Where Eagles Dare Celebrates a Decade of Dreaming Big, Winning Big, and Giving a S**t

At the heart of Where Eagles Dare (WED) is the belief that creative excellence lies at the intersection of innovative ideas, expert execution, and a team of people as aligned as they are unique. More than a marketing agency, WED was founded in 2015 by Brian Franks to uplift the advertising landscape from the ground up, enriching the industry with value-driven ventures that always push the boundaries and exceed expectations. A testament to its immense power and success, the company is now gearing up to celebrate 10 years of overdelivering on its promise to be brave, take risks, give a s**t, dream big, then win big.  

An extension of every client’s team, the people who build WED’s fabric are instrumental to the company’s success. Composed of creative visionaries, innovators, strategists, music mavens, tequila lovers, artists, writers, digital wizards, and more, Where Eagles Dare promotes and practices a collaborative approach that honors all ideas while encouraging employees to learn from their peers’ expertise. Its wide range of experts opened the doors for versatility, expanding WED’s portfolio to sporting brands, outdoor apparel, and even dog accessories. 

This dedication to novelty and shattering the boundaries of convention is personal, stemming from Brian’s belief that doing what you love every day and doing it right is the key to success. “At WED, the team is almost like a band. Sometimes, we’re looking for a bass player, other times – for a lead singer,” he shares. “But it’s not only about talent and creativity; we need the right personality that fits in with the other band members.”

While passion keeps motivating the team to elevate and evolve, it is Brian’s over 20 years of industry experience that builds the company’s foundation and helps WED navigate any complexities and challenges. A previous VP of creative at American Eagle Outfitters, the founder played a pivotal role in the fashion powerhouse’s rise to global renown. Having overcome the hurdles of expanding AE from a small national chain to a global sensation, Brian knows the ins and outs of the industry, now tapping into his broad expertise to lead WED and its clients to success.  

After flying to the top alongside AE, Brian embarked on a solo entrepreneurial journey. With a vision, a passion, and a plan in mind, he entered a Gymboree pitch contest in December 2014, running against major companies and marketing giants. With a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, Brian’s team of three won against hundred-employee agencies, marking the beginning of WED’s organic growth. More than a significant milestone, winning the competition cemented WED’s unique selling points, highlighting what makes the company special: turning a white page into an impactful vision and conceptualizing ideas so vividly that they offer a glimpse into the future. 

Since its establishment in March 2015, WED has worked alongside many prominent names, always overdelivering on its promises. Attesting to the company’s power is its first client – American Eagle – the company that shaped Brian’s advertising perspective and joined WED’s ranks when he expanded horizons on his own. This partnership also showcases that at WED, relationships aren’t strictly about business – they’re about genuine human connections that last a lifetime.  

Inspired by Brian’s AE experience, WED started as a retail-focused agency, rapidly transforming into what the founder calls ‘a triple threat,’ or an expert in creative marketing, in-store labeling, and digital content creation. Inspired by the punk rock sounds of Where Eagles Dare by Misfits and infused with the founder’s deeply engraved love for funky pop culture and out-of-the-box ideas, WED emanates the essence of youth and rebellion, taking clients where they least expect it. 

Reflecting on its decade-long journey, Brian shares: “It has been a constant stream of meaningful relationships and one-of-a-kind opportunities, and I believe it’s due to the people behind WED. We’re a team of artists and visionaries obsessed with making something great happen, and that extends beyond satisfying clients. We love pushing ourselves and going where no one has been before – going where eagles dare to fly.”