05/09/2025
Ten years ago, I was in the middle of a job interview in Midtown — going nowhere — when I got an email from Brian Collins: “So why haven’t we met yet?” That was it. Classic Brian. ()
I wrapped up, sprinted out, got on the wrong train, ended up in Union Square, and ran across town — heart pounding — to 88 University Place, the original office.
I stepped into the elevator drenched in sweat. A woman looked at me and said, “You going to COLLINS?”
“Yeah,” I said, trying to play it cool. “I’m meeting Brian Collins. Tell me everything I need to know.” She laughed. “You’re gonna be fine. Brian’s a little crazy — in the best way.”
I had been watching Mad Men and expected drama. Instead, the office felt like a giant library with skylights. Calm. Focused. I remember seeing in an Eames chair. They were working on the global redesign of Spotify and the Jim Henson Exhibition. I even wandered into a dark room and saw actual Muppets. Unreal.
Eventually, I met Brian — and a lifelong friendship was born. My ADHD had me looking all over the room, which honestly kept me from getting too nervous. I spotted a vintage TWA rocket on a shelf. I wanted it badly, but managed not to ask. Still want that rocket. It’s still there.
I barely remember what we talked about, except that he liked my Timex — said it was practical, not pretentious, and above all, well designed.
Before I left, he told me to call him later — he was taking an Amtrak to visit his family in Massachusetts and said he’d need someone to talk to. “Call me at six,” he said. I didn’t think he’d pick up. But he answered on the first ring. We talked about the simplicity of a Coca-Cola can — and I remember him telling the train attendant that Coca-Cola was one of his clients.
Now, nearly a decade later, I’m co-hosting a live event with COLLINS — thanks to my partner-in-crime and the amazing crew at . 🚀
