Brian Town is an author, speaker, educator, and the founder of Michigan Creative, an award-winning branding and marketing agency specializing in web development, video, branding, and social media marketing, designed to help businesses develop their brand and scale their profits.
After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunication from Michigan State University and his MBA and Masters of Education from the University of Michigan, Brian spent the first 14 years of his career in education as a film and television production teacher at Haslett High School. He is the creator of The Vision 22, a nationally recognized film and TV production program.
In 2011, Brian scaled Michigan Creative, his award-winning agency, from a bootstrapped startup to the marketing and branding powerhouse it is today. His in-house team consists of 20 employees, and the company brings in over two million dollars in annual revenue.
Michigan Creative specializes in supporting entrepreneurs and business owners in a variety of industries, ranging from knowledge-based experts to clients in manufacturing, building, and skilled trades.
As a fractional CEO, Brian works with dozens of clients who want to scale without building out an entire marketing department so that they can stay focused on their areas of expertise and serve their clients and customers.
In his forthcoming book, The Lonely CEO, Brian shares his insights and best strategies for avoiding resistance, solidifying your belief in yourself as the right person to run your company, and systematizing your marketing and hiring processes to grow and scale a sustainable business.
Brian lives in Haslett, Michigan, with his wife Hollie, two children, and two giant dogs.
To learn more, go to: https://michigancreative.com.
Company: MICHIGAN CREATIVE
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Brian Town: Thank you for having me! I’m Brian Town, the CEO and founder of Michigan Creative, an award-winning branding and marketing agency. At Michigan Creative, we specialize in web development, video production, branding, and social media marketing, all designed to help businesses develop their brand and message, systematize their lead generation and scale their profits. Our team consists of around 20 talented professionals, and we bring in over two million dollars in annual revenue.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunication from Michigan State University and later completed my Masters of Business Adminstration from the University of Michigan. My career began in education, where I spent 14 years as a film and television production teacher at Haslett High School, creating The Vision 22, a nationally recognized program. Additionally, I taught at the United Association Of Plumbers and Pipefitters for twelve years, helping to develop the next generation of skilled trades workers.
In 2011, I scaled Michigan Creative from a bootstrapped startup to the powerhouse it is today. We support entrepreneurs and business owners across various industries, from knowledge-based experts to clients in manufacturing, building, and skilled trades. Our mission is to help businesses tell their story, reach their target audience, and achieve their marketing goals through a blend of creativity, strategy, and technology.
As a fractional CEO, I work with dozens of clients who want to scale without building out an entire marketing department, allowing them to stay focused on their areas of expertise and serve their clients and customers effectively.
In my forthcoming book, “The Lonely CEO,” I share insights and strategies for overcoming resistance, solidifying self-belief, and systemizing marketing and hiring processes to grow and scale a sustainable business.
I live in Haslett, Michigan, with my wife Hollie, two children, and two giant dogs. To learn more, visit Michigan Creative.
If you were in an elevator with Warren Buffett, how would you describe your company, your services or products? What makes your company different from others? What is your company’s biggest strength?
Brian Town: We solve marketing problems and get leaders and owners to think about their business and their brand like no one else.
Our strength is helping companies develop the perfect message, deliver it to their perfect customer, at the right time and place so they say, finally, I have been looking for this my whole life.
Quiet quitting, The Great Resignation, is an ongoing trend causing many businesses to struggle to keep talent engaged and motivated. Most are leaving because of their boss or their company culture. 82% of people feel unheard, undervalued, and misunderstood in the workplace. In your experience, what keeps employees happy? And how are you adapting to the current shift we see?
Brian Town: At Michigan Creative, we recognize that employee engagement and satisfaction are crucial. Here are a few things that we do to make sure we are doing our best to keep people happy!
Core Values and Culture: At the heart of our company are our core values, which emphasize the importance of listening to our employees, valuing their input, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and support. We believe that every team member’s voice should be heard and that they should feel like a leader within the company. This approach not only boosts morale but also encourages innovation and accountability.
Open Communication: We prioritize open communication, ensuring that there are regular opportunities for employees to share their thoughts and feedback. This includes one-on-one meetings, team check-ins, and anonymous surveys. By actively listening to our team, we can address concerns promptly and effectively.
Leadership Development: We invest in leadership development programs to empower our employees. By providing training and growth opportunities, we help them develop the skills needed to take on leadership roles within the company. This not only enhances their career prospects but also strengthens our leadership pipeline.
Work-Life Balance: Understanding the importance of work-life balance, we offer flexible working hours and remote work options. This flexibility helps our team members manage their personal and professional lives more effectively, reducing burnout and increasing job satisfaction.
Online business keeps on surging higher than ever, B2B, B2C, online shopping, virtual meetings, remote work, Zoom medical consultations, what are your expectations for the year to come and how are you capitalizing on the tidal wave?
Brian Town: Leveraging B2C Ideas for B2B: At Michigan Creative, we see a significant opportunity in applying successful B2C strategies to the B2B space. Personalization, for instance, has been a game-changer in B2C marketing. We’re now implementing personalized marketing strategies in B2B campaigns, tailoring content and communication to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client. This approach helps build stronger, more meaningful relationships and enhances client satisfaction.
Enhanced Digital Presence: With online shopping and virtual interactions becoming the norm, businesses must strengthen their digital presence. We’re helping our clients optimize their websites for better user experiences, implement robust e-commerce solutions, and leverage social media for greater engagement. High-quality content, SEO, and user-friendly interfaces are more important than ever.
Virtual Meetings and Remote Work: The rise of remote work and virtual meetings has changed how businesses operate. We’re capitalizing on this by providing tools and strategies to improve virtual collaboration and communication. This includes training teams on best practices for remote work and using advanced project management tools to ensure efficiency and productivity.
Expectations for the Year to Come: We expect these trends to continue evolving, with businesses further embracing digital transformation. The key will be to stay adaptable, continuously seek innovation, and leverage technology to meet the ever-changing demands of the market.
Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Brian Town: For us I think it is the idea of staying lean, but trying to grow without burning out team members. There is so much opportunity out there and as we try to scale, keep working on our processes and our brand, and who we want to work with…sometimes it can be overwhelming and you question if you are heading in the right direction.
Our plan today is to keep our current team, outsource more, and get laser focused on what work we want to do and and who we want to work with.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Brian Town: In my experience, one of the most underestimated parts of running a company is the importance of self-care and maintaining a strong belief in yourself as the right person to lead. This concept is central to my upcoming book, “The Lonely CEO,” where I discuss the challenges leaders face and the critical need to prioritize their well-being.
Running a company can be incredibly isolating, and the pressure to make decisions and drive success can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Many leaders, myself included, often overlook the importance of self-care, thinking we need to constantly push ourselves to keep the business moving forward. However, neglecting your own well-being can lead to burnout and diminish your effectiveness as a leader.
For example, during the early years of scaling Michigan Creative, I was so focused on growing the business that I neglected my health and personal life. It wasn’t until I hit a wall that I realized I needed to change my approach. I started prioritizing my health by establishing a routine that included meditation, exercise, and quality time with my family. This shift not only improved my well-being but also enhanced my clarity, decision-making, and overall leadership.
Additionally, maintaining the belief that you are the right person to lead your company is crucial. Doubt can creep in, especially during tough times, but it’s essential to remember why you started and the unique vision you bring to the table. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network and continuously investing in personal development can reinforce this belief and help you navigate the challenges of leadership.
In “The Lonely CEO,” I delve deeper into these themes, offering strategies and insights to help leaders take care of themselves and maintain the confidence needed to drive their companies forward. Ultimately, a healthy, confident leader is better equipped to inspire their team and achieve sustainable success.
On a lighter note, if you had the ability to pick any business superpower, what would it be and how would you put it into practice?
Brian Town: The Sales Master.” This superhero would have the incredible ability to close any and all deals with just a phone call and a snap of the fingers. Clients would come running, eager to work with us.
Imagine the impact of having such a superpower! It would revolutionize how we do business, allowing us to quickly secure partnerships and projects, thereby accelerating growth and expanding our reach. As The Sales Master, I would use this power to not only boost our revenue but also to foster stronger relationships with clients by ensuring that each deal is a win-win situation. I would also give this unlimited revenue back to my team and keep them forever!
This superpower would also free up valuable time, enabling us to focus on delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients. By mastering sales effortlessly, we could dedicate more resources to creative endeavors and strategic planning, driving Michigan Creative to new heights of success.
In practice, The Sales Master would ensure that every pitch is perfect, every proposal irresistible, and every client interaction a seamless path to collaboration. This superpower would epitomize efficiency and effectiveness, making the process of acquiring new business almost magical.
What does “success” in 2024 mean to you? It could be on a personal or business level, please share your vision
Brian Town: Success in 2024 for me and Michigan Creative means being in a position where we are super cash heavy. This financial stability allows us to pay our staff more, ensuring they feel valued and motivated, which in turn fosters a positive and productive work environment. Additionally, having strong cash flow means we can give back to our community in meaningful ways, supporting local initiatives and making a positive impact.
On a business level, success means working with the perfect clients—those who align with our values, appreciate our creativity, and challenge us to deliver our best work. These ideal clients not only contribute to our financial success but also inspire us to push boundaries and innovate.
Ultimately, success in 2024 is about achieving a harmonious balance between financial strength, employee satisfaction, community contribution, and client relationships. This vision ensures that Michigan Creative continues to grow sustainably while making a difference in the lives of our team and community.
Personal level…I want to make sure I am present at home and enjoying every moment I have with my kids and wife.
