Brent Kleinman of Glendale Community College on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Brent Kleinman and have shared our conversation below.

Brent, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am chasing the dream of making other people’s dreams coming true. At Glendale Community College we are working to create an Entrepreneurship Hub for students and community members that don’t know they can be a success. If I stop, this will not be created. My passion to find the funding, the support and the publicity drive me every morning. Stopping is not an option. These students deserve the launching pad we are creating.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Brent Kleinman, and I teach entrepreneurship at Glendale Community College. I also run GCC Achieve, which is all about helping students and community members take their ideas and turn them into real businesses. What I love about this work is that it’s hands-on—our students aren’t just writing business plans, they’re pitching, launching, and getting real-world experience.

Right now, I’m focused on building out our Fall Entrepreneurship Series and the GCC Unlimited: Business for Good Challenge, which highlights businesses that don’t just make money, but make a difference. What makes this special is the community we’ve built—it’s students, mentors, and local business leaders all working together. For me, it’s about giving people the tools and confidence to actually go for it.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The first time I got to step into a classroom at GCC. It was 2012 and I was hired as an adjunct to teach a Business Law class. I had taught before but it never had hit me the way that first night did. Class began at 6pm and I realized the 22 students in the room had chosen to sign up for this class to better their life. Community College students are unique in the reason why they are taking classes, and once I saw the world and the endless possibilities through their eyes there was no turning back. It was my responsibility to fuel their growth and seeing that passion in their eyes started a fire in my belly that 13 years later still burns as bright.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I know it is cliche but follow your heart. Looking back at my life I bounced from career to career and to many seemed lost. These reinventions made me doubt myself and fear often entered my heart. But now I know each step built me to be the person I am today, and without all those twists and turns I would not be the success I am today. So believe in yourself no matter what the outside voices say. Know in your heart the journey is more important than the destination

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Higher education is under the belief that it is doing it right. We have to make changes and move with the times to create a learning experience that is relevant in 2025. AI is a big part of this. Many schools want to prevent students from using AI while workforces across the country are demanding their employees be proficient in AI. We are slowing taking steps to fix this and we will provide the education students need to succeed

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Yes I am! My boss, Rachelle, has given me the green light to follow my work dreams. Her support and encouragement bring a true inner joy to my day and my job. If you are ever lucky enough to have this situation in front of you, embrace it and be grateful for every day!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brent4az/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentkleinman/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Brent4AZ
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brent4AZ