BRADY WAGGONER
Brady
If you Google Brady Waggoner, the fourth result is about how he brought Bob Marley’s son to town.
What should be discussed, though? How he brought a brand-new verve to Charleston advertising in 2000 – and energized an entire creative scene.
After graduating from the University of Kansas, Brady rock chalked to Chucktown, where he landed full-time gig at one of the oldest agencies in town while still pulling all-nighters for other clients as a freelancer. He then hung a shingle, first with his shop DoubleYuji in 2002, which eventually morphed into HOOK in 2005.
What happened? A whole foyer of local, regional and international awards. A client roster that boasts Birra Moretti, Heineken Italy, Kubota, Huk, Nomad, Wild Dunes, The Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau and more. Plus, an outsized influence that’s evident in every logo, billboard and guitar stroke within 100 miles.
Equal parts creative director, production artist, account leader, strategist and alchemist, Brady is the nerve center of the operation, and it’s evident in the work – smart, strategic and different brand potions that solve business problems through the powers of creativity.
Jah blessed with a severe reggae problem, Brady also wrangles 10+ other creatives when he’s off the clock, as the frontman of Lowcountry dancehall doctors The Dubplates. Over the years, Brady’s shared stages with artists ranging from Joan Baez to Damian and Ky-Mani Marley to The Roots to Method Man. He’s recorded/produced with reggae icons like King Yellowman and hip hop hero Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys. It only takes about 3 (or two Steely Dan songs) to get him talking about how their hit album Box Full of Steel was a two-time #1 on the billboard reggae chart.
In addition to leading HOOK with his wife, Jennifer, he’s the proud father of Sousa and Judd and a talented husky dog named Larry.