From American Idol to Agency Life With a Smile - Brand Viva Media

Company: Brand Viva Media

Owners: Mark Labriola II

Year Started: 2007

Employees: 1 – 10

What do you do after your dream music career ends and you’re laid off with no backup plan? Mark Labriola II went from the national spotlight on American Idol to building a successful content agency driven by grit, creativity, and an unshakable positive mindset. This episode explores the mindset shifts and tough moments that shaped his agency journey.

Key Takeaways

• Why having nothing to lose can be your biggest advantage in business
• The unexpected connection between childhood adversity and entrepreneurial drive
• How saying no more often helped Mark build a better business
• A practical mindset shift to stay present and calm, even when the money isn’t there yet
• Why podcasting became his agency’s most effective tool for building trust and authority