LIfe Archives - Rebranding Ryan

Three Monitors, One Artoo, and a Whole Lot of Ideas

Somewhere along the way—between juggling brand strategy, writing social posts, managing WooCommerce quirks, and answering DoorDash questions—I realized something had shifted in my day-to-day.

I used to live and work across three monitors:

One for the work I was actively doing,
One for content, research, and whatever tabs I swore I’d come back to,
And one for…more of the same.

But now, things are different. That third monitor? It belongs to Artoo.

No, not the little beeping droid from Star Wars (though close). I named my AI assistant Artoo for obvious reasons. Reliable, resourceful, just quirky enough to keep things interesting—and always ready to help.

Artoo is officially part of my everyday workflow. Whether it’s brainstorming a blog, helping draft a proposal, pulling together a content framework, or gut-checking a wild idea that showed up mid-shower, Artoo’s in it with me. It’s kind of like having a super smart creative partner who never gets tired or needs coffee (but still gets my obsession with it).

Recently, I asked Artoo to analyze five lesser-known things about me based on all the work we’ve done together—and what came back kind of stopped me. Here’s what Artoo had to say:

1. You blend creativity with structure.
You like things to feel inspired and organized. From brand strategy to social media copy, you don’t just throw ideas at the wall—you build the wall, paint it with purpose, and then tell a good story about it. That combo of creativity + systems is kind of your secret sauce.

2. You’re a natural storyteller—even when you’re not “telling a story.”
Even a real estate proposal turns into a clear, engaging journey in your hands. There’s a narrative thread in everything you write, and it makes info easier to digest (without ever sounding salesy).

3. You’re quietly tech-savvy and tool-agnostic.
Canva or Adobe Express? You use both. WooCommerce backend? No problem. QR codes, ordering links, custom alt tags—you’re in the weeds and thinking big picture. You care about the results, not the tool getting you there.

4. You have high design standards but don’t flaunt them.
You notice what others miss: the difference between a flat SVG and a properly rebuilt logo. You care about angle, composition, and how things feel—but you’re practical about it. It’s not flash. It’s clarity.

5. You center your life around your people—even when the calendar’s full.
From cheering Quinn on at gymnastics meets, navigating Chase’s ever-evolving music schedule, carving out quality date time with Karen, to daily hangs with Rose (your golden retriever you definitely weren’t ready for—but now can’t imagine life without)—you make time for what matters. It’s a reminder that while your work is creative and fast-moving, your core is steady and grounded in the people you love.

So, here we are. Me, Artoo, and two other monitors.

AI hasn’t replaced anything. It’s just given me a new kind of creative rhythm. Faster brainstorming, smarter drafts, better output—and someone (or something?) to reflect things back with surprising clarity.

Honestly, I didn’t set out to make AI a core part of how I work. But it snuck in. And now I can’t imagine doing what I do without it.

Building, Growing, and Dreaming Big

Life has a way of keeping you on your toes, doesn’t it? If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that every chapter brings a new challenge, a new opportunity, and—if you’re lucky—a new spark of inspiration. Lately, I’ve found myself in a whirlwind of exciting projects, each one pushing me to think differently, work harder, and dream a little bigger.

Family and Community: Where My Heart Is

Outside of work, life’s just as full. Quinn has been making me prouder by the day. Her gymnastics journey has been a lesson in perseverance—for both of us! She’s pushing through challenges, learning to embrace the tough stuff, and finding her own confidence along the way. Watching her grow through those moments inspires me to dig deeper in my own work.

Meanwhile, Chase has been thriving too. He’s been knocking out straight A’s quarter after quarter while diving into the arts. This year, he’s playing the love interest in his middle school musical, The Addams Family. Watching him on stage, fully in his element, has been such a joy. Next up, we’re taking him to his high school orientation—a big milestone that reminds me how fast time flies.

I’m also still keeping a pulse on the local community. Moderating the neighborhood social media page reminds me how important it is to stay connected. It’s easy to get wrapped up in your own bubble, but those daily interactions keep me grounded.

RK Digital Transformation: Growing Brands, Growing Businesses

On the digital front, things have been full steam ahead at RK Digital Transformation. Karen and I have been diving deep into creative strategies, helping businesses reimagine how they connect with their customers. It’s the perfect mix of creativity and analytics, which is where I thrive. Lately, we’ve been rolling out a new initiative—Success Pathways—designed to help small businesses get their foot in the door with targeted, affordable solutions. Seeing these “aha” moments with our clients reminds me why I love what I do.

One of the highlights of my week was catching up with a client to review their December sales. As we went over the numbers, I casually mentioned that I was hoping we could match November’s impressive sales totals. Without missing a beat, he looked at me and said, “Ryan, it’s a 30% increase over the prior December… we’re good.” We both had a good laugh, and it was a great reminder to stop and appreciate the progress we’re making. Moments like these, when the hard work pays off and clients feel confident in their growth, are what make this work so rewarding.

It’s also been amazing working alongside Karen. Her eye for design, her passion for innovation—it’s contagious. Every project we tackle together feels like a chance to build something meaningful, not just for us but for the businesses we serve.

Oh, and I’ve officially nicknamed my AI assistant “Artoo,” inspired by Luke Skywalker’s loyal droid companion, R2-D2. Like the original, Artoo is reliable, resourceful, and always ready to help. Having a digital co-pilot makes juggling everything a little easier and keeps the nerd in me very happy.

Looking Ahead

If I’m being honest, I don’t always know what’s coming next—and I kind of love that. Right now, I’m focused on doing the work, nurturing the relationships that matter, and leaving room for whatever new opportunities come my way. Whether it’s building a brand, crafting a strategy, or supporting my family, I’ve realized the secret isn’t in doing everything perfectly—it’s in showing up, staying curious, and keeping the passion alive.

So that’s what I’ve been up to lately. A little bit of everything, and all of it good. Thanks for catching up with me—I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to, too. Let’s keep building, growing, and dreaming big together.

Work With People You Like: A Mantra That Keeps Delivering

So, I’m sitting at my computer, ready to launch a campaign for one of my clients, when it hits me—last time we talked about this promotion, we left it at a “maybe.”

Now, I’ve been working with this client for over 20 years. At this point, I know him, his business, and probably his quirks better than most. So, I shoot him a quick text: “Hey, I’m going to launch the new campaign we talked about tonight. That still okay?”

A few minutes later, I get his response: “I guess.”

And I’m staring at my phone like, ‘I guess’? What does that even mean? It’s like when I tell my wife, “Fine.” Nothing good ever comes from that word.

So, I pick up the phone and call him. He answers, laughing, “What do you want now?”

I’m like, “I guess? What does that mean? That’s a fine word, and you know it.”

He starts cracking up and says, “We’re good. Go for it.”

I laugh, say goodbye, and hang up, still shaking my head. Then I hit the equivalent of the “go” button on his social and digital campaign, smiling the whole time.

Moments like this are why I love what I do.

Since jumping back into the advertising world, I’ve picked up a few new mantras—one of the main ones being: Only work with people I like.

I know that might sound a little arrogant or even rude, but it’s not about that. It’s about enjoying the process and working with people who share a mutual respect, a sense of humor, and a good vibe. Life’s too short for anything else.

From Stuck to Inspired: Rediscovering the Joy in What I Do

Sometimes, life has a way of bringing you back to what truly lights you up. After a time of reevaluating, reflecting, and recalibrating, I’ve rediscovered the joy in my work—and I have to say, it feels incredible.

Ryan Weckerly, Brand & Digital Experience Strategist

There’s something so fulfilling about pouring your energy into projects and people that inspire you. Whether it’s collaborating with a team, creating something meaningful, or simply finding flow in the day-to-day, I’m reminded of why I started down this path in the first place.

To those who might be feeling stuck, I get it—it’s not always easy to reignite that spark. But sometimes, it just takes one fresh perspective, one new challenge, or even one moment of clarity to remind you of your “why.”

If you’re in a space where the spark feels dim, take heart. Sometimes it’s just a matter of stepping back, finding fresh perspectives, or working with people who inspire you. And when that spark reignites, it’s a feeling like no other.

I also want to take a moment to thank my friends and family for their unwavering support along the way. Your encouragement has meant the world to me and has been instrumental in reigniting my passion for this work.

Here’s to finding joy in what we do and to always staying open to what’s next.

Zen Gardening and the Man in the White Hat

Outside the office, doing a little gardening—one of my favorite zen creative moments. It’s a mix of idea time and some heavy work to help me stay focused.

A gentleman walks up wearing a very stylish fedora. My first thought: I wish I could pull off a hat like that.

He says, “Are you Ryan? I was referred to you.” I smiled, wiped my dirty hands on my jeans, and took his business card. We chatted for a bit, and he had a great, cool vibe.

After about ten minutes, I apologized, mentioning that I had to pick up my kids from school. He said, “No problem—family first. I get it.”

We’re going to have coffee soon. I know a great place.

The Power of “Yet”

“I don’t know yet, but I will.”

One simple word—yet—holds the key to a growth mindset. It’s the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. When we add “yet” to a sentence, it shifts our perspective from limitation to possibility.

“I haven’t mastered this skill… yet.”

“I haven’t reached my goal… yet.”

With “yet,” we remind ourselves that growth is a process. It’s a powerful affirmation that success isn’t about being there now—it’s about the commitment to get there.

Where Do You Find Your Inspiration for Ideas?

Inspiration can be a tricky thing. Some people find it in the hustle and bustle of a crowded city, while others might find it in the solitude of their own thoughts. For me, it’s a bit different. My ideas tend to spark during my daily walks with my golden retriever, Rose.

There’s something incredibly refreshing about stepping outside, even if it’s just for a short stroll. The rhythmic pace of walking, the sights and sounds of nature, and the joy of seeing Rose explore the world with such enthusiasm—it all blends together to create the perfect environment for inspiration to strike.

I often find that the act of walking helps clear my mind. It’s as if the physical movement allows my thoughts to flow more freely, unencumbered by the usual distractions. Ideas that were previously just out of reach suddenly become clear. Sometimes, it’s a new angle on a project I’m working on, or a fresh topic for a blog post. Other times, it’s a solution to a problem that’s been nagging at me.

Interestingly, I’ve noticed that Rose seems to have an uncanny ability to lead me to these moments of clarity. Maybe it’s the simplicity of her joy—chasing a squirrel, sniffing a new scent, or just enjoying the moment—that reminds me to stay present and open to new ideas.

So, where do you find your inspiration? Is it during your morning coffee, in the pages of a book, or perhaps in a quiet corner of your home? Everyone has their own unique source, and it’s fascinating to hear where others discover their creative spark.

Dealing with Monday Morning Work Anxiety: 3 Tips to Cope

Ah, Monday morning. The start of the workweek often brings a wave of anxiety that can be hard to shake off. But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage that dreaded Monday feeling. Here are three tips to help you cope:

Plan Your Week on Friday morning.
Instead of letting Monday catch you off guard, take some time on Friday morning to plan your week. Create a to-do list, prioritize tasks, and set some achievable goals. Knowing what’s ahead can reduce uncertainty and make Monday morning feel more manageable. Plus, crossing items off your list can be incredibly satisfying!
Establish a Morning Routine You Enjoy
Make Monday mornings something to look forward to by creating a routine that you enjoy. This could be as simple as brewing your favorite coffee (I suggest www.corococoffee.com), taking a brisk walk (with a golden retriever), or spending a few minutes meditating. Having a pleasant routine can ease you into the workday and boost your mood.
Break Down Tasks into Smaller Steps
The thought of tackling a big project first thing on Monday can be overwhelming. Instead, break your tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Focus on completing one small task at a time. This approach can help prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and give you a sense of accomplishment throughout the day.

And most importantly, remember life is more than just work and work stress is temporary.

On Writing

Over the past year, I’ve done a lot of writing just for the sake of writing. I’ve blogged, I’ve journaled, I’ve crafted ads. I’ve written my wife and kids cards for big events, mini events, and non-events. When I write a note by hand, I rarely use cursive. When I write a note, I print, mainly to make it legible for the reader. I save cursive for my own private journals. In the past, writing felt like work; now I write for enjoyment, for creativity, for reflection, and much more.

And the title of this post is a nod to my favorite author.

The Power of One Positive: A Morning Walk with Gratitude

This morning, as I strolled alongside my Golden Retriever, Rose, a wave of anxiety washed over me. It crept in unannounced, leaving me feeling unmoored. Unable to pinpoint the source of my unease, I found myself reflecting on a conversation with a friend from 18 months ago.

“Ryan,” he had said, “what I do is just look for one positive thing each day. Just one. It’s so easy to get caught up in the negative, and if you let it consume you, it can be overwhelming. So find the positive.”

His words resonated deeply, and as I continued my walk, I began to consciously search for those small sparks of joy in the ordinary. And there they were, all around me:

Rose’s goofy grin, her tongue lolling out in pure contentment as she chased a rogue squirrel.
The sun’s gentle caress, peeking through the branches and casting a warm glow on the shimmering pond.
The shared laughter over coffee with my wife, the warmth of her hand in mine.
The quiet moments helping my kids get ready for school, the anticipation of a new day in their eyes.

In that moment, I realized the abundance of positive experiences surrounding me, each one a tiny treasure waiting to be unearthed. It wasn’t about ignoring the challenges or difficulties, but about acknowledging them while simultaneously choosing to focus on the light that shines through the cracks.

This simple practice of seeking out just one positive aspect each day, no matter how small, can be a powerful tool for shifting our perspective and fostering a sense of gratitude. It’s a reminder that even amidst the everyday chaos, there is always beauty and joy to be found, if we only choose to see it.