Meet Andy Brenits

First, let me say that having never been laid off or fired, this came as a complete shock. So for anyone going through this right now, know there IS a light at the end of the tunnel. Here’s my story.

In mid-2015, I left a very secure job as the creative director for APS in Phoenix, a job for which I relocated my family in 2012. I had accomplished everything I set out to achieve and felt there was no room for growth in that role. So I accepted another local job with a smaller business in the education space and left APS.

Within four months, my new employer had to lay off staff, and you know the old saying: the last one in is the first one out.

And so, two weeks before Christmas, I was out of a job.

I spent the next few days reaching out to a few other creative directors that I know well with a short and straightforward email message: I’m between jobs. While I’m looking, I’m available to assist with any creative projects you need help with.

Thanks to my network, I was freelancing – earning money for my expertise – just a few days after New Year’s 2016. After six months, I stopped looking for a job and committed to growing my own business, and I’ve never looked back.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Sure, I would be happy to. I’m Andy Brenits, a branding and creative strategy expert recognized for my award-winning work as an in-house creative director and independent creative consultant. As the Principal and Chief Brand Officer at Brenits Creative, I have helped countless growing businesses compete with big brands by creating a consistent way to look, communicate, and act.

I advise individuals and business owners on brand strategy, creative management, and what it takes to differentiate oneself consistently in a crowded market.

I started my career working for boutique design studios in New York City before moving in-house at major brands like Gap, NFL, and KPMG. I received my BFA in fine art and graphic design from the School of Visual Arts and earned my Masters in Design Management from Pratt Institute.

I’m an experienced mentor and teacher and have taught visual design, marketing, brand strategy, and creative development to undergraduate and graduate classes at esteemed institutions such as Pratt Institute, MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art), and Columbia University.

These days, along with running my agency, I work with solopreneurs, authors, experts, and coaches to develop their personal brands. I also coach other self-employed people on how to be productive and focused in their day-to-day work.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Stay inquisitive: Cultivating a curious mindset is essential for thriving in today’s competitive environment. Embrace a constant thirst for learning, exploring new ideas, and seeking knowledge and understanding. Remember to remain particularly curious about the people you network with – their stories and perspectives can be enriching.

Embrace problem-solving: Developing strong problem-solving skills is a crucial asset for success. Approach challenges head-on, equipped with critical thinking and a determination to discover innovative solutions. Keep in mind that every problem presents an opportunity to grow and demonstrate your ability to overcome obstacles.

Share your insights generously: Openness and generosity with your knowledge can distinguish you from the crowd. Share your experiences, expertise, and wisdom with others, not only to assist them but also to establish yourself as a trusted resource.

By embracing your inquisitive nature, honing your problem-solving skills, and generously sharing your insights, you will be better equipped to navigate the challenges of today’s competitive world and create opportunities for yourself and others.

These three qualities, whether inherent or developed through practice, significantly enhance a professional’s chances of succeeding in today’s highly competitive environment. Those who embody these qualities can continuously adapt, grow, and make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

How would you describe your ideal client?

I have two types of ideal clients:

As an advisor, my ideal client is a solopreneur, expert, author, or coach just getting started and trying to figure out how to be “self-employed.” They need coaching and accountability more than done-for-you brand marketing services. I have programs specifically designed to help them.

For my branding agency, the ideal client is a business owner who has been doing their own marketing for a few years. It’s not working anymore, and they no longer have the time to do it themselves. They are ready for the next step in their brand’s development and need an expert they can rely on to help their business grow.

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