Brandon Smith
Account Director, Public Relations
- Communications Management
JOINED HIRONS: 2025
Read our Q&A with Brandon Smith
WHAT PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE INDUSTRY?
Reliability, integrity and collaboration are all personal characteristics that I believe are needed to be successful in the industry. I never underestimate the power of good communication and being an active team player in any situation.
OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR PASSIONS?
Outside of the office, I love to read and write. My favorite genre is fiction. I also love playing a game of volleyball with family and friends whenever I get the chance.
WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU HAVE YOUR BEST IDEAS?
I am a night owl, so my best work usually occurs in the late evening. I always have a notebook sitting next to my bed in case I need to jot any creative ideas down quickly.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
I have grown up around horses since I was 5 years old, so it was no shock to anyone that I landed my first job as a lesson instructor at a local horse barn when I was 17 years old. In that role, I taught individuals of all ages the different riding skills they needed to help them fulfill their goals as equestrians. Looking back, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity that was given to me then because it helped me gain a lot of experience in leadership and collaboration at a young age.
WHAT’S ONE QUOTE THAT DEFINES YOU?
“One day or day one. You decide.” – Paulo Coelho
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS.
Hard-working, creative and caring.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE VACATION?
This past summer, I went to Istanbul, Turkey and have been recommending traveling there to every person I have seen since. The culture is so rich, and the food is unbelievable! It has become one of my top three favorite countries that I have been to, and I hope to go back one day.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE OR BOOK?
As a former English major from Loyola University of Chicago, I absolutely love anything Shakespearean, specifically Hamlet. Two other favorites of mine are The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I am always looking for more book recommendations!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT HIRONS?
Since starting my work at Hirons, I can already tell that everyone is very supportive of one another. In my experience, the best productivity is a result of being able to ask a question or admit you might be struggling with something without consequence. It is clear Hirons cultivates a positive and encouraging environment for everyone!
WHAT’S ONE IMPORTANT TIP YOU WOULD SHARE WITH ANYONE LOOKING TO GO INTO THE AGENCY WORLD?
Keep an open mind! The agency world can be great in giving you a lot of experience across multiple, different areas. Try to say yes more often than no and believe in yourself and your abilities.