From Basement Hustle to Creative Powerhouse: The Story of Brand Viva Media
How Mark Labriola II Turned a Layoff Into a Legacy
Ten years ago, Brand Viva Media was nothing more than a side hustle, a passion project born out of a love for storytelling and content creation. At the time, Mark Labriola II was working as a corporate Director in creative media, balancing his full-time job with late nights in his basement, producing podcasts and videos for clients as a side hustle. “It was a grind, but it was fulfilling, and it provided for my family”, he recalls.
Then, in the first week of January, everything changed, Mark says, “I got laid off. No severance. No savings. Just a mortgage, three kids to support, and a burning question: “Do I go find another Director job, or do I go all in on my side hustle?”
Mark chose to bet on himself.
Starting a business under those circumstances wasn’t easy. There were sleepless nights, financial struggles, and moments of doubt. But there was also an unshakable belief that hard work and consistency pay off—that showing up, staying committed, and delivering real value to clients would lead to something bigger.
Fast forward to today, and Brand Viva Media is thriving. They’ve grown from a solo operation to a team of W2 employees and a network of 1099 creatives, producing high-quality podcasts and video content for businesses, organizations, and thought leaders. And they are no longer working out of a basement—they now have an amazing studio in the DTC/Denver South area, helping brands look and sound their best.
Looking back, Mark wouldn’t change a thing. That tough decision a decade ago led to a business built on passion, resilience, and the power of great content. And they’re just getting started.
Mark encourages the next generations of creatives to “stay positive, work hard, be present, don’t worry how things will work out, and expect the blessing!” -Mark Labriola II
If you’re looking for a team that knows what it takes to create content that drives real results, let’s talk. We’re here to help you grow—just like we did.
Here’s to the next 10 years of Brand Viva Media!
