This week, our Spotlight series introduces you to our Chief of Strategy, Michael Parler. He’s a witty one, so don’t let his answers whiz by you without appreciating their connotations.

Name: Michael Parler
Hometown: Pittsburgh or Nashville, depending on what skeletons in my closet you’re asking. My car is covered in Steelers logos and I wear cowboy boots if that confuses things further.
Nickname(s): “Parler.” People around here don’t realize I have a first name, including our clients.
Playlist: Does that mean the 60+ Compact Disks inside my Cherokee? The rotation includes Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Stone Temple Pilots. I think time stopped moving around 1995. Has anyone invented more music since then?

What do you do here?

Chief of Strategy is a unique role with both internal objectives and client-facing objectives.

To earn a paycheck, I provide strategic consultation and planning for our clients and PRPL’s business objectives. This includes defining and implementing new processes, Project & Program management, staffing and recruiting, keeping our team busy and fed. Keeping projects on track and on point.

I start my day at 8:00 am and work until 8:00 pm and don’t stop until I go home feeling fulfilled.

I also typically lose in Ping Pong and kick everyone’s ass in Mortal Kombat II.

What was the inspiration for your playlist … well, list of CDs in your car?

I don’t hate many things. On the short list of “Things I Hate” is the 80s. The whole era. The only thing good from the 80s are Beetlejuice and 1989 Batman, starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Music from the early 90s killed the 80s, so it has a special place in my heart.

What’s your favorite Internet meme?

Facebook. That trend is hilarious.

Conan or Jay?

Who? I only watch BrandX with Russell Brand, on FX.

Is Elvis really dead?

What? Was he alive?

What’s the last book you read?

The Corner Office: Indispensable and Unexpected Lessons from CEOs on How to Lead and Succeed. Yeah… I’m not sure why the title is that long. I no longer have a corner office with our new office space, but it’s still full of damn good advice.

Name the PRPL deer.

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus Caligula, II.

What are your hidden talents?

It’s not a secret. I’m a Texas Hold’em junky. Although I think I confused your question about “talent” for “depravity.”

If I gave you a polar bear, where would you put it?

This is a PG13 interview and I’m offended by this question.

What would you do if you could get back the time you spent on this interview?

The 20 other things I need to do before lunchtime.

Any last words?

Yes.

Thanks, Parler. Until next time!

Spotlight: Michael Parler

Handcrafted HQ: Part III