Meet gavin keilly | Visionary and CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with gavin keilly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi gavin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I initially started GBK in 2001, after wanting to make a shift in my career as a financial advisor. I choose to work in the non-profit sector helping organizations grow while using the power of celebrities to build awareness and funds. While working with the celebrities, I realized that I could also help brands grow by creating win-wins..

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
GBK is considered the “God Father of Gifting”, as they were the one the first companies to create opportunities for brands to grow by getting photos with celebrities and their products. Their average event generates over 200 Million Media Impressions and has received upwards of over 2 BILLION during OSCARS weekend on a couple of occasions.

LA Times referred to GBK as “The Gift Bag King” and numerous outlets have referred to Gavin Keilly as “Giving Back Kindly” for the tremendous job he has done is helping over 50 charities in a multitude of ways, including not only giving them tremendous exposure, but raising over $10 Million. Gavin recently received a Humanitarian Award for his innovative ways helping so many in need.

I am proud of being able to pivot during COVID. With the help of Jazmine Valte, we were able to curate a one of kind gift shop at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel. This gave us the ability to still help our brands not only garner celebrity exposure, but generate SALES too! The shop was a gathering place for the community during some of the most difficult times.

The reason the GBK Luxury Gift Lounges are successful is because it’s all about creating a “WIN-WIN-WIN”.
The Brands win as they not only get photos with each celebrity that they gift, but they also get priceless media exposure.
The Non-Profits win as they generate much needed revenue and exposure
The Celebrities win as they not only get amazing products and vacations, but often they also have the opportunity to close a deal to be a spokesperson for a brand that is present.

I want the world to know that it is possible to help non-profits and make a difference in the world without being a martyr in the process.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many amazing spots in the LA Area. If an out of town guest was visiting for a week, here are few spots I would say they should hit 1) The Getty Museum ~ Great art, but the view is spectacular. I would say, stay for lunch too…
2) Another great view is the top of the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. Food is pretty darn good too.
3) A hidden gem is Lake Shrine. A short peaceful walk, but give yourself at least an hour to just relax or even meditate.
4) After Lake Shrine I would highly suggest to try to get into either Malibu Beach Inn or NOBU next door, Both have a great beach front view.
5) Make sure to hit a comedy show. It think the best is LARGO or Groundlings.
Now to restaurants: There are so many great spots. In no particular order : For Italian: Madeos, Gucci (Upstairs), Bestia, Mother Wolf, and a long time favorite Locanda Veneta
For Steak: CUT by Wolfgang, Steak 48, and a little smokey, but worth it, Chi Spacca
For French : Love Bicylette and Republique (Same owner) Other’s: Petit Trois and Melise
For Sushi: Sushi Gen, Sushi Takeda, and Asanebo. Finally, if you want to have a romantic dinner at where you are staying you can order SOOSH, hands down the best Sushi in town. Sometimes they do pop-ups, so look at their instagram,
Other casual spots to grab a bite: Nate N Als & Brooklyn Bagel in Beverly Hills, Langer’s Deli Downtown, Gjusta in Venice, Bay Cities in Santa Monica, and a definite spot to not miss is Farmer’s Market @ the Grove.
Lastly, great places to run into a celebrity: Craig’s, Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Tower Bar, Chateau Marmont, shopping on Robertson or Rodeo Drive and many of the other spots mentioned.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that have helped over the 20+ years. I definitely would not be where I am today without the help of my staff. Specifically, I would like to thank Carla Domen, who was my Vice President and one that wore many hats over a 10 year period. Jazmine Valte has been with GBK for over 15 years, doing everything from sales, to production, to helping curate GBK Brand Bar, our store that we created during COVID.

I would also like to thank Greg Reid who has been my mentor from the very beginning. He is always there when I need a sounding board. Finally, I feel blessed to have met my fiancé Tara-Jane Flynn at the beginning of COVIID, as she would do whatever it took to help me through a trying time, including but not limited to helping me find brands to work with, social media, and of course great legal advice. Most importantly, she loves me unconditionally.

Website: www.GBKBrandBar.com

Instagram: @GBKBrandBar

Linkedin: Gavin Keilly

Yelp: GBK Brand Bar

Image Credits
Tiffany Rose and Carell Augustus