Episode Summary
In this episode of An Agency Story, host Russel Dubree sits down with Brandi Sims, CEO and founder of Brandinc PR, a full-service boutique public relations agency based in Austin, Texas. With 14 years of experience and a doctorate in progress, Brandi’s journey is anything but typical. Starting her agency in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, she quickly carved a space in the competitive PR world by trusting her instincts, embracing her military-influenced values, and helping clients tell compelling stories.
Episode Highlights:
- Brandi’s PR origin story, sparked by the MTV reality show Power Girls
- Launching a business mid-pandemic after facing pay inequity and burnout
- Lessons in delegation, building a remote team, and leveraging interns
- Navigating the entertainment space and sharing behind-the-scenes client stories
- How military family values shaped Brandinc PR’s culture and resilience
Agency Info
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Company: Brandinc PR
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Guest: Brandi Sims
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Year Started: 2020
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Employees: 1-10
I realized the biggest barrier wasn’t money, resources, or even timing, it was me. I had to believe I could do it before anything else would work.
Brandi Sims
Key Takeaways
Confidence is the Real Startup Capital
Brandi’s story is a powerful reminder that self-doubt is often the biggest barrier to entrepreneurship. She didn’t lack the skills or knowledge, she lacked the belief that she could be a business owner. Once she bet on herself, she secured her first 10 clients within a month.
Creativity Thrives Under Pressure
Launching during the COVID-19 pandemic forced Brandi and her team to rethink PR staples like live events. Hybrid and virtual experiences became the new frontier. This adaptability not only kept the agency afloat but also opened doors to new clients and innovation.
Delegation Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential
Trying to be the CEO, assistant, social media manager, and janitor quickly leads to burnout. One of Brandi’s early realizations was the importance of delegating strategically and trusting others with key tasks, especially interns. Her remote internship program helps nurture talent while lightening the workload.
Military Values Built a Rock-Solid Foundation
Brandi’s upbringing in a military family, and later as a Navy spouse, instilled in her values of loyalty, discipline, and duty. These traits influence everything from how Brandinc PR treats its clients to how the team operates under pressure.
Behind Every Headline is a Hard-Won Story
Whether managing a sold-out hybrid concert in New Hampshire or salvaging a high-stakes iHeartRadio interview gone awkwardly silent, Brandi proves that PR is as much about problem-solving as it is storytelling. Her team’s ability to adapt, prep, and pivot is a testament to the unseen hustle behind media wins.
Show Notes
Mentioned in the Episode:
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