Francis Almeda is an entrepreneur, creative director, and designer in Chicago, IL.

As an entrepreneur, some projects that Francis has launched include a company that makes enamel pins that “rep what you love” called Reppin Pins, a coffee shop that promotes starting something called Side Practice Coffee, and a pizzeria looking to change the norms in the industry called Novel Pizza.

As a designer, Francis has over 20 years of experience of working in advertising and tech. Francis enjoys building things in the web and IRL, then mixing them together. You can learn more about his work through his design studio, AlmedaGrill. He’s taught design and advertising at Chicago Portfolio School, Miami Ad School, and his alma mater DePaul University.

Currently, Francis is searching for freelance Creative Direction & Design work. He is also looking for investors for Side Practice Coffee which was recognized in the Chicago Tribune for giving back to the community, named one of the best coffee shops in Chicago, and featured on WBEZ.

You might find Francis rolling around on the jiu-jitsu mats, lifting something heavy, or being a dad to what has to be the two cutest babies in the world. In most cases, he’s working on a new project while helping the people around him start something, too.

If you’re interested in building things with Francis you can find him on Instagram, LinkedIn, or via email.