Two decades ago Brad Hampel started a one-man operation from his parents’ house in Caulfield. Today his group runs pit lane at the Australian Grand Prix and counts Toyota, Google and the AFL among its clients.
Along the way he’s built three brands under one roof and grown the team past 60 people without losing the independent, founder-led edge that got him started.
In this week’s Fast 10, B&T’s very own David Hovenden and Hampel dive into industry culture and what’s kept him going for two decades in events.
1. You’ve had an amazing career and worked with some major blue-chip brands including Samsung, PayPal and Nike. If you could only pick one, what would be your career highlight so far?
Brad Hampel: Standing on the track during the opening ceremony at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, surrounded by the drivers and dignitaries, and taking in the fact that we had just produced the show. The energy and buzz were out of this world.
2. You founded Seeker Agency nearly two decades ago. What’s the biggest way the industry has changed since then?
BH: This might sound strange, but fundamentally, it hasn’t. People still want to come together, have a great time and experience something that makes them feel good. The tools, technology and expectations have changed, but that part never will.
3. You started out DJing weddings to keep the lights on. If DJing and being CEO have one thing in common, what is it?
BH: People want to feel great. Whether they’re bopping along to the Spice Girls on the dance floor or feeling proud of the work they’ve done, it comes down to creating the right environment for people to connect. They might forget the playlist or the presentation, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.
4. When you were a young boy, what did you want to be when you grew up?
BH: The drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. There’s still time!
5. You were the mastermind behind booking Snoop Dogg for the AFL Grand Final in 2025. What’s the next act you want on that stage?
BH: I’m a Belieber. Are you?
6. As an industry, what’s one thing you would change to make us all better?
BH: When I’m pitching against you, I want to beat you. Badly. But once the pitch is done, let’s have a beer and be mates. This industry is too small for grudges and too full of opportunity to pretend there’s only room for one winner.
7. How do you keep culture consistent across three brands and two states?
BH: Keep it real. No bullshit, no pretending to be something we’re not. Be clear about what you stand for, hire great people and trust them to bring it to life in their own way.
8. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
BH: Find what you’re good at and become amazing at it. You don’t need to be everything to everyone.
9. What’s one thing not on your LinkedIn profile?
BH: People assume that because I’m the events guy, I must be the biggest extrovert in the room. I’m actually an introvert. Give me some sun and a surf and I’d be every bit as happy as I am in the middle of a major event.
Also, I love Allen’s Snakes.
10. Important last question: Do your parents really know what you do?
BH: Does my mum asking whether Snoop Dogg was coming over for a family dinner count?.
Do you know a great agency executive who’d like to get their very own 10 quick questions? Email [email protected].
