Meet Brandon Pappas, vice president of marketing and communications at the Greater Omaha Chamber (OmahaChamber.org)
Tell us a little about your business. – The Greater Omaha Chamber is a member organization that provides resources, education, assistance and advocacy for businesses in the greater Omaha area.
How did you get started in the business? – I got started in marketing at an early age. My parents started their own business when I was in high school, and I started my professional marketing and digital marketing career in radio in college. I worked in marketing and public relations with the United States Senate, corporate headquarters in Omaha and now am helping all Omaha businesses with marketing with the Chamber.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Being named the #11 most influential Twitter in politics as the Director of Online for Senator Ben Nelson. A close second is presenting to department heads at Google headquarters with insight on multi-location franchise systems and how to improve the Google Business Listings products.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife and I have three children. My wife, Gina, owns a PR/marketing firm. My two boys (aged 16 and 14) are active in Fremont Hockey Club and Elkhorn Baseball Association. My daughter participates in cheer competitions.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Leaving the broadcast industry after 13 years.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I do not have a day off with three kids in travel sports. When I do, I try to work on projects around the house.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I created a spoof company called Pappas Sports Network (PSN) and live-streamed my kids’ sporting events on YouTube. I like to take what is possible and improve on it. My streams are in full HD, with interesting commercials, graphics, social interaction, commentary and a fun attitude that provides a new way to watch and enjoy youth sports, no matter where you are. It’s blossomed into having its own 18-person passenger van you can see on the streets of Omaha from time to time.
Who inspires you? – I find inspiration from many outlets, from my kids and wife to my co-workers. I love hearing from Omaha business owners and staff about what they do to make their companies great. I learn a lot from them and gain insight into how to go about everyday activities.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – What is the grief-to-profit ratio? It is one thing I always try to consider. I also like the saying to work smarter, not harder.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Useless music knowledge.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am on the board of City Sprouts. I love helping expand the reach of urban farming and delivering fresh food and resources to local Omaha residents. I love the education programs provided and the knowledge base the City Sprouts group has.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star by Jacob Slichter (drummer of the band Semisonic).
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Boiler Room, Block 16 and Maximos are all tied.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – bpappas@omahachamber.org; OmahaChamber.org; (402) 978-7919.