It is with a heavy heart that we remember and celebrate the life of Cynder Gray, a brilliant mind, a dedicated professional, and a dear friend. Though Cynder's time with us was far too short, his impact will be felt for years to come.

Cynder was a true renaissance man—someone whose expertise spanned multiple fields and whose insights shaped everything he touched. From his leadership at Innovate to his strategic work in advertising, graphic design, and digital marketing, Cynder’s contributions were nothing short of extraordinary. Whether he was troubleshooting complex web development challenges, designing innovative brand identities, or strategizing SEO efforts, Cynder brought an unmatched passion to his work. His technical prowess was rivaled only by his creativity, and he had a way of turning even the most challenging problems into opportunities for growth.

He understood his role in the ecosystem. “You’re the one taking the risks,” he once said. “I’m just here making sure it all works.” That was classic Cynder—modest, but foundational. The truth is, Innovate ran on his logic. His work didn’t demand attention, because it didn’t need fixing. He made sure the ideas could fly without falling apart on the runway.

Beyond his professional skills, Cynder was a beloved friend and mentor. His sense of humor—dry, sarcastic, and often playful—was a source of comfort and joy to everyone around him. He had a gift for knowing exactly what to say, whether it was a sharp-witted comment to lighten the mood or a quiet word of understanding when someone needed support. His presence grounded those around him, and his Cynderisms became a kind of shorthand for wisdom wrapped in cleverness.

Cynder had a unique way of approaching life—curious, witty, and quietly generous. Whether he was sharing his quirky and diverse taste in music, weighing in on politics, or guiding colleagues through a tough project, his voice carried reason, insight, and humor. Beneath his Gen-X skepticism was a heart of gold—a soft spot for underdogs, roommate pets, and the small victories no one else noticed. He didn’t need recognition; he just showed up, helped out, and made things better.

Even in his absence, Cynder’s influence remains deeply embedded in the work we do. He left behind countless resources—files, tutorials, and videos he created to guide us through complex tasks. His narrated Adobe tutorials, along with the before-and-after files, continue to serve as invaluable references. These "Easter eggs" he left for us are more than just helpful tools; they’re a testament to his commitment to empowering others, ensuring that his knowledge lives on in the work we continue to do. Cynder's DNA is all over what we create, and we are forever grateful for the foundation he laid.

Cynder’s legacy is one of knowledge, humor, creativity, and care. He leaves behind a network of friends, colleagues, and loved ones who were fortunate enough to work with him, learn from him, and laugh alongside him.

We'll miss you, Cynder, but we carry your lessons, your wit, and your spirit with us every day. Thank you for being a mentor, a colleague, and, most importantly, a friend. You may be gone, but your impact remains—and we'll continue to honor your memory.

-Michael Novelli

Never let self-doubt get in the way of self-interest.