Brock Higley, born on August 19, 1997, in Bedford, New Hampshire, has carved a niche for himself as a dynamic individual bridging the worlds of media, sports, and community service. Son of Donald Higley, a small business owner, and Amy Higley, a former dance instructor and studio owner, Brock grew up in an environment that emphasized personal achievement and civic engagement. His brother, Bohdan, continues the family’s athletic legacy, playing tennis at a college in Georgia.
From an early age, Brock’s interests spanned the arts and athletics, actively participating in tennis, music, and theater. This multi-talented approach led him to Emerson College in Boston, where he pursued Broadcast Journalism. His college years were marked by stellar academic achievements, making the Dean’s List consistently, and a deep commitment to the community through charity work and leadership roles, notably as the tennis team captain.
Post-college, Brock relocated to Peoria, Arizona, where he significantly boosted the media presence of the Phoenix area as a Multimedia Communications Coordinator. He also coaches local high school tennis, imparting skills and sportsmanship to young athletes. Beyond his professional endeavors, Brock remains passionate about music, particularly piano, and continues to engage in community service, upholding a life dedicated to his diverse interests and the betterment of his community.
How did you get started in this business?
I started my journey in broadcast journalism during college at Emerson, where I studied Broadcast Journalism. My fascination with storytelling and desire to bring light to lesser-known stories pushed me towards this career. Post-college, I moved into roles that allowed me to combine my skills in media with community engagement, eventually leading me to work as a Multimedia Communications Coordinator.
How do you make money?
In my role as a Multimedia Communications Coordinator, my earnings come from managing and enhancing the media presence of the district I work for. This involves creating content, managing social media, and sometimes overseeing public relations activities that help in promoting and improving the educational environment.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Given my role in a school district, the concept of profitability is different from traditional business metrics. My ‘profit’ is more about impact and success in effectively communicating and engaging the community through our district’s initiatives.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work?
Absolutely, there were times of doubt, especially being a first-generation college graduate. Entering a field like broadcast journalism without a roadmap or legacy guidance was daunting. There were several moments when I questioned my path but leaning on my support network of mentors and peers always brought me back on track.
How did you get your first customer?
In my current role, ‘customers’ can be thought of as the community members and students we serve. My first significant interaction came from initiating community-engaged programs that involved students and parents, thereby serving our ‘customers’ by providing them value through educational and community support programs.
What is one marketing strategy that works well to generate new business?
For community engagement, especially in a school district, effective storytelling and transparent communication have been key. Showcasing real stories, achievements, and improvements within our schools through social media has proven to be a powerful tool in generating more community interest and involvement.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
The toughest decision has been navigating the balance between in-person and virtual engagements in the context of ongoing health concerns. Deciding how to safely and effectively conduct our programs without compromising on engagement and inclusivity was challenging.
What do you think makes you successful?
I believe what makes me successful is my genuine passion for storytelling and community service, combined with a strong sense of empathy and commitment to ethics. Being able to connect with individuals on a personal level and understanding the broader impact of our communications are critical components of my success.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
One of the most satisfying moments was seeing the tangible impact of a community program I helped initiate that aimed at youth development through sports. Witnessing the personal growth and development of the participants and receiving positive feedback from the community was incredibly rewarding.
What does the future hold for your business?
The future involves expanding our reach and depth in community engagement. I aim to integrate more digital tools and platforms to enhance our interactive capabilities and to foster a more connected and supportive educational community.
What business books have inspired you?
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek has been a huge inspiration. It reinforces the importance of purpose in any endeavor, which resonates deeply with my career path focused on service and community impact.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to worry less about having all the answers and to embrace the journey of learning and growth more fully. Also, to more actively seek out mentors early on who could guide and facilitate this growth.
Are you willing to be a mentor?
Absolutely, I am always open to mentoring others. Sharing knowledge and experiences to help others grow professionally and personally is something I find both fulfilling and essential to fostering a supportive community.