Meet Brandon Wallace | Web Designer & Managing Editor

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

Hi Brandon, how do you define success?
At the end of the day, we can all likely agree that success is that feeling of accomplishment. For me, it’s always been just a little bit more; a little bit deeper. Anytime I feel success, it’s knowing that not only I personally accomplished something, but I had a hand in helping someone else too. More importantly, it’s that realization that I did my best in trying to align my will with God’s will for the purpose of something greater. Maybe something I didn’t realize initially, but in the end, it worked out exactly the way it was supposed to because I had a drive and a desire to put God first before I made my move. That’s success to me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a full-time web designer and developer. I have my own small business where I have a few residual clients, and I do some freelance work as well. Starting out originally as a young entrepreneur myself, I really find a lot of joy in helping others get their businesses started too (no matter what age they are), because I myself know what it’s like to go through that process, and how rewarding it can be in the end if you stick with it. Over time, I’ve been able to combine that love and passion with my other true love and passion… the Pittsburgh Steelers. Don’t make that face, they’re the six-time champs and the REAL “America’s Team.” My family is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, so they got me into the fandom at an early age and I haven’t looked back since. SteelerNation.com is a fan website that I originally did the web design work for, and since then, my relationship with the company has evolved into a much larger role where I wear many hats. I look at it as my No. 1 client at this point, but it’s so much more than that to me now.

The road I took to get where I’m at now was not easy. It usually never is for people like me looking to turn dreams into reality. For me personally, I can chalk it up to consistency and an unwavering belief that everything was going to work out in the end. I’ve learned that no matter how much you THINK you have a plan, life just doesn’t care sometimes, and it will force you to pivot. You’ve got to be able to adjust, adapt, and trust that God has a better plan for you. You just have to stay positive.

My story is simple. God has given me everything I’ve ever wanted when I’ve been willing to put him first. That doesn’t mean there won’t be obstacles, but you can find peace knowing that His will is the way, and you can get through anything in life if you put that first.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Don’t let my love for the Pittsburgh Steelers confuse you with the fact that I LOVE Los Angeles. I live downtown and I don’t care what anyone says, there’s no better area. We’re hitting up a Lakers game at Staples Center (yes, I still call it Staples), we’re walking through LA Live for the food and scenery (Tom’s is a really cool sports bar), and a little north on Figueroa, El Patron Cantina has some bomb tacos. If it’s going to be a long trip, we can’t NOT hit up Santa Monica and visit the pier, maybe have a beach day too. Venice Beach might actually be the best place on the planet to people watch though and stroll the boardwalk. Got to hit that up too at least once.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It feels like there’s so many people to name and thank, including my parents (Clyde and Sheila Wallace), my older brother (Clyde Jr.), and it may sound tacky, but just the example Jesus Christ has set for me in my life thus far — but I also have to give a big Shoutout to Justin McGonigle and the team at SteelerNation.com. I’ve been able to combine two of my favorite passions in life (between web development/helping others get their businesses off the ground, and my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers), and make a beautiful living out of it. I’ve been Justin’s righthand man for the past 6-7 years, and we’ve been able to turn what started out as a voluntary, unpaid, writer’s position, into a booming fan website that gets 2 million – 4 million views per month and reliable income through ads. We’re just getting started and I see our trajectory continuing to take off.

Website: SteelerNation.com / PeterDarker.com

Instagram: @bwall_24

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/brandonjameswallace/

Twitter: @BWall

Facebook: /BWall24