Brian Gard - President

Brian started the firm in 1979 after teaching literature at a university, selling TV advertising time and reviewing films for a local TV news program – and two brief, unsuccessful stints at ad agencies. He's been overheard saying that he started the firm with no clients, no experience and no sense.

He is involved in helping set the strategy for every client – which is his strength and what has helped set the firm apart from its competition. But he still thinks of himself as a copywriter and is perhaps happiest doing just that.

Brian has degrees from Willamette University and University of the Pacific in English literature, and attended a Harvard Business School accounting and finance program. He has taught as an adjunct faculty member at the Portland State University School of Business Administration, presents at Oregon State Bar Continuing Legal Education seminars on crisis communications, and lectures at the PSU Creative Writing program on the history and structure of the sonnet.

Brian serves on the boards of Willamette University and Acumentra Health, of which he is a recent past chair. He has served recently as chair of Oregon Business Association and Literary Arts and vice-chair of The Nature Conservancy of Oregon.

When he's not working, Brian spends time with his wife, Rhonda, at Manzanita on the Oregon coast, sailing on the Columbia in their little Capri 22, Splendid, or hanging out with their five children.

Contact Brian: 503.552.5023
bgard@gardcommunications.com