Max Moclock is a Brand Strategist with a background in consulting and product management who is currently partnering with a financial planner to help him launch a new brand and change his business model to serve people with ADHD.
After ten years of working in fast-paced environments across management consulting, corporate strategy, and software development, it was time to start his own business. Moonworks, LLC was launched in February 2025.
Extracurriculars
Max enjoys putzing around malls, prefers handwriting to typing, and one of his favorite parts of Cowork Frederick are the physical newspaper subscriptions. He likes to be physically active, and is a fan of lesser-known English soccer club Nottingham Forest. In 2025, he’s focused on deepening his faith and spiritual life (he’s an active Christian), playing sports, and trying all the food and fun that downtown Frederick has to offer. Recently, he took an improv class at the MET (which he highly recommends!).
Why we love Max
In just a couple of months, Max has become a fixture here at Cowork Frederick as he is often to be seen working on the Clubhouse level or in the first-floor open cowork area. Max is friendly, approachable, and an asset to the social atmosphere here at Cowork Frederick. He does unique work with a commitment to genuinely helping people while remaining authentic to his “explorer” inclinations. If you can catch him in the kitchen, he’s great for engaging in an interesting and enjoyable conversation.
Q&A with Max
How did you get into financial planning, specifically for people with ADHD?
I always had a goal of running my own business and brand strategy consultancy. After a layoff from my product manager role in early 2024, it seemed like the right time to make the leap. I majored in finance, and financial advising always interested me, so I reached out to my now client, and after a few conversations, started helping him with small projects. The work gradually expanded and now here we are! It’s worked out well because I truly enjoy the brand strategy and building something from the ground up. As far as being a financial advisor myself, I don’t see that in my future. A close friend has described me as the world’s worst/most disinterested finance major, and he wasn’t wrong.
What lessons have you learned along the way?
I’m learning to move away from forcing things. For a long time, I pushed myself into roles, projects, and situations that weren’t actually getting me closer to my goals or what’s meant for me.
Like a lot of guys, I’ve had a tendency to get too intense and out over my skis when I’m starting something. Now I’m developing better awareness of the difference between healthy discomfort versus trying to force something just for a paycheck or a title upgrade. When I feel a spark of interest inside of me, that’s when I know it’s time to lean in.
What other tips do you have for work or life?
A broader mistake for me is getting trapped in cycles of burnout, especially trying to do things that don’t align with my strengths. I’ll get in the habit of putting my head down, making everything urgent, and forcing myself into constant productivity. Burnout is a sinister “mistake” that I think many people get caught up in, and it’s almost like the expectation for working in America. If you’re not burning out at your job or on your business, you haven’t earned your seat at the table. It’s avoidable, and knowing when you’re near or in a burnout cycle is my advice. I’ve taken two FMLA leaves of absence in my corporate career and they were the best decisions for me, even though it was scary at the time. The lesson for me is building up my self-awareness…knowing what I need and how to ask for help. So, my tip is to know yourself.
Who/What motivates you and keeps you going?
Seeing opportunities unfold and stacking new skills keeps me going, because I know it’s leading me somewhere great. Right now I’m learning how to record podcasts, design logos, and build a brand…which are all fun for me. I’m driven by opportunities to build or contribute to something that’s people-oriented and solves problems. There are very clear and tangible things we’re working on to solve peoples’ money problems.
Which of the guiding values defined by Cowork Frederick members speaks to you?
CURIOSITY. When I’ve started my eighth book in a month without finishing one it can turn into a bit of a problem, but curiosity makes life much more interesting for me. How stuff works, what people’s stories are, learning new skills, etc. there’s so much to be curious about. The diversity of people and experiences that come through Cowork really embodies curiosity.
Why Cowork Frederick?
Being around people!
But mostly, Gracie.
(Note: Gracie is Cowork Frederick’s friendly and adorable resident dog.)
For those who want to learn more, how can you be reached?