June 24, 2014
Cult attracts some of the best talent around. One of our recent additions, Bradley Foster, is definitely some of the best talent around. We are excited to have Bradley on the team as our VP, Business Development. We sat down with Bradley to ask him a few questions on his experiences and the unique perspectives he brings to the table.
First, while we already know his back-story, we did hire him after all, it would do you some good to know a little about Bradley Foster before we dive into some questions. Bradley was a founding partner in a digital production shop responsible for executing the first ever projection advertising campaign in Canada. Sound cool? It is. He has been in the business development side of advertising for nearly 10 years, during which he has been partially responsible for some pretty cool work for some of North America’s most noteworthy brands. So now let’s get to it shall we?
Bradley was a founding partner in a digital production shop responsible for executing the first ever projection advertising campaign in Canada. Sound cool? It is.
Josh: So I know you’ve worked with some pretty amazing clients and it’s always hard picking favourites, but I’m going to make you anyway. What are your top 3 clients and what was so special about each?
Brad: I was afraid of that one. This is tough because you work so hard for all your clients but here it goes…
- Mini Night Projections (Vancouver Autoshow 2006) – To my knowledge, this was the first ever projection advertising campaign in Canada. It was so thrilling to be working on something so new to the Canadian market, learning as you go and to see the final pay off was so awesome.
- Vancouver Aquarium Connections Gallery installation – This project was definitely a highlight of my career due to the sheer magnitude and complexity. Working on a project of that size and having it all come together at the end is so rewarding.
- Oakley Airbrake Launch event (2012) – This one was unique since everything happened exactly the way it was suppose to, and that never, ever, ever happens!
Josh: Those all sound so interesting, I’ve checked out some of your work and the interactive projections are definitely something to see. Ok, now for a quick flip, what would you say has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Brad: I’ve had many failures in business and each of them was disappointing in its own way. Many of the skills and critical thinking that I rely on today was earned by persevering through troubled waters. It’s easy to get cocky when the phone is ringing and you’re on a hot streak. But when it slows or comes to an end how do you come back? How do get on top again? Unless you’ve been through it, you’ll just never know. Whether it was a bump in the road or a complete collapse of the company – I’ve made it through and come out the other side with confidence and ability that I couldn’t have gained any other way. I’m grateful for every experience I’ve had.
Whether it was a bump in the road or a complete collapse of the company – I’ve made it through and come out the other side with confidence and ability that I couldn’t have gained any other way.
Josh: That is definitely some good advice, if you could sum up what you learned from these experiences in one sentence what would you say?
Brad: Risk only the money.
Josh: Good thing to keep in mind. Well as you are hopefully aware, here at Cult we are all about helping brands achieve cult status, reaching a level higher and attaining irrationally loyal fans, what would you say is your favourite cult brand?
Brad: I’m going to go with New Balance.
Josh: Alright, so what would you say makes it so cult-like, are there any lessons others brands can learn from it?
Brad: They have maintained an extremely high level of quality and domestic manufacturing in the face of increasing competitive pressure and offshore production opportunities keeping the integrity of the company in-line with the expectations of their consumers.
Josh: I’ve never really looked at them that way, that is a good point. Ok, last in keeping this brief since I know you are a busy guy, if you weren’t in the marketing industry, what else would you be doing?
Brad: I think I would definitely still be doing something creative and related to media, probably in film or TV production or distribution.
Josh: Great, well we are glad you are in marketing! Thanks for your time and welcome to the team!
Brad: Thanks, excited to be here!
We are proud of each and every one of our members here at Cult and will be looking to spotlight some of our talent moving forward. We work with some of the best minds in the business, why not show them off a little?
I am a recent addition to the Cult team and specialize in marketing communications. I have worked with some of North America’s most well known brands, helping them refine and perfect their communications execution while building their brand and engaging consumers. To me, the greatest reward is seeing something you have worked so hard for come to fruition. I love working with people who have different strengths than myself, learning from each other in the process. 
