Brent Comstock
CEO and Founder
BCom Solutions
AAPC caught up with new member, Brent Comstock, a recent new business owner and a college senior at the University of North Carolina.
AAPC: Who do you look up to in the industry?
Brent: Our team at BCom, myself included, looks up to many companies and individuals — some non-partisan, some Democrat, some Republican. Without picking out any specific individuals, I look up to those people who have been able to scale their companies or consulting firms to include a blend of campaigns, corporate clients, and issues. I think being well-rounded is important and keeps energy alive in the industry.
AAPC: Who have you not worked with yet but would like to?
Brent: As a fairly new company in the industry there are a LOT of people/organizations we haven’t worked with that we would like to. Ideally, in the next several months/years, our team will be well positioned as the experts in digital strategy for down-ballot campaigns. Anyone who also works in this space, or for those who are struggling to connect with down-ballot initiatives, would be ideal to connect with.
AAPC: What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Brent: The best way to succeed: Surround yourself constantly with people who are better and smarter than you are. You’ll be challenged in ways you never thought possible.
AAPC: What is next for BCom Solutions in 2017?
Brent: We’re scaling our services to down-ballot initiatives across the country. We’re excited about the launch of our new publication, Down-Ballot Digital, where we’ll document success stories and information about down-ballot campaigns that want to focus on digital strategies. We’re also looking to enter some 30-more states for services.
AAPC: How do you effectively balance college work and running your own company?
Brent: The simple answer: The balance doesn’t exist. While I would love to think that I was able to be the “best” college student and the “best” CEO, there are definitely tradeoffs. The best thing I’ve been able to do to find peace between both of them (and not go completely crazy) is to find similarities in each and connect them. This might mean finding new customers from the University, or it might mean taking a class in negotiations that will help in developing our sales strategy at BCom.
AAPC: Do you have any advice for other young professionals looking to start a business?
Brent: Very similar to the sentiment from #3: Find great people to surround yourself with — customers, competitors, and mentors. The political industry – as we’ve quickly learned – can be draining and exhausting, but it is the energy of the people you surround yourself with that really makes success possible!
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