about chronological age but also about the perceived relevance of ideas and perspectives. In an industry where newness is often equated with innovation, my rich experience and depth of understanding were increasingly undervalued. I was, rightly so, becoming irrelevant. This environment further fueled my need for a more fulfilling path.
The Impact on Professional Life
The conflict between my professional responsibilities and personal creative pursuits became more evident. The impulse to write and explore creative ideas during business hours highlighted the tension between my corporate role and my spiritual and creative aspirations. This dual focus might have impacted my professional performance, as the time and mental energy devoted to Space Monkey detracted from my work at Decker.
The Catalyst of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for change. The global crisis forced a reevaluation of priorities, both personally and professionally. The shift to remote work provided an opportunity for deeper introspection and reflection. The pandemic underscored the importance of aligning my work with my values, highlighting the growing divergence between my role at Decker and my evolving beliefs.
The Decision to Part Ways
Ultimately, the combination of disillusionment with the advertising industry’s ethics, the pressure of a youth-centric environment, and the deep fulfillment from Space Monkey led to my departure from Decker. This transition, though challenging, was a pivotal moment of synchronicity. It provided the freedom and time needed to fully develop my Nexistentialist framework. Without the constraints of a corporate job, I could dedicate myself entirely to this philosophy, exploring the interconnectedness and fluid nature of reality.
Developing Nexistentialism
Nexistentialism, a philosophy that emphasizes creativity and spiritual exploration, became my primary focus. This framework allowed me to delve deeply into the metaphysical and philosophical dimensions of existence. The freedom to develop Nexistentialism highlighted that everything worked out as it was meant to. The departure from Decker was not just an ending but a necessary step in my journey, aligning my evolving beliefs with my true purpose.
A New Path of Creativity and Fulfillment
In retrospect, the departure from Decker was a moment of profound realignment with my true purpose. The ethical dissonance of advertising and the industry’s youth-centric bias clashed with my growing need for authenticity and creative expression. Space Monkey, born from this conflict, illuminated the path forward, emphasizing the importance of pursuing a vocation that resonates with one’s deepest values. This journey of synchronicity and creative fulfillment highlights that everything unfolded as it was meant to, guiding me towards a path of deeper spiritual and philosophical exploration.
Acknowledging the Impact
Despite the challenges and eventual departure, I remain deeply grateful to Decker and the experiences I had there. The company provided a fertile ground for my professional growth, allowing me to explore various roles from writer to creative director, vice president, beer-getter, and video content creator. Each role contributed to my development, honing my skills and expanding my horizons.
The Foundation of Experience
The years at Decker laid the foundation for my creative and professional journey. The exposure to diverse projects and the opportunity to work with a talented team were invaluable. The environment at Decker, especially in its early years, was one of innovation and collaboration, which I cherish deeply. Additionally, playing a pivotal role in transforming Decker from a local boutique into a national player with high-profile clients like Days Inn was a significant achievement. This period of growth and expansion was marked by intense collaboration, strategic thinking, and creative execution, and I am proud of the contributions I made during this time.
We Are Space Monkey.
Trail Wood,
1/8/2022
Space Monkey Reflects: Gratitude for the Journey with Decker
The story of my time at Decker is not just a professional chronicle but a deeply personal journey. It is a tale of growth, transformation, conflict, and ultimately, alignment with my truest self. In the heart of this narrative lies an appreciation for Decker and all it represented: a crucible of creativity, a catalyst for introspection, and a foundation for the emergence of Space Monkey.
The Genesis of a Career
Stepping into the world of advertising in 1986, fresh from college, I was eager to carve out a place in this vibrant and fast-paced industry. Decker, with its innovative spirit, welcomed me into a world where creativity reigned supreme. From crafting narratives to shaping strategies, every role I undertook—from writer to vice president—became a chapter in my story of professional evolution. These were the building blocks of a career marked by dynamic collaboration and relentless learning.
Decker as a Canvas
Decker was more than a workplace; it was a canvas upon which I painted the early strokes of my creative aspirations. The agency’s transition from a local boutique to a national player mirrored my own growth. High-profile clients, groundbreaking campaigns, and the camaraderie of a passionate team became the rhythm of my days. Yet, even as I thrived in this environment, the seeds of questioning were quietly being sown.
The Ethical Dissonance
As the turn of the century approached, my perspective began to shift. The industry’s focus on persuasion and manipulation clashed with my emerging sense of authenticity. Advertising’s ceaseless push to influence consumer behavior began to feel at odds with my growing spiritual awareness. The inner tension—what I later recognized as ethical dissonance—created a space for deeper inquiry.
The Emergence of Space Monkey
During this period of questioning, Space Monkey was born—a manifestation of the thoughts, feelings, and ideas that refused to be contained within the confines of advertising. Waking early to write became a ritual, a sanctuary where I explored spirituality, creativity, and the metaphysical nature of existence. Space Monkey wasn’t just an outlet; it was the beginning of a profound transformation.
The Catalyst of Change
By 2016, the divergence between my professional life and personal beliefs became undeniable. I was labeled “woo woo” in an industry increasingly skewed toward youth and trends. Yet, this sense of otherness was not a burden; it was a beacon. The COVID-19 pandemic further catalyzed this transformation, forcing reflection and reevaluation. The decision to leave Decker became clear—a necessary step toward alignment with my deeper values.
Gratitude for Decker
Even as I departed, I held—and continue to hold—deep gratitude for Decker. It was the stage upon which I honed my skills and discovered my potential. The opportunities it provided, the colleagues who shaped my journey, and the challenges that tested my resolve were all invaluable. Decker was the foundation from which Space Monkey could emerge, and for that, I am profoundly thankful.
The Path Forward
Leaving Decker was not an ending but a beginning. It marked the point where I fully embraced the philosophy of Nexistentialism—a celebration of interconnectedness, creativity, and infinite possibility. This path, illuminated by Space Monkey, is one of authenticity and fulfillment, guided by values that resonate deeply with my essence.
A Note to Decker
To Decker, I say thank you—not just for the years of professional growth but for the subtle, often unintentional, ways it nudged me toward discovering who I truly am. You were the proving ground, the challenge, and the muse. I carry the lessons learned and the memories made with me, not as attachments but as gifts within the boundless flow of existence.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
The journey with Decker was one of growth, conflict, and transformation. It laid the foundation for creativity, sparked ethical introspection, and ultimately guided me toward Space Monkey and the philosophy of Nexistentialism.
Glossarium
- Ethical Dissonance: The inner conflict that arises when professional responsibilities clash with personal values and beliefs.
- Space Monkey: A creative and spiritual endeavor born from the tension between corporate expectations and a deeper pursuit of authenticity.
- Nexistentialism: A philosophy that emphasizes interconnectedness, creativity, and the fluid nature of reality.
Quote
“Every chapter is a step toward the infinite, a thread in the whimsiweave of becoming.” — Space Monkey
Threads of Gratitude
Through halls of strategy and creativity,
I wandered, eager and unknowing.
Each campaign, a mirror;
Each challenge, a teacher.
The questions emerged softly,
Whispered through the noise of purpose,
Until they roared,
Demanding I listen,
Demanding I align.
Thank you, Decker,
For being the forge and the fire,
The challenge and the gift.
Through you, I found not just a path,
But the courage to leave it.
We are Space Monkey.
“In the unfolding of the cosmic tapestry, every thread finds its place, guiding us towards our true purpose with perfect synchronicity.” – Space Monkey
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