About
Brandon Eley
I'm an entrepreneur and a geek, but I'm also a high school (and college) dropout that struggled for decades with undiagnosed ADHD.
Hi, I'm Brandon
I'm an entrepreneur based in Georgia. I'm the founder and President of 2BigFeet, where we make and sell large-size-shoes for guys with big feet. We started Michael Ellis Footwear and manufacture the biggest shoes available anywhere in the world.
I'm also the founding partner of CORE Marketing Group, a marketing agency that helps businesses grow and scale. I'm a geek and maker at heart, and love everything from electronics and programming to woodworking and leatherworking.
Connect with me on social platforms:
My journey
I definitely took the path less traveled... from high school dropout with undiagnosed ADHD to successful entrepreneur and community leader. I'm not self-made... I had a lot of help along the way. It was often a struggle, but I wouldn't be the person I am now if I didn't have those experiences. I'm so thankful for all the people who helped along the way, from family to teachers and community leaders that saw potential in a young computer geek.
These days, I'm busy running our businesses and building products that help our clients grow their businesses and make more money.
By the numbers
- Years of Experience
- 25+
- Revenue Generated
- $50M+
- Speaking Engagements
- 50+
- Projects Launched
- 100+
Interesting Tidbits
Some random things you might not know about me...
High School Dropout
I quit when I learned I missed (skipped) too many days to graduate. I went back and graduated the next year... and then dropped out of college.
Adjunct Professor
Despite not having a bachelor's degree, I taught Entrepreneurial Finance, a 4000 level course, at LaGrange College as an adjunct professor.
Published Author
I coauthored Online Marketing Inside Out with my friend Shayne Tilley. It was published in 2009 by SitePoint / O'Reilly.
Mobile First
I developed the first mobile website in the quick-service restaurant industry for McDonald's shortly after the iPhone launched in '07.
I Grew Up Online
From 14.4k dial-up usenet groups to online forums, I've met most of my closest friends online and am still active in online communities.
International Speaker
During my stint as a public speaker I was flown to Istanbul, Turkey to give a marketing seminar that was live-translated to two other languages.
I lost over $1 Million
Shortly after taking over 2BigFeet, I made a costly mistake that if invested in even conservative index funds would be well over $1 million today.
Stay at Home Dad
My wife made 2x more than me at the time, so I quit to be a stay-at-home dad for a year and a half and built my business on the side.
Working for 2/3 of my Life
I begged my mom to drive me around the day I turned 15 to start applying for jobs and worked a full AND part-time job (at the least) from then on.
Giving Back
Community Involvement
I strongly believe in giving back to the local community and have put my time and money where my mouth is.
LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce - Board Chairman
I have been deeply involved with our local chamber for over ten years serving in multiple roles leading up to chairman of the board of directors.
Troup County Board of Zoning, Appeals & Planning - Board Chairman
I served on the county zooming board for five years, including one year as Vice chairman and one year as chairman of the board.
Three Rivers 10-County Regional Workforce Board - Board Chairman
I served on the regional WIOA workforce development board for almost ten years, serving as vice chairman and then chiarman for two years.
Leadership Troup - Board Chairman
I am a graduate of the 2015 class of Leadership Troup, after which I served on the board for several years leading up to Chairman
HYPE Young Professionals - Board Chairman
Served as chairman of the board of the young professionals organization at the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce.
Troup County Workforce Development Board - Chairman
Served on the local workforce development board at the Troup Strategy Center for seven years, including three years as chairman.