Meet the Team
David Howell
As the Owner and CEO of Howell & Associates, I've dedicated the past 20 years to being a leading voice and an expert in resolving issues related to product quality, anti-counterfeiting, unauthorized Amazon sellers, the investigation of 3P sellers and product buys, online reputation brand management, intellectual property protection, trademark/corporate domain name management, and safeguarding brands against risks and threats.
I genuinely enjoy devising and executing proactive strategies to protect international brands and intellectual property from infringements and violations. I've been fortunate to consult and work with numerous Fortune 500 companies, including online marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, and Alibaba/AliExpress.
Don't get me started on movie trivia; we could be here all day. I'm proud of my military service and enjoy connecting with other veterans. Born and raised in Southern California, I have called Idaho home for the past 35 years. I'm grateful to help clients learn how to build and protect their brand. I don't take anything about my life or business for granted. Every experience has led me to where I am today, and for that, I remain humble and grateful. My wife, Jessie, and the family we have built push me to be the best man I can be.
Maurice Matsumori
Hi, I'm Maurice. Thanks for taking a look at the site! I've had the opportunity to live in some incredible places, from the Big Island of Hawaii to New York City. I've learned to cook some fantastic foods, brushed shoulders with world leaders, learned from famous entertainers, survived 9/11, and experienced cultures throughout the world.
Perhaps the most impactful thing I've learned from these experiences is something I discovered when I lived in Hawaii—the value of "Talk Story." If you've never experienced it before, it's simply talking with people, no agenda, just "shooting the bull." I've gained more insights about others and myself through this simple method than anything I ever learned in school.
So, what does that have to do with my role? A lot, actually. I've learned more from the clients we've served than I could ever imagine! I've also learned from the third parties I've communicated with. I've learned that Brand Integrity is an ecosystem of relationships, and as the Luke Bryan song says, "Most People Are Good." This doesn't mean we don't get the job done; it simply means that when we have conversations, we can more effectively solve problems across brands and third parties.
Even if it isn't business, feel free to give me a call sometime, and let's talk story. Maybe along the way, we can solve some problems together!
Adam Gragg
My name is Adam Gragg. Born in SoCal and having moved to Idaho in 2015, I work on enforcement for channel compliance at Howell & Associates. My passions include history, mythology & religion, art/design, mixology, and overall creative pursuits. A goal of mine is to contribute to Howell & Associates in a way that ensures our success and delivers the desired results for our clientele and a fulfilling lifestyle for our employees.
Zack Murdock
I graduated from Ohio University in 2017 with a double major in Marketing & Communications. I spent my four years at Ohio University playing football and being part of the prestigious Schey Sales Center. When I’m not working with brands to develop and implement eCommerce solutions, you can find me traveling (loved Italy and the UK). I also enjoy time at home rooting for Michigan, snuggling with Gigi (the world’s cutest Frenchie), or catching a movie. There are people who watch movies, and there are people who love movies... the second one is me. Bring on all the action, fantasy, comedy, and occasionally a good drama.
How did I get into brand protection? After being a broke college student, I took some of the money I saved from graduation and bought my first pair of Jordans. This was a big deal for me! Thinking I was purchasing them from what appeared to be a verified reseller of Nikes, I soon received the shoes and was disappointed to see they were knock-offs. They were being sold like they were the authentic product. I was out my money, still a broke college student, but without cool shoes. That tough pill to swallow lit a fire inside of me to help brands tackle their online sales channels.
Craig Phillipps
I'm Craig Phillipps, a Director of Client Services at Howell & Associates. With nearly a decade devoted to safeguarding, controlling, and growing e-commerce sales for brands, my background underscores the significance of sustainable brand protection. My primary motivation is understanding our brand partners — their stories, visions, and what sets their names and products apart. My goal is to provide insightful perspectives to clients, fostering deep relationships through collaborative strategies.
While my professional journey didn't initially aim for e-commerce protection or sales management, I'm grateful for finding my way here. I've had the privilege of knowing incredible people in the industry, and I owe many of them for the opportunities I've received. Family takes precedence in my life; I aim to create a better life for my wife and two daughters, whose presence brings boundless joy.
Beyond family, community involvement has become integral since returning to my rural roots. Volunteering with a local community club to support families in need and community investments has been rewarding. Spring-time volunteering with the high-school baseball team connects me with future community leaders and my children's school district.
Continuous humility stems from the blessings bestowed upon my family, and we are always grateful for what we have.