We were thrilled to track down a very busy leading man and inspiring creative, David Merrell of AOO Events for a quick interview. We love working with David and the AOO Events team because they continuously push boundaries by creating immersive designs and live-event experiences that convey a lasting message and connection with guests. David is as professional and experienced as they come. Since being founded in 1989, his creative agency has become a go-to for high-profile and award-winning movie premiers, weddings, marketing events and more. Keep scrolling to learn how David is finally slowing down and his favorite meal–it includes going home to mom’s house!
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Being the night person that I am, the first thing I always do is swat the snooze button at least two times, if not three. Once I am up, it’s time to take the dog out to pee and brew coffee. At least three times a week I go into a stretching/yoga routine before I shower.
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
This answer always shocks everyone, including my other half. My favorite movie of all time is “Fifth Element.” I am a huge fan of futuristic sci-fi, and I am also a big Luke Besson fan.
What’s one thing you love about the event industry?
The fact that I exist in a creative world and get paid for my creativity is my favorite thing. I think this is why I had a hard time at first with COVID, as the industry was shut down from being creative at all. Thank god I have house projects to keep me engaged. The virtual platform of products we launched has started to take off, and the creativity–the learning a new way of producing–has been a blessing.
Tell us about your pet(s).
I have one fur baby, a teacup apple-head Chihuahua named “Lilbit.” He is all of three and a half pounds and rules the roost.
What’s your day-to-day look like right now?
Nowadays our team, including myself, are working more remote. I am still trying to do at least three days a week in the office and two at home. The reality is that I get a LOT done at home. More importantly, I get stuff done for me. I eat better. I work out or do cardio at least three times a week now because I can schedule them instead of using “having to be at work” as an excuse. Plus, I am trying to dedicate some more downtime for myself, as the biggest challenge we all have is keeping my mind in check when everything is coming at us wrong. Thus, why I am stretching and doing the yoga. Most importantly, I maintain a schedule, as I would begin to be complacent if I didn’t have one.
What’s your favorite quote to live by?
One that has always resonated, strangely, is one that I always turn to when tasks seem impossible. It starts with a question: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”
Describe your favorite meal.
I am a foodie and get a LOT of pleasure from different foods. My favorite food is Mexican, but I am also a big fan of a good burger. My absolute favorite food is what Mom always makes when I go home: a BLT with beefsteak tomatoes from the backyard garden and extra thick bacon with her lima bean soup.
Where do you look for inspiration?
The reality is that it is all around us. Most of the time we don’t take the time to slow down and notice it–things as simple as walking the dog, taking a different route to work or simply slowing down to notice it all.
Name three things you can’t live without.
My phone (90 percent of my life is there), my partner (100 percent of my life is there) and my family (even though some of them are crazy, it is the thing that keeps me sane).
Where can we find you?
Read our interview with Sarah Zarhan of XO Bloom.
Read our interview with David Krieger of Krieger Entertainment.
Read our interview with Percy Sales of Percy Sales Events
