Biography

Gerry O’Brion is a marketing keynote speaker and author who translates big brand strategies into knowledge that any business can use to win in the marketplace. He is the Founder of What Big Brands Know® and the creator of The Power of BECAUSE framework of influence which shows companies how to stand out in the sea of sameness. His presentations drive growth with companies of all sizes from small businesses to billion dollar brands, and he has helped thousands of businesses become the #1 choice in crowded industries.  He built his career growing big brands and distills that experience into creating strategies and real ideas that are actionable immediately.

After earning his MBA at the University of Michigan, he worked with Procter & Gamble on brands such as Crisco, Tide, Mr. Clean, and Spic & Span. Next, at Coors Brewing Company he managed Coors Light, a $2 billion business. He was then VP of Marketing for the $1.5 billion Quiznos restaurant chain. Gerry was most recently VP of Marketing for Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, a $1 billon brand.

Gerry works to first understand your unique goals and challenges, and then to deliver a presentation that delivers maximum impact for every dollar you invest.

 

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Creating Leaders At Every Level

Six questions to ask about every decision.

Companies are just big collections of projects. Employees at every level are on the front lines of bringing those projects to life. Leading teams and navigating decisions can be a challenge, especially when you're not the final decision-maker.

Learn a simple, non-technical way to align your projects to your company vision, sell it to the executives, and be sure it will make you money.

Motivate your team and influence executives the same way expert marketers influence customers to want to buy their products. Gerry O'Brion has been a marketing executive for billion dollar brands, and has distilled that experience into strategies you can use to evaluate and gain alignment around projects that matter.

His presentations will cover six questions you should be asking about every project.

Gerry will have you look at your projects with a fresh perspective. You will reexamine why your projects are important, and why that matters to your team and your company. The fun, thought-provoking dialogue will generate real ideas you can use immediately.

Expected learning outcomes: - Leading from above or below - Strategies to influence executives and motivate your team - How to be sure your decisions drive value for your external customers - Expanding your sphere of influence - Create a listening organization

Motivating and Marketing to Millennials (for restaurateurs)

Simple strategies for hiring, motivating, and marketing to Millennials.

Who are these Millennials and what do they want? What about all of my older customers? Learn the similarities and differences between the generations, and strategies that you can use to stay relevant across age groups.

Success in the restaurant business takes a different approach today than it did five, 10 or 20 years ago. Restaurants with longevity have honed the ability to navigate change.

Learn strategies to navigate the next generation of employees and customers. This presentation answers three critical questions about the generations who they are, what they want, and what you can do about it. You'll learn 30 ideas you can implement now to attract cross-generational guests and turn them into vocal advocates, and 8 strategies for hiring and motivating Millennials.

Great restaurant brands are not built by chance- it's a formula. Gerry O'Brion spent years learning why some restaurants thrive, while others fail. The Restaurant Formula TM reveals the secrets of the most successful restaurant brands. Gerry was an executive for billion dollar restaurant brands like Quiznos and Red Robin.

Expected learning outcomes: - The three critical questions you must answer to be relevant across generations - 30 innovative ideas you can implement right now - 8 strategies for hiring and motivating millennials - The Restaurant Formula success framework - Case studies illustrating each idea

Motivating and Marketing to Millennials (non-restaurateur version)

Simple strategies for hiring, motivating, and marketing to Millennials.

Who are these Millennials and what do they want? How do I attract them without alienating my older customers? Learn the similarities and differences between the two generations, and strategies that you can use to stay relevant across age groups.

Success takes a different approach today than it did five, ten, or twenty years ago. Businesses with longevity have honed the ability to navigate change. Learn strategies to navigate the next generation of employees and customers.

This presentation answers three critical questions about the generations- who they are, what they want, and what you can do about it. You'll learn ideas you can implement now to attract cross-generational guests and turn them into vocal advocates, and gain strategies for hiring and motivating Millennials.

On the Front Lines: Building a Powerful and Profitable Franchise Brand

Simple strategies for building a powerful franchise brand.

Great franchise brands are built on the front lines with every customer interaction. The lowest paid employees can have the biggest impact on your brand- and on your sales! They should be your best marketing tool. Are they?

Gerry's presentation "On the Front Lines" will give your franchisees the knowledge and tools to grow their franchise business while building a powerful brand. They'll learn the formula used by the most successful franchise concepts to increase guest frequency and retention. They'll gain insights about hiring and motivating millennial employees-turning them into your best brand-builders.

Inspire your franchises to be the best they can be. Get them excited about their critical role in building a powerhouse brand. Whether you need increased compliance, improved execution, more engaged local marketing, or better customer service, this presentation will motivate your franchisees to take their game to the next level.

This keynote is perfect for franchisers and franchisees looking to maximize their sales growth and build a powerful brand.

Testimonials

Gerry electrified the group and set the tone for a supercharged sales meeting.
– JIM REYNOLDS, VP, SALES, FOODS SERVICES OF AMERICA
He just knocked it out of the park.
– Chip George, CEO, Comfort Research
Recommend him. Two thumbs up.
– John Kailunas, Chairman, Regal Financial Group
We walked away with so many great takeaways on how to drive our revenue.
– Pete Rupert, CEO, Fusion Education Group
Thank you for the great keynote and all the preparation before the meeting. The meeting theme, built from your work, resonated with the team and I heard so many great compliments. Even better, people were practicing how they will incorporate providing a BECAUSE. Your work was impactful – I can’t thank you enough!
– Kim Albrecht, Rheem
Insightful, fast-paced, something any business owner would benefit from.
– MIKE SLENSKI, VP, Three Daughters Media
Gerry brought a whole new dimension on how to differentiate our brand from other brands. We now have a road map on how to position our brand based on the knowledge gained. An extremely beneficial presentation for novices in how to separate yourself from the pack.
– GINGER MCLEAN, Walt Disney World Resorts
Clean, clear, enlightening. The best presentation I’ve seen.
– ERIC SALLEE, President, Progress Street Builders

For Meeting Planners

Blog Posts

Finding Your Purpose with Small Acts of Kindness

Discover how small acts of kindness can help you find purpose and create a lasting impact in your life and others.

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Take Ownership and Transform Your Life Today

Take ownership of your life with Merril Hoge's inspiring insights on resilience, mindfulness, and breaking unhealthy cycles.

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Reflecting on 2024: Key Insights and Trends for Event Professionals

What were the biggest takeaways from events in 2024, and how can they shape the way you plan conferences in 2025? 📝

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Innovative Insights to Keep Your Event Attendees Engaged

Discover innovative insights and strategies to enhance attendee experience and engagement at your next event.

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Powerful Ways to Unleash Your Creativity with Kyle Scheele

Unleash your creativity with keynote speaker Kyle Scheele expert insights on innovation, leadership, and turning limitations into inspiration.

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Your Event, Their Mission: Elevate Human Rights to Center Stage

Human rights are not just ideals—they're the foundation for building inclusive, empowered, and sustainable communities.

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Blog Posts

 

Finding Your Purpose with Small Acts of Kindness

What does it truly mean to find your purpose? Many people believe purpose is tied...

Read More

Take Ownership and Transform Your Life Today

What’s holding you back from living the life you’ve always wanted? If you’ve ever felt...

Read More

Reflecting on 2024: Key Insights and Trends for Event Professionals

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it's the perfect time to...

Read More

Innovative Insights to Keep Your Event Attendees Engaged

Engaging attendees at an event is no easy feat, especially in today’s fast-paced world where...

Read More

Powerful Ways to Unleash Your Creativity with Kyle Scheele

Creativity is often misunderstood. Some see it as a gift reserved for artists or visionaries,...

Read More

Your Event, Their Mission: Elevate Human Rights to Center Stage

"Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement...

Read More