Technology · Project Management · Creative Systems
I make complex work clear, human, and shippable.
I am Bear Cole. A cross-functional technology leader who links together customer operations, training, web-based infrastructure and media production. I serve as a bridge between clients, creative teams and technical teams so they can work together effectively to create what is needed.
CurrentlyDirector of Partner Engagement & Head TrainerPier2 Marketing · San Francisco, California Working remotely from Tucson, Arizona
San Francisco, California · Remote from Tucson, ArizonaContracted through Free the Line LLC
Technology leadership
I work with my clients and their suppliers to create engaging events, as well as deliver relevant and easily understandable employee related HR & Benefits information via virtual technology.
Career progression
01Contract Web Professional · Aug 2014–Sep 2017
02Senior Integration Manager · Aug 2020–Jan 2024
03Manager, Customer Support Services · Jul 2021–Jan 2024 (concurrent)
04Technical Support Manager · Jan 2024–Feb 2025
05Director of Partner Engagement and Head Trainer · Feb 2025–Present
Scope and impact
As the technical lead on Project Marketing projects, I bring IT and HR teams together, translating communication goals and technical requirements into practical tools and coordinated event experiences.
As Head Trainer, I train clients and vendors to use web tools, apps and HRflip confidently. Training ranges from CMS walkthroughs for uploading content and documents to in-depth sessions on managing 1:1 chat, answering employee questions through HRflip and navigating app interfaces.
My focus is making the technology understandable and helping every team feel prepared to deliver a successful event.
2011—Present
Free the Line LLC
Founder and Technology and Creative Director
Tucson, Arizona · Serving teams remotelyUmbrella company for Pier2 contracting, 1st Drop Music, and 1st Drop Entertainment
Product + production
I manage web development projects, digital strategy, brand system development, multimedia production, and other related creative endeavors for both business clients and individual creators.
Scope and impact
Produce audio for video and podcasts, including voiceover recording, editing, mixing, and delivery.
Lead Mission HQ: a modern platform connecting music catalog data, governed media, publishing, websites, audience systems, and release operations.
Direct technology, catalog, publishing, and creative operations for 1st Drop Music and the entertainment work developed through 1st Drop Entertainment.
Design workflows joining creative judgment with structured content, automation, quality controls, and reliable public delivery.
Manage client discovery, scoping, execution, documentation, and long-term site operations.
Entertainment Consultant
1st Drop Entertainment
Operated through Free the Line LLCI manage event planning - from developing an overall event strategy to providing audio systems, DJ services, lighting, venues, and private production services.
Wedding and Events Manager and Head DJ
PeaksPro Event Services
My responsibilities included managing DJs, photographers, event professionals, creating event schedules, maintaining client relationships, coordinating production requirements and delivering events in real-time.
Career progression
01DJ and Account Manager
02Wedding and Events Manager and Trainer
03Head DJ
Director of Technology and Web Development
VilMark Ltd.
I planned a social networking site based on WordPress, an e-commerce platform, a multi-site architecture, a referral program and a marketplace.
Technical Customer Support Supervisor and Hosting Lead
GoDaddy
I moved from customer-facing web/hosting support to a leadership position in technology. In doing so, I developed/trained teams of up to 40 people.
Career progression
01Inbound Web Consultant
02Hosting Support
03Customer Care Team Lead (C3 Lead)
04Technical Customer Support Supervisor and Hosting Lead
Audio Department Head
LMG Inc.
I oversaw the audio operations for corporate events/concerts. Additionally, I wrote training manuals/standardized test procedures and cross-supported production departments.
Career progression
01Audio Visual Technician and Audio QC
02Audio Department Head
02
Capability map
One career. Four connected systems.
Choose a specific area of work or discipline to see how the work you create relates to other areas. Understanding how each discipline affects the delivery of your product is what makes this beneficial.
Project delivery
Transform Ambiguity into Actionable Plans People Will Execute
Technical project management
Client and team translation
Scope, sequencing, and launch readiness
Escalation ownership
Documentation and quality controls
03
Education and recognition
Built through study, practice, and leadership.
Formal education in Web & Graphic Design and Audio Engineering is enhanced by many years of operational management experience and continued technical education.
DeVry University
AAS, Web and Graphic Design
Dean’s List · Honors · Presidential Achievement Scholarship
Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences
Master Recording Program II
Avid Pro Tools Certified Audio Engineer
Arizona State University
Leadership Scholarship Program
Full academic and leadership scholarship · National Merit Scholar recognition
Additional study
Northern Arizona University
Technology Management coursework
What ties it together
Systems should help people do better work.
I have developed and managed teams, created training programs, managed escalations, launched websites, produced recordings and delivered live events. What these all have in common is taking complex work and making it understandable, repeatable and functional.
