My Biggest Lesson: Scott Brittingham

Scott Brittingham is the co-founder and executive producer of Pull (a music company). With over 20 years of experience Scott Brittingham has produced and curated music and sound for the world's leading brands and agencies including Apple, Nike, VW, ESPN, Volvo, Cadillac, Samsung, Chase, eBay, Instagram, Lincoln, Amex, IBM, Coke, Pepsi and many more.

Pull has been a unique destination amongst top artists as well - U2, Danger Mouse, Damon Albarn, Pusha T, J Balvin, Santigold, Stephen Malkmus, David Byrne, St Vincent, LA Guns, Billy Squier, Lady GaGa, Anderson.Paak, Black Thought, to name a few. Scott resides in NYC with his wife and son.

Wisdom is a big word but I did learn something early on in this strange business. A great idea or solution can come from anyone no matter their role or title.

I had just graduated from college and had no clue what I wanted to do as a career. I had been a double major in political science and history but had little to no interest in law school or teaching. I had always been more of a creative minded person - particularly in music. As a native of Maryland I had moved to Baltimore in hopes of finding an opportunity. I was fascinated to discover that one of my new roommates was a copywriter at an advertising agency. With his help I secured an interview. I was hired as a junior account executive despite no experience and told to stock up on ties.

A few months in and still struggling with tying ties, I got to listen in on a new business pitch and the ECD mentioned he wanted a rip for the presentation. The usual in-house editor that handled those assignments was on vacation so I went into the agency over the weekend and learned how to edit with the old school U-Matic decks. I had an idea and a song in mind for the pitch but with that tie around my neck and being so green, who would care. Monday rolled around and I shared my rip with the head of production who decided to share it with the entire group working on the pitch. The ECD barked out, “who did this?” Adrenaline poured over me as I raised my hand. He took a long cold stare at me and said, “It’s not bad. Can you make some tweaks?... and take off the tie, you’re a producer now.”

His willingness to run with an idea from a very junior account kid really stuck with me. 

My advice, always be receptive and listen - and don’t always stay in your lane.