Jesse's illustrious career in the entertainment industry commenced at a remarkably youthful age, marked by his academic achievements at California State University, Northridge, where he earned a degree in Cinema and Television Arts, with a specialized focus on Screenwriting. This impressive feat was a testament to his innate talent and dedication to his craft, as he began to make a name for himself in the industry.
At the tender age of 24, Jesse achieved an extraordinary milestone, successfully selling his first screenplay, "The Secret Art of Human Flight". This remarkable accomplishment was a culmination of his hard work and perseverance, and it marked the beginning of his journey as a renowned screenwriter.
Interestingly, Jesse's screenplay was inspired by his own published children's books, which were part of his publishing brand, Grandpa Herbie's Stories. This brand has achieved remarkable success, with an impressive 14 books published to date.
Jesse's journey in the entertainment industry commenced at the tender age of 16, when he landed an internship with acclaimed writer, director, and producer Jeremy Garelick, renowned for his work on notable films such as "The Hangover", "The Break-Up", and "The Wedding Ringer".
During his formative years, Jesse spent his time honing his skills by performing script coverage for Jeremy's pioneering studio, American High, located in Upstate New York. His exceptional performance and dedication eventually led to him being promoted to the position of Development Team leader, where he oversaw the production of a diverse slate of Hulu originals, including "Big Time Adolescence", "The Binge", "The Ultimate Playlist of Noise", and "Plan B".
Jesse's unwavering commitment to his craft and exceptional expertise ultimately earned him the esteemed role of Jeremy's personal assistant, a position he held until he decided to redirect his focus entirely on Grandpa Herbie's Stories, with Jeremy's encouragement and guidance.
Jesse's creative vision for Grandpa Herbie's Stories was sparked by his boundless imagination and a decade-long journey of nurturing young minds through childcare and education. With his life's lifeblood of savings invested in the venture, Jesse embarked on a collaborative odyssey with a coterie of gifted art students from California State University, Northridge, ultimately blossoming into a global network of illustrators. This collective of talented artists has brought to life 14 distinct literary realms, each a tapestry woven from threads of adventure, rhyme, and moral wisdom. Jesse's audacious aspiration is to publish 40 books by the time he reaches the milestone of his 40th birthday.
Jesse's professional endeavors extend far beyond his involvement in the film industry, as he has also garnered valuable experience through his appearances on the widely popular and thrilling reality television show "American Ninja Warrior".
Throughout the entirety of his life's odyssey, Jesse has been fortunate enough to have been endowed with the steadfast and unwavering backing and enthusiasm of his remarkable spouse and closest confidante, Eliza, who has served as a perpetual fountain of innovative ideas and artistic stimulation, consistently providing a rich source of inspiration that has had a profound impact on his creative endeavors.
