brass Blog

Hey-

New record this week. I was in 4 states in one week, while spending 26.5 hours in airports and on planes.

On Monday night I started with an 11:30 pm meeting with our designer before prepping the magazine for press. I proceeded to catch a 2:45 shuttle to Portland, flew out at 6:00 am and arrived in San Antonio, TX. On the plane I met an interesting woman who used to do marketing/advertising for Nike, and we had an interesting conversation regarding the magazine.

Upon arriving in San Antonio I spent the rest of the evening setting up for the conference we were exhibiting at.

Thursday I spent the entire day exhibiting and handed out over 250 magazines in 7 hours. Later that evening we walked up the RiverWalk in San Antonio, a Venice like water canal that goes down the city. That evening I had my first Hooters experience and I was not disappointed.

Friday was an exciting day as I visited the Alamo (pic below). Friday was also a big night in San Antonio, part of Fiesta Week. I am told it is like Mardi Gras, but Texas style. Your imagination can do the rest.

Knowing that my 6:00 am flight Saturday morning would come incredibly early, I set 3 back-ups. A wake up call at 4:15 am, 4:30 am and my alarm clock at 4:30 am. The hotel made a mistake and called room 415 at 4:30 (I’m sure they were NOT happy). That night there was a lightning storm and the power went out, resetting my alarm. I missed my flight and spent 12 hours in the airport. I felt like Tom Hanks in his upcoming movie where he lives out of the airport. On the plus side, while waiting, I met two people involved with the Olympics, one of which used to be the former U.S. Track and Field Coach.

I arrived in California after spending several hours in Denver airport (the worst airport of all time). I stayed at my aunt and uncle’s house and caught up with them for a few hours.

Sunday was the big day, as my cousin Greg was getting married. For those of you who don’t know, he is the person who designed this entire site. It was a great time, although black tuxedo’s in 90 degree weather is killer. We made sure to cool off with a lot of refreshments. I included a shot from the wedding below.

Finally, Monday I headed home. Quite a week. The alamo, being in a wedding, exhibiting at a trade show, going to fiesta week, and of course, missing my flight.

But what can I say, I love it.

I’ll also be sending out an email to contributors this week about being published in our next issue.

Bryan

What’s up-

I spent a good part of this week moving into new offices in Corvallis. It’s pretty exciting moving into more space.

The office contains 6 rooms and a bathroom, and is about 1,100 sq. ft. We have two executive offices, an assistant’s office, storage room, conference room and break room.

My favorite part was putting stuff in my office. While it’s not finished yet, I’ve got up about 7 posters, a framed poster of the Manhattan skyline, futon, desk, executive chair, neon light, and soon a mini-fridge, end table, TV and lamp. Of course these were all personal funds and now I’m back to broke.

Yesterday I was meeting with our designers and we looked out the window and there were Police officers holding AR-15 assault rifles on the street. Come to find out there had been a bank robbery a block away with a bomb threat. And who says nothing happens in Corvallis, OR.

Next week we’re headed to San Antonio. I’m trying to hit up the Alamo and will snap a couple photos for everyone.

Bryan

Wow-

I just got back from New York City, and I am ready to move tomorrow. Anyone with me? That place is amazing.

I went with the U of O Investment Group and our flight left at 6:00 pm and arrived at JFK at 6:30 am. Of course in all of my excitement I was the only person awake on the plane the entire time.

We arrived at the airport and were shown to a Limo which was titled “Valentine’s Limousine.” I played with all the switches on the ride to our hotel, the New Yorker, one block away from Madison Square Garden.

While in New York, I met with a couple potential clients, visited the New York Stock Exchange and actually went on the trading floor. For those of you who know me, I love that stuff. It was awesome. I told the guy we were with that I would ring the opening bell someday.

Another highlight of my trip was meeting up with Josh Newman, CEO of Cyan Pictures, who is a movie producer we interviewed in our February issue. He never ceases to amaze me, both with his success, but even more importantly the humility he shows despite his success. We grabbed some drinks and then headed over to a film networking session in NYC. I quickly found that the Oregon clothing style is very much different, and I stuck out like a sore thumb. Either way, it was enjoyable meeting up with him, and I can only hope to enjoy the success he has had. If you want to read his online blog, check out his personal website at www.joshuanewman.com.

Upon conclusion of the trip home, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I can’t wait to get back out there again. It is a place everyone should go at least once.

I’ve included a couple pictures from the trip. One is of our group inside NYSE and the other is of the 9/11 site.

Bryan