Meet Thomas Barker, the dynamic CEO of Green House, a Brand to Demand agency that connects people to brands in real life—right where traditional media leaves off. Driven by purpose, creativity, and connection, Thomas leads a fast-paced, high-growth team that thrives on solving challenges and delivering experiential marketing that makes an impact.
In this &Member Spotlight, Thomas opens up about how a love for bringing people together laid the foundation for his career, and why the shower is his secret weapon for breakthrough ideas. Whether he’s scribbling ideas on napkins, powering through yoga, or leading his team through “impossible” challenges, Thomas approaches each day with empathy, determination, and a deep sense of connection.
Learn more about Thomas’ creative journey, the values that drive him, and why Ampersand Studios was the perfect home base for a team that’s always on the move.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Thomas Barker and I am the CEO of Green House, a Brand to Demand Agency –
powered by the Frontline. In short, we begin where paid media ends.
What’s something we don’t know about you?
In the early days of my career, I was passionate about throwing fundraising events for
LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS non-profit organizations. I loved creating experiences, events, and
connections with people for a greater purpose. Little did I know it would eventually lead to
an incredible career at Green House, where we connect brands to people in real life.
What inspires or motivates you to get out of bed?
Knowing that every day comes with new, unexpected challenges, I am a problem solver at
heart and my day is shaped by our clients and my team’s challenges. Bring it on!
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Connection – to my husband, my family and friends, and my team. Without connection, do
we really have a purpose?
Where do your brightest ideas come from?
The shower! When you give strategy and creative the oxygen it needs to ignite, you can
solve anything. We’re all so busy; it’s difficult to find the time and space to allow your mind
to truly wonder and explore. Exploration is the root of all creativity and when I have a
moment to step away from the grind, I take advantage of it!
How do you spark your creativity when you’re feeling in a rut?
I am a writer and a visual learner, so if I am struggling to concept, I just start writing – on a
white board, on a napkin, in the sand. For me, momentum drives ideation and creativity.
Just the act of writing words down – even if they’re crazy or wrong – ignites my brain and
gives me the momentum I need to create.
Where is your favorite place to decompress & unwind?
Yoga! I am embarrassingly terrible at yoga and for the first 20 minutes, I absolutely hate it.
But, by the end, I feel completely reset and relaxed.
When do you feel your best, and what do you do to stay in good vibrations?
I am at my best when the odds are stacked against me. I love/hate to hear, “it’s
impossible”, because it then becomes my mission to prove anything is possible. As for
good vibrations, it is important to lead and think with kindness and empathy. No matter
how frustrated or upset I am about a situation, I try to focus on the impact my frustration or
support may have on others, and I tend to lean into how I can support others first.
Why did you choose Ampersand Studios as your workspace?
I love the creative vibe and the flexibility of the space. We are a fast-paced, high-growth
marketing agency. We need a space that can flex as fast as we can. From headcount to
capabilities, Ampersand gives us the opportunity to grow without limits. We have been
looking for a space for over a year and a half and once we found Ampersand, we knew we
were home!
Where can our community connect with you?
Thomas Barker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thbarker/
Website: https://www.wearegreenhouse.com/about/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wegrowbrands
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenhouse-agency-inc
