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Bryan Ward ('84)

Woodrow graduate named entrepreneur of the year

This article appeared in the Register-Herald on July 10, 2004.

By FRED PACE

When Bryan Ward graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley in 1984, he wanted to become a pilot in NASA's space program.

"I think most teens have big dreams when they graduate from high school," Ward said.

For Ward, however, it was an impossible dream.

"I was told my eyesight was not good enough, I was too tall and that I needed glasses," Ward explained. "I was told to look at another career option."

While a senior at Woodrow, Ward had taken art class.

"I never really considered art as a serious career choice, but sometimes the best choice is not the obvious choice," he said.

Ward attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and, after graduating, became a freelance comic book artist. However, this job didn't bring in the kind of money Ward envisioned.

"I liked the job, but it just wasn't paying the bills," he said. "I started looking for another job."

After a few years working in Summersville creating fund-raising materials for school children, Ward moved back to Pittsburgh to work at a large advertisement agency. He was working at the agency when the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks occurred.

"Sept. 11 changed my life," Ward said. "It made me realize that nothing is guaranteed in life. If I wanted to start my own business, there was no use to just sit and wait to do it."

Now, 32 months later, Ward is recognized as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country.

"It can be done," he said.

Ward, president of Giant Ideas, proved it can be done when he accepted the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2004 recognition - "Microsoft Realizing Business Potential Award" - June 25 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel in western Pennsylvania.

There were 24 finalists honored at the year's "Wild World of Entrepreneurs" award program, of which eight were winners. Ward took home the top award in the category of "realizing business potential" - the only recognition providing a cash prize, a $10,000 grant from Microsoft.

"Once a dream ... now it's reality ... I'm running an agency that provides only the best creative work," Ward said. "Giant Ideas is not just any advertising agency. We are a group of the best creative people in the region working together in the name of our clients."

Ward established Giant Ideas in 2001. Ernst & Young recognized Ward's career as one built on "firsts" that have proved it can be done. From the first to develop integrated digital video within an agency environment to the first to air its own television commercial, Ward was recognized by Ernst & Young as the best agency for the award.

"Bryan has always had giant plans for himself," said Stan Muschweck, executive vice president of Giant Ideas. "He portrays the entrepreneurial spirit unconditionally - always finding a solution, always seeing an opportunity. He makes Giant Ideas a welcoming atmosphere where his people put their best foot forward each day."

Ward's Ernst & Young Award completes a trio of his most recent accomplishments.

The Pittsburgh Business Times named Ward to the "2004 Fastrackers," a recognition of 50 area professionals under the age of 45 who are making a difference in their business life and in their community.

In May, he won "Best Creative Organization" at the annual American Business Awards, also known as the "Stevie Awards," in New York City.

Ward will now be eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2004 national program.

Ward's agency is in downtown Pittsburgh. Giant Ideas is one of the fastest growing creative agencies in the country, according to Ward.

All of these accolades come just in time for Ward's 20-year high school reunion at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley.

"It's in July and I'm hoping that I can attend," he said. "My parents, William and Delores Ward, still live in MacArthur and I try to visit each year. I really miss the Beckley area and hope to see many old friends at the reunion."

For more information about Ward and Giant Ideas, call 412-366-9471 or visit www.giant-ideas.com.