Brett Van Alstine
Creative Leadership | Brand & Marketing Strategy | Growth & Execution
Phone: 920-609-4503
About
Hey, I’m Brett, a Creative Director and Brand Strategist who turns business goals into ideas, stories, and experiences that move brands forward. Over the past 10 years, I’ve worked across brand and creative strategy, campaign development, content, copy, digital, video, and integrated marketing — leading creative from early thinking through execution.
I work at the intersection of strategy and creativity, bringing together the big picture and the details that make it real. Whether I’m shaping a brand narrative, developing a campaign, launching a new product, building a digital experience, or leading creative across channels, the goal is the same: create work that feels relevant, earns trust, and drives meaningful results.
Creative that connects
Strategy that scales
1. Connecting branding to bottom-line growth
From Fortune 500 companies to high-growth startups, I've led creative strategies that tie brand storytelling to revenue goals. I was the creative director for TruStage's ZoneChoice Advantage and ZoneChoice Income product launches, which generated over $364M in combined sales. Whether launching products, building brands, or optimizing digital marketing, I lead creative that performs.
2. Brand building is a system, not a slogan
A brand is bigger than just a tagline or logo. It's the thread connecting business strategy, customer experience, and every interaction in between. When The CE Shop expanded under Waud Capital, I helped develop the new parent company, Career Certified and led branding for its growing portfolio. That same perspective informs my work on TruStage's Enterprise Strategy and Brand Evolution initiatives, connecting the company’s strategic direction with how its brand is communicated and experienced.
3. Intention into attention
By aligning brand values with customer motivations, I connect established companies like TruStage with new generations of investors, credit unions, and consumers alike. My work spans major industry events like Discovery and Fintech Summit, integrated campaigns, and digital experiences; including creative initiatives that contributed to a 65% YoY increase in virtual event attendance.
4. Complex ideas into clear connections
Some of the most innovative products are also the hardest to explain. I've worked across highly technical industries, from eVTOL mobility, drones, and LiDAR mapping to asset intelligence, spatial analytics, financial services, AI, and cybersecurity. Cutting through complexity without sacrificing substance and turning technical capabilities into clear, compelling stories is the goal.
5. Lean budgets into big impact
I've grown original content into six-figure revenue drivers and scaled lean budgets into campaigns that punch above their weight. My work at The CE Shop contributed to a 60% increase in pageviews and over $120K in direct revenue, while content developed for 15+ StartEngine equity crowdfunding campaigns supported companies that collectively raised more than $18M. With a sharp eye for strategy, prioritization, and creative that connects, I know where to focus resources and how to turn constraints into stronger work.
6. Partner with purpose-driven teams
The best ideas are co-created. I partner with designers, developers, writers, analysts, sales teams, executives, and stakeholders across departments to move ideas from strategy through execution. Whether leading creative in-house or working independently with growing brands, I do my best work with teams that value collaboration, curiosity, and compelling results.
Work Experience
TruStage - Creative Director
2022 - Present
- Led creative execution for ZoneChoice Advantage and Income product launches, partnering across marketing teams on integrated campaigns that supported $364M in combined sales.
- Shaped messaging, positioning, and creative direction for enterprise-wide Strategy and Brand Evolution initiatives.
- Developed creative for corporate events, with experience marketing initiatives contributing to a 65% YoY increase in virtual attendance for Discovery conference.
- Led cross-functional teams of writers and designers, providing creative direction and oversight across integrated marketing campaigns.
- Created and executed on persona-based messaging and acquisition journeys for Personix and New-to-File initiatives, supporting targeting and personalization.
- Built AI-assisted content workflows to streamline production, improve efficiency, and scale campaign execution.
Barrena Branding & Marketing - Freelance Brand & Creative Consultant
2024 - Present
- Lead brand positioning, messaging, and content strategy for B2B and B2C clients across technology, healthcare, financial services, and cybersecurity.
- Translate complex products and services into compelling brand narratives for website, digital, and social strategies, integrating SEO, user experience, and conversion-focused copy.
StartEngine - Freelance Copywriter
2023 - 2024
- Developed high-converting content for 15+ equity crowdfunding campaigns, that collectively raised over $18M in funding for startups and small businesses.
- Wrote investor-focused campaign content across a diverse range of industries, including mobility tech, AI, healthcare, aerospace & defense, consumer products, hospitality, spirits, and sustainable solutions.
- Collaborated with funding directors, onboarding managers, and founders to ensure seamless campaign execution and high-quality deliverables for successful Reg CF and Reg A launches.
The CE Shop - Senior Content & Social Media
2019 - 2022
- Originated the name Career Certified and led corporate and portfolio branding following Waud Capital's investment in The CE Shop.
- Developed and executed content strategies, creating 1,265+ original pieces that contributed to a 60% increase in pageviews and $120K+ in direct revenue.
- Managed influencer partnerships and user-generated content initiatives to expand reach, strengthen brand credibility, and drive engagement.
- Produced and hosted Shop Talk: The Real Estate Show, growing the podcast to 100K+ downloads across 90+ episodes.
CraftJack Inc. - Social Media Specialist
2017 - 2019
- Designed and executed data-driven social media strategies to increase brand awareness, engagement, and lead generation.
- Optimized Facebook ad strategy, increasing lead generation from 700 to 2,500 leads/month.
- Led YouTube strategy - growing channel from 0 to 1,000+ subscribers.
Education
Ball State University
2012-2016
Major: Journalism
Minor: Textile design & Marketing
Skills & Interests
From strategizing marketing for startups to crafting dynamic creative and brand strategies in fast-paced environments, I combine strategic thinking with creative execution to drive brand development, content creation, campaign management, and creative direction.
I'm known for creative problem-solving and balancing big-picture strategy with hands-on execution, I’m also an organizational powerhouse — juggling multiple tasks and coaching diverse teams with ease.
With strengths in market analysis, omni-channel strategy, and team leadership, I excel at turning ideas into results-driven campaigns.
Core skills:
Creative leadership | Brand strategy | Marketing strategy | Campaign development | Content strategy | Messaging & positioning | Go-to-market strategy | Digital marketing | SEO & AEO | CRM | Consumer research | Performance optimization | Generative A & creative systems
Interests:
Avid outdoorsman | History nerd | Aspiring cheesemonger
Fun facts:
Former dog treat founder | Outdoor gear junkie
Let's connect
Phone: 920-609-4503
Email: blvanalstine@gmail.com
Location: Midwest
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