In this episode, Erika talks with Bradley Girard of BGS Connect, a multidisciplinary creative with 30+ years of experience in design, photography, video, podcasting, and marketing who has built a rich career entirely off the “traditional” path.
Bradley shares how growing up in a big, creative family and watching his brother’s design career set the stage for his own journey from teenage catering gigs to running award‑winning studios serving brands like the San Francisco 49ers, Del Taco, and more. He walks through building and growing his own agencies, navigating the crash of 2007–08, going in‑house as a creative and marketing director, and ultimately returning to life as a solo consultant on his own terms.
Throughout the conversation, Bradley and Erika dig into how to collaborate well with clients, why simplicity in process matters, and how to design brands with real stories behind them instead of just “cool logos.” Bradley talks about asking clients what success looks like up front, pricing around value, and creating brand systems and visual style guides that feel authentic to the people behind the business.
They also explore what it looks like to lean into marketing, especially when the economy is shaky, and why pulling back is often the wrong move. Bradley shares concrete examples from clients like Mandy Li Collection, where they shifted from luxe print pieces to smaller, more economical formats during COVID while still protecting the brand and driving results.
Erika and Bradley get into experimentation and courage: saying yes to projects you’ve never done before, “faking it till you make it” while you learn, and using testing and data to de‑risk creative ideas. Bradley explains how he’s taught himself everything from trade show booths to studio photography to podcast production by staying curious and being willing to figure it out on the fly.
A big theme is relationships, how Bradley builds deep, friendly, trusting partnerships with clients, and why he’s happy to bring in other specialists or even cheer for other agencies when it serves the client best. He and Erika talk about mentoring small business owners, sharing personality (without oversharing), and staying grounded in collaboration and generosity rather than competition and ego.
On the personal side, Bradley reflects on navigating layoffs in midlife, the reality of an ageist job market, and the relief and joy of recommitting to consulting and a flexible schedule that centers his family. He talks candidly about learning to trust himself, let go of the shame of not having a degree, and take pride in being a “56‑year‑old unicorn” whose expertise comes from decades of doing the work.
If you’ve ever felt behind because you didn’t follow the standard ladder, no fancy degree, a patchwork résumé, or a career built through pivots. This episode is a reminder that there is nothing “less than” about learning by doing. Bradley’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, craft, relationships, and redefining success around the life you actually want, not just the title on your LinkedIn.
Connect with Bradley
If you'd like to check out the amazing pottery done by Brad's brother, Jeff, here's a link to his Instagram: Jeff Girard on Instagram.
And if you're in the SoCal area and are a foodie like Brad and Erika, don't miss Finca: Finca, San Juan Capistrano!
