While working in corporate America, David W. Allen came upon the idea of a disposable paper birdhouse, which has since flourished and launched the creation of his company GreenBird LLC. Drawing upon his prior experience in designing, he began research into wild birds and found that wild birds required better housing in their respective environments. The loss of bird habitats due to the urbanization of cities throughout the world, farming practices and climate change has led to the decline and endangerment of bird species to nearly 25 percent. From that point forward, Mr. Allen made it his mission to protect and save the wildlife with green practices.
Prior to commencing his career in environmental preservation, Mr. Allen worked as the vice president and a creative director of the Jaap-Orr Company in Cincinnati, Ohio, between 1998 and 2012. Previously, he served as the owner of Allen & Associates from 1989 to 1998, vice president and creative director of McNally Communications from 1986 to 1989 and art director of Applied Communications from 1981 to 1986. Earlier in his career, he was an art director and production manager for Weir McBride Advertising from 1981 to 1984. At the inception of his career in 1977, he served as a corporate art director for Super Food Services for four years.
Supported by a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration with a minor in advertising from the Columbus College of Art & Design in 1971, Mr. Allen recently received the Best of Cincinnati Award for his business and efforts to impact the environment in 2019. Civically involved as well, he has volunteered with Voice of Hope and the American Cancer Society, and is a past president of his local chapters of Rotary International, the Jaycees and the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Allen attributes his success to his enjoyment of his work; he emphasizes that he has never held a job that he disliked as he enjoys watching the effects of his actions on the world surrounding him. He also credits the influence of his mentors for his career success, including his college professors at the Columbus College of Art & Design, classmates and friends.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Allen intends to expand the influence of GreenBird and continue conducting freelance work in his spare time.
