Founder & Operations

John brings an entrepreneurial mindset to his life, as an operations strategist, with a background in business analysis & a passion for building efficient, scalable systems.

He founded Swell to help organizations navigate the evolving landscape of modern technology & commerce with clarity. Before that, he launched Unify Health & EDS Portal — healthcare companies specializing in Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment & HIPAA-compliant EDI healthcare claim submissions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for health plans & providers. Earlier in his journey, he re-founded USC’s Surf Team while earning his BS & later attended USC’s Keck School of Medicine.

He now lives in the Eastern Sierra mountains, where you’ll find him skiing, mountain biking, & hiking with his three dogs.

Creative Content & Marketing

Ryan brings a strong editorial voice and strategic mindset to content and marketing. As a writer, editor, and digital strategist, he leads messaging that’s clear, compelling, and conversion-focused.

Before consulting, he was Managing Editor at Soft Punk and a Staff Writer at Mixmag, grounding his work in journalism and cultural insight. Earlier, he served as Media Director for Do-It-Ourselves, a music festival and artist collective rooted in creativity and community.

He holds a degree in History and Politics from UC Santa Cruz, and a Master’s in Cultural Reporting and Criticism from NYU.

Based on California’s central coast, Ryan spends his free time writing, farming with his partner, surfing, and hiking with his dog, Willow.

Brand Strategy & Visual Design

Edwin brings boundless creative energy and a future-forward vision to every project he touches. A graduate of USC’s prestigious Cinema Production program, he co-founded Hunt House Pictures LLC in 2011 — a boutique branding and production studio known for its sharp aesthetic and high-impact storytelling. 

As a seasoned commercial Director and Director of Photography, Edwin has collaborated with global brands including Uber, Marriott, Adidas, Coachella, Chase, American Eagle, and Disney. His ability to translate brand identity into striking visual narratives has consistently driven engagement and growth. 

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Edwin shares life with his wife, three kids, and two lovable dogs—finding inspiration in both creative hustle and coastal calm.