Meet Rod Brinson | The Brand Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rod Brinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rod, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balance? Man, I’m still figuring that out but I’ve come to realize its less about balance and more about boundaries. Early on, I was all work, work, work, thinking that hustle was the only way. Taking every meeting, pursuing every lead. But I learned the hard way that burnout doesn’t build brands. Now, I protect my time because as if my life depends on it (because it does) and I prioritize what actually matters—God, family, health, rest, serving others, and breathing room. I’ve realized success isn’t just about business wins; it’s about enjoying the life you’re building and pouring into other people. So, I set boundaries. I unplug regularly and as needed. And I remind myself that grinding nonstop isn’t the flex we thought it was. The very definition of grinding is to wear something down… I’d rather build myself up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Man, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that branding is way deeper than a logo or a color palette. People think branding is about the look, but it’s really about the becoming. That’s what excites me the most—helping people realize that their brand isn’t just something they build; it’s something they become. It’s the result of them getting clear on who they are, what they stand for, and how they show up in the world. I always say, everyone wants a new brand made, but not everyone wants to be made brand new.

For me, this work isn’t just about business. It’s personal. I’ve lived the journey of trying to fit into a system, climbing the corporate ladder, and then realizing—wait, this isn’t it. I had the title, the salary, the stability, but I wasn’t fulfilled. I was helping brands thrive, but I wasn’t building anything of my own. And honestly? That realization hit me harder than I expected.

Leaving corporate wasn’t easy. There’s a security in it, even when you know deep down it’s not what you’re supposed to be doing. But I had this moment where I just knew—if I don’t take this risk, I’m going to regret it. So, I bet on myself. I walked away, not because I had it all figured out, but because I was ready to figure it out on my terms.

And that’s where the real learning began. Because let me tell you, entrepreneurship will humble you real quick. You go from knowing your role to wearing every hat—marketing, sales, finance, customer service, and oh yeah, the actual work you do. There were plenty of days I questioned myself. But what kept me going was this belief that I wasn’t just building a business—I was creating a movement. A way for people to stop looking for external validation and start owning who they are.

That’s the core of what I do. I help people stop hiding behind a business and start leading with their brand. I show them that the thing they’re most afraid to put out there—their voice, their personality, their real story—is exactly what will set them apart. Because the truth is, no one can out-brand authenticity.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is that success isn’t about being the best—it’s about being the clearest. When you know who you are, what you do, and who you serve, everything changes. Your messaging gets sharper. Your confidence grows. And the right people start finding you. But when you’re unclear, you’re out here throwing spaghetti at the wall, hoping something sticks.

That’s why I’m so passionate about this. I don’t just want to help people start businesses. I want to help them build brands that last—brands that actually reflect who they are. Because that’s the only way to create something that feels right and that actually works long-term.

I think if I could sum it up, I’d say my brand is about freedom. The freedom to show up fully as yourself, the freedom to create on your own terms, and the freedom to build something that supports the life you want to live. I want people to know that branding isn’t about looking good online. It’s about making sure the world sees who you really are—because that’s what makes you unforgettable.

And if I had to go back and tell myself anything when I started? It’d be this: You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Just start. The clarity comes in the doing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s an interesting question. First off, my best friend actually lives here, so that would make things easy. But let’s say they’re from out of town and planning to visit for a week—I’d make sure they got the full experience. Being that I was born and raised in Atlanta, I would ensure they got a presidential tour.

We’d start with some of the best restaurants in the area. If we’re staying local, I’d take them around Marietta and Kennesaw—starting with Marietta Square, where we’d hit Pie Bar for some of the best desserts and Mac’s chophouse for some of the best steak and fresh seafood. Then, we’d head down to Agave in Cabbagetown for a great meal with a little Southwestern flair.

But it wouldn’t just be about food. We’d check out some of the liveliest spots in the city—The Battery is always a go-to for great energy, food, and entertainment. Then we’d hit Halcyon and Avalon up in Alpharetta, where there’s everything from live music to outdoor hangouts, great dining, and even movie nights.

Since I’m big on sports, I’d be hoping their visit lined up with football season so we could catch a Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. There’s nothing like being in that atmosphere, and it’s definitely a must-see experience for any visitor.

I’d also make sure they saw some of Atlanta’s most historic spots. MLK center, we’d hike Kennesaw Mountain—I’ve done that plenty of times, and it’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective. If we had time, we’d stop by Stone Mountain Park and Six Flags as well (for the kids). And of course, you can’t visit without checking out the College Football Hall of Fame or the World of Coca-Cola, but I think the key to the city is the local shops… mom and pop barbeque joints… and other “off the grid” must see places that matter. We would wrap the week up visiting Eagles Nest Church in Roswell.

So yeah, it would be a mix of great food, entertainment, history, and good vibes—all the things that make Atlanta what it is. I’d make sure they got a real feel for the city, not just the touristy stuff, but the places that locals actually love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely. No one succeeds alone, and my journey has been shaped by a mix of mentorship, faith, family, and pivotal relationships that have all played a role in where I am today.

First and foremost, God is at the center of everything. My faith has carried me through some of the toughest seasons—times when I wasn’t sure what was next, when things felt uncertain, and when I had to trust in a vision that hadn’t fully materialized yet. There were moments when I wanted to quit, but that still, small voice kept pushing me forward, reminding me that there’s a bigger plan at work.

Then there’s my wife—my biggest supporter and my reality check. She’s been there through every pivot, every late-night brainstorming session, and every ‘what if this doesn’t work’ conversation. She’s not just my partner in life; she’s a critical part of my entrepreneurial journey. Her belief in me when I wasn’t sure of this path is something I’ll always be grateful for.

My kids—they are a huge reason why I do what I do. They are watching, learning, and seeing firsthand what it means to build something meaningful. Their presence reminds me why balance matters, why hustle should have intention, and why it’s important to show them that they can create their own lane in life.

From a mentorship perspective, there have been so many people who’ve poured into me, but I have to give credit to the OGs I learned from in corporate. While I didn’t stay in that world forever, I took the lessons with me—how to navigate challenges, how to communicate effectively, and how to play the long game in business. Also I would have to say my Pastor, Lee Jenkins of Eagles Nest Church in Roswell. There are dozens of others but his influence on my life over the last 8 years or so has been nothing short of incredible. Those experiences gave me the foundation to step out on my own.

And of course, my clients and my community—the people who trust me with their brands, their ideas, their dreams. I don’t take it lightly. Every project, every consultation, every breakthrough they have reminds me why I do this work. Their growth fuels mine, and I’m grateful to be a part of their journeys.

Lastly, books have played a big role in my development. One that stands out is “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod—its not as religious as it puts on. It was impactful in helping me to take advantage of all the time I have on this earth. I try to get more rest and start my day before everyone else awakes… it changed my life. That book gave me a necessary mindset shift early on.

So yeah, success is never a solo mission. It’s a mix of divine alignment, the right people, and the willingness to listen, learn, and grow. I owe a huge shoutout to everyone who’s played a role in my story—and trust me, this story is still being written.

Website: https://rodbrinson.com

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodbrinson/

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Image Credits
www.pcvstudio.com