Exploring Life & Business with Joshua Belhumeur of BRINK

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Belhumeur. 

Hi Joshua, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my career as a freelance web designer before I was old enough to drive. Despite a relatively humble middle-class upbringing I had the privilege of being one of the first homes with a personal computer in my neighborhood because my father, a government employee, was given one for telecommuting. I showed an interest in the web and my parents encouraged me to pursue it. After getting a book on HTML I built my first website and a passion grew from there. 

I never imagined this hobby would be anything more than a hobby, but when you are a teenager who has as much experience as anyone else with an emerging medium like the web it becomes a shortcut for your career. 

I joined the BRINK team in 2006 when it was 4 people in a converted garage as the lead developer while also a full-time student at the University of Arizona working on a business degree. In that role, I started feeling like the broader business strategy was more compelling to me than the website, which is just a single (albeit important) component to the brand. Given my business education, I started influencing the business to move into a broader and more strategic role with our clients. 

In 2010, I pitched the idea of me moving to Washington, DC and into a new role that would be focused on developing new business, managing accounts, and directing strategy for our clients. I was quickly promoted to Vice President and given a partnership in the business after having rapid success in driving new revenue opportunities for BRINK. 

I continued this role until 2017 when the Founder was able to take a step back and I took over as the Managing Partner. Under my leadership BRINK hit a new gear and landed back-to-back years on the Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list. We went from a handful of web developers to a full-service creative group with studios on both coasts, and a broad staff of strategists, technologists, designers, and content creators. We specialize in art and tech-driven content experiences for activist brands, combining our political and advocacy experience with our brand marketing roots. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our industry is constantly shifting, it often feels like standing on uneven ground. I’ve made so many mistakes and pivoted our business model many times. It wasn’t until the last few years that I felt like we had clarity about what we should be. 

Like everybody, COVID impacted us. We had to cancel all of our video shoots and figure out a new way to develop business without the in-person events and chance encounters we often relied on to build relationships. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
BRINK creates art + tech-driven content experiences for activist brands, organizations that invest in social good advocacy. Our work includes everything from video content pieces and web-based digital interactions all the way through large-scale brand building and communications campaigns. 

We are unique because we have one foot inside Washington DC and another in Arizona, a purple state and one of the most prominent cultural battlegrounds in America. This gives us a unique perspective on how to advocate for progressive causes in a way that is empathetic and accessible. 

We are most proud when we can make an impact and move the needle on an issue. For example, we were instrumental in getting Laura Conover elected the Pima County Attorney. 

We are also always thrilled to receive recognition, whether that comes in the form of press and social media buzz or in creative awards. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
We are based in Tucson but also do business in Phoenix. It’s interesting how different the cultures are between the cities. Phoenix has a lot more options for entertainment, a more thriving economy, and invests more heavily in arts and culture (perhaps my favorite thing about the city). Meanwhile, Tucson has a much more communal feel, a more intense focus on localism, and a more relaxed vibe. 

I think the more we can see the two regions as part of an integrated market the better off we all would be. I like to point out that when I lived in Washington, DC it would take longer to traverse one side of the city to the other than it takes to drive between Tucson and Phoenix. Add in a fast rail option and we would be set. 

Pricing:

• Minimum $50k

Contact Info:

• Email: get@brink.com
• Website: https://brink.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/brinkmedia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BRINKmedia/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/brinkmedia

Image Credits
BRINK