Brendan Smith, Motive Interactive

He truly has vision.” UPON GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE WITH A DEGREE IN AFRICAN HISTORY, Brendan Smith knew two things: He would not end up working in an area related to his degree, and he would not work for a large, spirit-crushing corporation. While the former held true, he compromised on the latter. Seeing the Internet as a burgeoning opportunity, Smith took that 8-to-6 corporate job in order to learn the ins and outs of the industry. But it’s what he did after hours — from about 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. — that ultimately led to his success.

He was laying the groundwork for Motive Interactive, an interactive marketing firm that he founded in 2002 at the age of 28. Smith spent his time focusing on Motive’s placement on the cutting edge of technological development.

The practices were unorthodox, and so were his hires: His first two employees were not industry veterans, but rather special education teachers from Carson City — who now are Motive’s biggest revenue generators.

The company's efforts on behalf of its clients have not gone unnoticed. Entrepreneur magazine’s June 2006 issue selected Motive as one of the fastestgrowing new businesses in America. The company is proud of the recognition and inspired to reach higher, says Smith.

“We want to remain on the bleeding edge of technology and its effects on new media, so we can provide our clients with quality results that raise the bar by exceeding industry norms.”