Name: Brad Kuenn
Twitter: @brightsideaz
Facebook: @BrightsideStudiosPHX
Instagram: @brightsidestudiosphx
Website: www.brightsidestudios.com
Age: 33
Title: Owner
Married/Single: Married
Kids: 2 boys – Noah (6 years old) & Arlo (3 years old)
City you live in: Phoenix, Arizona
A typical day in my life includes… Collaborating with local artists, cleaning paint brushes and pallets, giving tours of Brightside Studios to excited creatives, working with a fantastic staff, and going home to a wonderful family.
I was born… In Phoenix! Grew up near 32nd Street and Shea – went to Shadow Mountain High School.
My favorite thing about Arizona… Its growing identity. Arizona has been searching for its own identity and culture – something to grab onto – for a long time now and feels like it is finally settling on something. Artists.
I’m listening to… Oddly enough, we are currently rockin’ the house with Jimmy Buffett! Tonight is our Parrothead Tribute Night, accompanied by a commemorative Parrothead Paint & Sip Class. We are dressed up in our best island gear and expecting a couple hundred people to come join in the fun!
My family… Is the most important thing in my life. I am extremely lucky to be able to work alongside my wife, sister, parents, and children. It’s a family owned and operated business, and the Kuenn’s enjoy every minute of it.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… I know you are supposed this answer is supposed to be a historical leader or sports star – but as our time becomes harder to find together – I would love to have a nice, quiet dinner with my wife, Vanessa.
One thing I cannot live without… Chocolate milk!
When I was younger, I wanted to be… In the NBA
I’m inspired by… Creatives, of course. But anyone who puts in genuine effort to help those in need.
The one person who motivates me is… My father. I owe everything to him. I want to make him proud and use the skills he taught me to make this world a better place.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… Wealth inequality, and injustice among underserved communities.
The perfect day would be… A day with my family, sports on the TV, BBQ sizzling and great music.
My first job was… I was a pool boy! I don’t have any interesting stories with those sexy stay at home moms, whereever they are, but plenty of stories with angry old men losing wild animals in their vacuums! Bleh…not for me.
My favorite escape… I am a late bloomer, but when I was 27 I discovered painting. It’s what inspired my wife and I to start Brightside Studios.
My life… is shorter than I expected. But more precious than ever.
I’m currently working on… Beating cancer.
Always… Tell the ones you love how you feel.
Never… Go to bed angry.
Favorite Quote… “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”― Theodore Roosevelt, Strenuous Life
Biggest Dream… To watch my boys grow into adulthood.
My Pet Peeve(s)… Those who wallow in self-pity without any courage to help themselves or others around them. Laziness. Take risks and don’t waste your time
