Butch BRAUN

Vice President Creative Services

EPOCH ADVERTISING

* Age: 39

* Do you have ideas to attract and keep youth in the Syracuse area? We need to focus on work and play; creating well-paying jobs is an obvious need. But we can do a much better job of branding CNY as a hip, four-season wonderland that is a great place to live and raise a family.

* Where do you see the community and yourself in the next 10 years? Booming. Epoch will continue to grow CNY businesses into national brands by being at the leading edge of new technologies, strategies, and media.

* Who have been the most influential people in your Career? My business partner, Tom Epolito.

* What are your guiding principles in life? Treat others as I would like to be treated. Surround myself with quality people (family, friends, clients, and vendors).

* What has been your best career decision? After 10 great years working at LP&M Advertising, I decided to enter into my business partnership with Tom Epolito at Epoch Advertising.

* How has your life turned out differently than imagined? I grew up thinking that 40 was old and the spice of life would be a little less tasty, stale. But as I approach that number, I realize life is just beginning.

* What is one of your quirks? For some reason, I cannot have my back to a room. I must have been a gangster in a previous life.

* What are the core values that have been essential to your success? Honesty, hard work, creativity, and passion.

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