Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Wetzel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a seasoned entrepreneur with over three decades of experience, I have successfully launched and managed several companies across diverse industries. My entrepreneurial journey has been marked by notable achievements, including two acquisitions of my businesses by larger enterprises.
My latest venture is as an author. My book, “The Real Problems Destroying Education,” was released in March 2024 in e-book, paperback, and audio formats. It is available in all major online and brick-and-mortar bookstores. The book was inspired by my interactions with school administrators and district leaders during my tenure at Skubes, a company I founded. From 2011 through 2017, Skubes gained recognition from Dig South as one of the top education startups before its acquisition in 2017.
Currently, I own and operate The Local Gym, with locations in Dallas and Hiram, Georgia. In 2019, I proudly opened the Cedarcrest Grill, an establishment that provided exceptional dining options, which was successfully sold in October 2022.
As a dedicated professional, I thrive on tackling new challenges. For a decade, I served as a consultant to Cox Enterprises, Cox Media Group, AutoTrader, and Cox Cable, contributing to various projects. A notable initiative was the annual Executive Operating System (EOS) program, which engaged 16 C-suite executives in a seven-month entrepreneurial thinking exercise. The program aimed to foster innovation by encouraging executives to develop scalable business ideas that could be integrated into Cox’s portfolio of businesses.
While my primary focus has been on entrepreneurship, I have also accumulated extensive experience in the entertainment industry. Throughout my career, I have undertaken diverse projects, including commercials, television pilots, and live broadcasts.
My journey in the entertainment and production business began in the late 1980s as a director of photography and production manager, working on numerous 3D films and animation projects. I further honed my skills as a photographer and video editor for Estée Lauder, gaining valuable experience while traveling across the country.
In 1996, I established my own production company, which led to my contributing to the live performances at Olympic Park during the renowned 1996 Olympic Games. For more than two decades, I personally oversaw the operations of my production company, establishing a reputation for excellence in the industry. As an early adopter of technology, I was among the first 20 beta testers for Apple’s Final Cut Pro before its public release.
Throughout my career, I have successfully completed numerous projects and national ad campaigns, consistently working with budgets exceeding $1 million. These achievements have been recognized with 16 national and international awards from industry peers in the film, video, and advertising sectors. My production company’s excellence was acknowledged by Markee Magazine, a prominent industry publication, featuring us in the January 2008 issue and gracing the cover of the December 2008 issue.
I prioritize my role as a husband and father above all my jobs. Without my family’s support, I wouldn’t be able to achieve all that I have.
My latest book, titled “A Path to Faith through Science and Common Sense,” was released in the summer of 2025, further expanding my portfolio as an author and thought leader. I currently write articles on Substack.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not always been a smooth road. Throughout my journey, we’ve encountered many setbacks that presented challenges and nearly caused significant financial distress. None more harmful than the Covid pandemic. The damage from the lockdowns to my restaurant, gym, and production company was almost catastrophic, and led to a couple of years of rebuilding our savings.
The housing bubble crash wiped out about a 3rd of my construction clients, which was a blow to our businesses. We’ve also had to go to court over the years for business disputes with landlords, vendors, and clients who weren’t paying. Being an entrepreneur is wonderful and freeing, but when problems arise, you are the only person to handle them, and you are the only person at risk.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Over the years, I’ve created pilots for HGTV, MavTV, and Versus. My production company produced the buddy golf show Real Guys…Real Golf and Tips from a Gambler, and hundreds of local and regional commercial spots, as well as long-form infomercials. My production company has also produced music videos and videos for the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
I’ve also written and published several books, which are available on all major book stores in eBook, print, or audio.
I contribute to the Substack page “Stuff I’ve Learned.”
I am also a regular guest on Podcast around the country.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Being outside running around with friends playing tackle, the man with the football, baseball, or shooting hoops. Which is why I played baseball until I was 47.
I also started my first business as a kid, mowing lawns and cleaning out gutters at 14.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bryanthomaswetzel.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skubesInc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/onefourtwo/
- Twitter: @BTWetzel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/skubesed
- Other: Twitter: @skubeEd
Image Credits
I own all the images
