We were lucky to catch up with Chris Florence recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I’m a firm believer in the success of America isn’t large corporations but locally owned/operated businesses. Local businesses don’t have access to the tools needed to grow and scale their companies. That’s were we come in. We install our team into businesses all over Central Florida equipping them with the knowledge and clarity on why video is important to growing their brand.

This is important to me for two reasons…first is because an independent locally owned business community is successful and helps communities to thrive. Second, is because I want to raise my children as the next generation of business owners who will change our world for the good. I want them to thrive, raise their families and make a difference in their communities.

Most people think I’m crazy when I tell them I’m encouraging my kids NOT to go to college but start a business instead of being trained to find a “job”.

Chris, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My background is Real Estate just out of college I began selling commercial property in 2003. During that time I closed a lot of deals and even passed my CCIM for commercial real estate. In 2008 the market crashed and $20mil in contracts evaporated along with my income. After 2 foreclosures and constant court battles I was forced to get a j-o-b with Osceola County Association of REALTORs. After heading up their marketing for about 18 months I decided to start BrandAid.

After building BrandAid as a solo operator for 8 years I decided I wanted to grow the company beyond just being me serving clients. I was bottle necked on how many people I could help and had a growing desire to help far more companies than the handful I had. Another facet to all this was I wanted to start specializing in just video marketing and move away from general marketing and branding.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had hired a business coach much sooner in my journey.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Most people are under the impression that you need to take out a business loan or been born to the right family with money to start a business. In today’s world, nothing could be further from the truth. I started with nothing and the creative energy required to figure out how to operate from nothing is an incredible teacher in business.

Contact Info:

• Website: abrandaid.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandaidvideo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandaidvids/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cflorence/