Meet Brian Barna—social butterfly, proud Pittsburgher, and Brunner’s new SEO Account Manager. We’re excited for you to join our growing Channel Marketing team. Get to know Brian below!
Q: Why did you choose Brunner?
A: I was initially drawn to Brunner for the strong reputation, excellent track record and strong leadership in the industry. A few colleagues I used to work with at another agency now work at Brunner and seem to love the culture and supportive, collaborative environment. Chrissy’s enthusiasm for the company during the interview process got me even more excited about it. I look forward to incorporating my experience across large clients and with growing a startup agency into helping grow the SEO program here.
Q: Where were you born?
A: Proudly born and raised in Pittsburgh!
Q: What hobbies did you have in high school?
A: Soccer, guitar and I was one of the few cool kids in the bowling club!
Q: Tell us a fun fact from high school.
A: I was really shy, which you’ll likely find hard to believe with how social I am now.
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: Clarion University for Undergrad and RMU for my MBA.
Q: What hobbies did you have in college?
A: I did video production work for the TV station and wrote articles for the school paper and helped launch a magazine the school produced.
Q: Tell us a fun fact from college.
A: I started working on student and independent films in college and kept it as a hobby for around 10 years after that. I helped film, write, and even acted in some music videos, comedy, and horror films.
Q: Tell us about your home life.
A: I am married with two wonderful kids named Annabelle (age 7) and Sam (age 5). We adopted a cat named Gigi 3 years ago from a friend at a former job whose family member couldn’t care for her anymore.
Q: What do you do on the weekends?
A: Before the pandemic we were always bringing the kids to swimming lessons, soccer, etc. Lately we do crafts, take walks, work on the house, cook, and sometimes play guitar.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
A: My wife and I really want to go on a two-week Italy trip, and at least hit up some of the restaurants Stanly Tucci visited in his recent TV series.
Q: How do you like your coffee?
A: I like my coffee: dark blend (usually Sumatra), in large quantities, prior to 1pm, and with just a little half and half and sugar, or in cappuccino form. We got a ninja coffee maker a few years ago -and it is a great thing to have during the pandemic!
Q: What is your favorite movie quote?
A: “Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up.” from Rocky