Jared Gibbons
Columbus, Ohio
ABOUT
I’m the founder of Pocketknife, a creative studio I’ve been running for the past decade. We build websites that look good and function well. I studied philosophy at Ohio State, which taught me to think critically, ask the right questions, and focus on the details.
Lately, I’ve been diving deeper into AI tools and exploring how they can make design and development faster and smarter. I’m also building and shipping a few products of my own—projects I actually care about and use.
WORK
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April 2014 — Current
After college, I founded Pocketknife (formerly Good Tribe), delving into website design and development, specializing in stunning Squarespace websites for diverse businesses. Beyond web design, I drive creative direction, manage operations, and oversee day-to-day activities at Pocketknife. Over time, Pocketknife expanded its services to encompass Webflow design, content creation, SEO, and digital consulting.
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May 2019 — Dec 2022
In May 2019, I played a pivotal role in launching Leisure Club, a vintage brand that quickly made waves in both the e-commerce sphere and as a brick-and-mortar destination in Columbus, Ohio. At Leisure Club, I led the charge in shaping brand identity and creative direction, meticulously curating our selection of vintage products, devising robust digital strategies, and spearheading various other initiatives aimed at enhancing the customer experience.
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March 2017 — May 2019
In March 2017, I played a key role in crafting Bacca, a local coffee brand renowned for its top-notch roasted beans and exceptionally flavorful cold brew. As a driving force behind Bacca, I led brand development, managed all social media channels, and fostered vital relationships with producers and retailers. Our innovative cold brew creation, Bacca Bags, revolutionized the market with its convenient bagged format for tap-quality cold brew straight from the fridge. Bacca rapidly gained traction throughout the Columbus, Ohio area, solidifying its presence in the local coffee scene.
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October 2012 — December 2015
In 2012, I co-founded Snapstagram, a pioneering Instagram photo printing brand that revolutionized the way users preserved their digital memories. Offering users the convenience of printing their favorite Instagram photos in rolls of 12, Snapstagram quickly gained traction. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign and extensive coverage in the tech media, Snapstagram emerged as one of the premier Instagram printing companies. At Snapstagram, I spearheaded business development, product innovation, customer relations, and facilitated nationwide scaling by establishing strategic partnerships with printers across the country.
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October 2010 — April 2012
As a front-of-house retail specialist at the Apple Store, I fostered meaningful connections with customers by providing product education, software training, and delivering exceptional customer service. Throughout my tenure, I witnessed the launch of groundbreaking products such as the MacBook Air, iPad, and beyond. My experience at Apple laid the cornerstone for my client-centered approach to customer service, a foundation I've carried forward in my entrepreneurial endeavors.