His mother, an Italian by birth, owned a ballet production company and his father was a museum exhibit designer.
[1] During these early years he explored a career in the restaurant business, in the back of the house, and ultimately attaining the status of Sous-chef.
Three years later he opened House of Usher and by 1997 he had four gold Lions from Cannes International Festival and clients from around the world.
His extensive list of credits includes spots for Taco Bell, Nike, Got Milk?, Nissan, Miller Lite, Polaroid and Pepsi.
[3] He subsequently returned to directing commercials, including a Bridgestone ad featured in the 2011 Super Bowl.