Dustin Kirkpatrick has been working in the creative industry for a little more than 10 years now. He first fell in love with photography, which eventually led him to graphic design, a field he worked in for six years. “I realized one day that I was an organized creative, and that was a rare breed,” Kirkpatrick says. “I realized you can make a career out of being the person who does the organization, and that was a real pivot point for my career.” That realization led him to Locke and Stache, a video production company where he oversees internal operations and tactical project management, keeping communication flowing smoothly between the team and clients.

With Kirkpatrick settled into his new role, Locke and Stache is already taking big steps towards their five year goals. His professional goals are to make collaboration easier and more effective through a clearly defined project cycle and build a system that serves as Locke and Stache’s single-source-of-truth for equipment inventory, rentals, payments and production schedules. “The reason that I always love working with Dustin is not just his attention to detail and excitement for a good process, but more importantly how he thinks about and cares for every person involved in that process,” says Austin Elliot, president of Locke and Stache. 

Kirkpatrick also serves as president of Springfield Creatives and has been on the board for six years. What’s inspired him most is the chance to connect with others in the industry and watch local creatives lift one another up.

What is your favorite book recommendation?
“A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload by Cal Newport.”

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“A cowboy!”

What is your go-to coffee shop order?
“Matcha latte with oat milk.”