Taylor’s Professional Career Track

I’ve had a very interesting roller-coaster of a career track, and wouldn’t want it any other way. I began my marketing career at a boutique automotive firm and then worked my way up to larger communications agencies. While I learned and my skills grew, I felt like there was still something missing. Passion. So I took a step back from a traditional path to find it. Through environmental education and adventures in sustainability, I found a career track I’m passionate about using my seasoned marketing skills.

The list below starts with my most recent job and goes back in sequence below:

Design Workshop, Inc.

After my experience in the waste resource management industry, I joined Design Workshop – a national landscape architecture and urban planning firm with projects across the world. In fact, Design Workshop was the same design firm who developed the initial plans for the Southwestern Medical District Urban Streetscape Master Plan legacy project for the Texas Trees Foundation – of which I was intimately familiar with that project and Design Workshop’s graphic work.

I joined the firm as a Marketing Coordinator, who’s primary responsibility was managing project proposal submissions and supporting business development for the Austin studio and Texas region.

See more about my experience here: Marketing Coordinator Role at Design Workshop

ASLA holiday mixer event/
Team lunch break at Torchy’s Tacos.
Austin Studio cross-office working session.
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Taylor Nelson: A Personal Overview Video

In today’s fast-paced world, taking a moment to reflect on personal journeys and achievements can offer valuable insights into who we are and what drives us. I’m Taylor Nelson, and I’m excited to share a glimpse into my life, career, and interests through this personal overview.

A Snapshot of Me

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, my journey has taken me from the vibrant city life of my hometown to the eclectic and dynamic environment of Austin, where I now call home. Alongside my supportive network and my passion for “all things green”, I’ve embraced the diverse experiences life has offered me.

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Texas Disposal Systems Works

In my role as the first-ever Digital Marketing Coordinator at Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) and I played a vital role in developing and executing various marketing initiatives emphasizing sustainability and waste management practices. From redesigning key webpages and crafting targeted email drip campaigns to managing content campaigns and spearheading creative recycling promotions, my work at TDS was multifaceted and impactful. I also contributed to several community-oriented projects, including Earth Day campaigns, interactive recycling games at events, and seasonal holiday waste initiatives. Additionally, I supported the company’s sales department efforts by creating new sales materials and improving online customer funnels. Through these initiatives, I helped position TDS as a leader in the waste management industry in Central Texas while reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and resource conservation.

Waste Wizard Promotion:

  • Promoted the “Waste Wizard,” a versatile app designed to remind customers of waste collection schedules and educate them on proper waste disposal practices. To increase app downloads, I introduced gift card incentive contests, effectively encouraging customer participation, increasing downloads, and reinforcing the brand. Facebook Post

Conference Vendor/Boothing:

  • Represented TDS at industry conferences by staffing booths, distributing marketing materials, and engaging in conversations with attendees about the company’s services and sustainable practices, helping to enhance the brand and fostering potential business relationships.
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Space Colony Glamping Business

After my years in conservation and sustainability, my dream of sharing these passions with others has developed into a more tangible concept. An immersive, edutainment space colony glamping experience! This is a culmination of my passions, my educational experiences, what I’ve seen on my travels, and what I’ve noticed trending in the market.

I wish I could say this concept it unique, however, given our advances in technology and number of people on the planet – others have had similar ideas. Great minds think alike, right?

One such example is “a Turkish town is preparing to set up a touristic “Mars Colony” that will allow earthlings to walk the surface of the Red Planet here on earth…which will also house a scientific theme park and 30 boutique hotels [and] “astronaut food menus” at the Mars Colony [which are] expected to breathe fresh life into gastronomy tourism as well.” – Daily Sabah

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

Benjamin Franklin

Adding onto the concept of an immersive experience is the edutainment (education + entertainment) factor. The edutainment is very important to me so guests can learn aspects of conservation and sustainability while having an enjoyable and entertaining on-site experience!

You can see existing edutainment space experiences at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center® and at the Astronaut Training Experience® at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There will be several experiential routes at the glamping space colony, which include different skill sets or professions needed for a space colony. Some examples include living-lab scientist, agricultural specialist, space engineer, interstellar soldier, or pioneering colonist.

Self-professed teenage ‘space nerds’ at Space Camp chase their dreams of traveling to Mars, while experts reflect on NASA’s history and future at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
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Take Care of Texas Works

Take Care of Texas is a statewide campaign from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that provides helpful information on Texas’ successes in environmental protection and encourages all Texans to help keep our air and water clean, conserve water and energy, reduce waste, and save a little money in the process!

Take Care of Texas Overview

I’ve outlined major highlights below in my role with the Take Care of Texas (TCOT) program. These sections include samples of my work ranging from graphical work to written blog content and more! I’ve also included my experiences with other program initiatives.


Program Revamp

Shortly after joining the program, a new logo was implemented for TCEQ as well as the TCOT program.

Using my background in marketing, I helped steer the program into a new branding direction with the team. This also included updating our style guide, branded content, and other initiative logos – like our Proud Partner Logo.

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Famous People Taylor Has Met

Here’s a list of famous people (and locally famous icons) I’ve met along my way in life. They are all some how related through either my eco-travels, my conservation career, or my general eco-interests. Most of these people I’ve met while in Texas, which goes to show there’s a growing interest in eco-thinking in Texas.

I’ve included a brief bio and how I’ve met each person. I also included a video of each person for better context. (You might not consider some of these people to be famous, but they are well-know in local movements.)

Famous Person: Marty Raney

Homestead Builder, Master Stone Mason, Hunter & Mountain Guide

Marty Raney does the teaching and travels helping other homesteaders learn the ways. He is often joined by daughter Misty who is a good carpenter and a farmer and son Matt a proficient hunter. Their journey is chronicled on the Discovery show “Homestead Rescue.”

Marty was who I was most excited to see at the Mother Earth News Fair! I’ve watched nearly all of his Homestead Rescue episodes. He’s an inspiration for another way to live, while also making homesteading popular on TV.

Marty talks about how he made a life in Alaska.
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