Meet Joey Howard | Digital Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joey Howard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joey, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always been drawn to creativity in different forms, whether it was songwriting, content creation, or storytelling. That passion led me to pursue a degree in Marketing Management & Entrepreneurship at Syracuse University, where I learned how to combine creative thinking with strategic business approaches.

My Instagram food page, Food Not Disturb, started as a passion project and quickly became an incredible way to explore creativity while shining a light on restaurants in Colorado, New York, and across the world. Being able to tell a restaurant’s story, capture the essence of a dish, and share those experiences with a larger audience brings me so much joy. It’s also been rewarding to see how my content can help small businesses gain visibility and connect with new customers.

At the core of it all, creativity is what drives me. Whether through music or food, I love finding ways to create something engaging, inspiring, and meaningful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve built my career by embracing challenges, taking chances, and believing in my ability to grow. I’m currently a Marketplace Planning & Scrum Manager at Uplight in Boulder, CO, where I’ve worked for six years. Uplight is a technology company focused on helping energy providers, partners, and consumers optimize energy use, and I’m proud to be part of a team driving meaningful change in the industry.

Beyond that, I also run my own small business, Mad Clever Marketing, a digital marketing company that allows me to blend my strategic expertise with my passion for creativity.

The journey hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned that success comes from trusting yourself and being willing to take risks. My brother, Andrew, is a huge inspiration—he’s built two successful businesses in upstate NY by betting on himself, and that’s pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and pursue new opportunities.

Ultimately, I want my story to reflect resilience, passion, and the power of believing in yourself. Whether through my work at Uplight, my own business, or my creative pursuits, I’m always looking for ways to make an impact, challenge myself, and grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best of Colorado—great food, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable adventures.

We’d start in Golden, strolling along Clear Creek, grabbing coffee at a local café, and enjoying the charming mountain town vibes. Then, we’d head up to the mountains for some skiing, whether at Breckenridge, Vail, or Winter Park, to soak in that fresh powder and après-ski atmosphere.

A trip to Steamboat Springs would be a must—after a day of skiing or snowshoeing, we’d unwind in the hot springs, soaking under the stars in the crisp mountain air.

Back in Denver, I’d take them on a food tour of all my favorite spots—we’d definitely hit Osteria Marco, one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, along with some hidden gems for tacos, sushi, and cocktails.

To top it all off, we’d see a concert at Red Rocks, because there’s truly nothing like live music in that iconic amphitheater. Between the stunning landscapes, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences, it’d be the ultimate Colorado trip!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Morgan, is my biggest supporter. He’s always believed in my ability to turn Food Not Disturb into something special—even on days when I doubted myself. He helps me capture the best photos and videos, never hesitating to turn on the flash in a restaurant (which I usually shy away from!). His support and enthusiasm make this journey even more rewarding.

I owe so much to my family for their constant support, love, and encouragement. From day one, they’ve believed in my creativity and always pushed me to chase my passions. Whether it was my early songwriting days or launching Food Not Disturb, they’ve been my biggest cheerleaders. Their unwavering belief in me—even when I’ve doubted myself—has been a huge part of my journey, and I’m beyond grateful for them.

I have to give a huge shoutout to my friends who patiently wait while I take pictures and videos before we eat when we’re out to dinner. They’ve never once complained and always cheer me on, knowing how much Food Not Disturb means to me. Their support, encouragement, and willingness to be part of the process—whether it’s holding up a dish for the perfect shot or dealing with a flash in a dimly lit restaurant—means the world. I’m so grateful to have people in my life who not only support my passion but truly celebrate it with me!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodnotdisturb