Progressive
Inherit
Dick's Sporting Goods
Sports Change Lives
Renault
Scenic Vision
Albertsons
Sincerely Food
Oreo
Proud Parent
New York Life
Agape
AntiBullying/Monica Lewinsky
The Epidemic
84 Lumber
The Journey
Raised on a farm in rural Washington, Cole's family's love of cinema not only sparked his passion for filmmaking but also inspired a lifelong curiosity about the world. Drawn to intimate and emotionally resonate stories, his work in both commercials and films is defined by nuanced performances and an ability to find humanity across genres.
After graduating from film school, he quickly established himself as an award-winning director, creating campaigns for leading brands including New York Life, Dick's Sporting Goods, Renault, Johnson & Johnson, RE/MAX, and Oreo.
In 2021, Cole received the AICP Show's Advertising Excellence / Single Award for The Epidemic, the anti-bullying PSA created in partnership with Monica Lewinsky and BBDO New York. His commercials Agape for New York Life and The Journey for 84 Lumber both premiered during the Super Bowl, further establishing him as one of advertising's most accomplished storytellers. His work has earned many of the industry's highest honors, including Cannes Lions, Clio Awards, AICP Awards, The One Show, D&AD, and Shoot Magazine's New Director Award.
Cole's feature directorial debut, OMAHA, was developed in-house at Sanctuary and premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Starring John Magaro (PAST LIVES, SEPTEMBER 5), the film explores grief, mental health, and the resilience of family through a journey across the American West. Hailed as “Emotionally monumental…and a humble marvel” by Variety and “A model of tone, concision and emotional and psychological insight” by the Daily Beast, OMAHA went on to screen at more than 50 film festivals worldwide and was released theatrically by Greenwich Entertainment.