Issue link: http://georgiancollege.uberflip.com/i/1226064
NOT EVEN A TORNADO COULD STOP HIM Brian Bell Advertising, class of 1987 Life is unpredictable. You never know what is going to come next. This mantra is synonymous with the student experience; guiding graduates from studies to careers for decades. The same is true in the case of Brian Bell. From Georgian advertising grad to North American director of sport optics at Leica Camera Inc., it's been quite a ride for Brian. But his story doesn't start at Georgian. Growing up in St. Mary's, Nova Scotia, Brian worked towards completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree, but realized he wanted something different. "I noticed Georgian had a really strong reputation for their advertising program," he notes, and driven by his passion for something more, he made the move. Unfortunately for Brian, it wasn't the easiest time to move to Barrie. "I got my acceptance letter from Georgian the day before the 1985 tornado hit! All I could think of was, 'how am I going to find somewhere to live?'" Compelled by his passion for advertising, Brian unrelentingly headed into the eye of a tornado. "Media tends to publish the absolute worst photos, so what I was seeing in Nova Scotia at the time would have led many to believe that Barrie had been flattened by the storm," recalls Brian. "But thankfully, the city still existed, and I was able to live with my aunt's family when I arrived." Brian enjoyed his student experience at Georgian, and after two years of focus, diligence, and hard work, received his college diploma. What was next? For Brian, he stayed productive and ambitious with his career aspirations; from designing advertisements for Walt Disney, to starting as a sales coordinator for Leica Camera Inc., where he was quickly approached to take over sales distribution for Canada and the U.S. As a busy husband, father to two children and a working professional, he decided to pursue his degree. One class at a time, he completed a Bachelor of Science, specializing in marketing and corporate communications. Sparked from a tornado, Brian's journey into advertising and marketing comes full circle after succeeding in his industry and completing his bachelor's degree when it suited him. Today, Brian rolls with the punches in adapting to technological changes and advancements happening within the industry. 11 GEORGIANVIEW 2019-20 WINTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP