All posts by : Brandi Sims

From Outcast to Industry Trailblazer: Benjamin Shrader Shares His Wild Ride in Event Promotion on the Brandinc PR Podcast

At Brandinc PR, we believe the best stories are the ones that don’t follow the rules. And this week’s Brandinc PR Podcastguest, Benjamin Shrader, is a walking, talking, party-promoting masterclass in breaking the mold and building success on your own terms.

As the CEO of Shrader Promotions LLC, Benjamin has spent the past six years organizing some of the biggest, boldest concert events across Texas. We’re talking high-energy, sold-out shows with artists like Wiz Khalifa, G-Eazy, and Parker McCollum—and one unforgettable event where, yes, a giraffe casually made an appearance. (No, seriously. It happened. You’ll want to hear that story.)

But what truly sets Benjamin apart isn’t just the wild parties or superstar lineups—it’s the path he took to get here.

Diagnosed with severe dyslexia and ADHD, Benjamin was often underestimated early in life, feeling like the outcast in classrooms and traditional spaces. But instead of letting that label define him, he built a company from the ground up while still in college—leveraging social media strategy, storytelling, and pure hustle to create something massive.

And just one year ago, he faced his most personal challenge yet: undergoing surgery to remove a golf-ball-sized brain tumor, which left him permanently deaf in one ear. Rather than step away from the spotlight, Benjamin stepped further in—using his story to encourage other young entrepreneurs and creatives to embrace their obstacles and turn them into fuel.

In this episode, Benjamin opens up about:

• Meeting Lady Gaga (and how her kindness still inspires how he treats others in the business)

• Embracing failure and turning it into his biggest competitive edge

• Building buzz-worthy events using nothing but grit and social media savvy

• And yes… wrangling a giraffe at a party like a true promo pro

This one’s packed with real talk, wild stories, and powerful lessons on perseverance, personal branding, and what it takes to thrive in the music and event industries—even when the odds are stacked against you.

Ready to get inspired?
Click here to listen to the full episode on your favorite streaming platform.

Stay bold,
The Brandinc PR Team

Published by Brandi Sims | Brandinc PR
Date: April 17th, 2025

Luxury, drama, and a whole lot of bad decision-making—what’s not to love about The White Lotus?
Season 3 just wrapped, and while most people are watching for the plot twists, I’m watching for the PR breakdowns (and trust me, there were plenty). On the latest episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, I’m diving into how this wildly popular series mirrors real-life branding lessons—and what every business can take away from the chaos.

Here are a few key takeaways from the episode that every entrepreneur, marketing pro, and brand builder should know:

1. Crisis Doesn’t Wait for a Quiet Moment

In The White Lotus, everything looks perfect—until it’s not. Sound familiar? Brands often wait for a crisis before building a plan. But reputation management isn’t reactive. It’s proactive.
Takeaway: Have a crisis communication plan ready before you need it.

2. If You Don’t Own Your Story, Someone Else Will

The characters are constantly trying to control the narrative—usually too late. In the PR world, we call that damage control. But the best brands tell their story before the media, customers, or competitors get to it.
Takeaway: Define your brand’s story and voice early—and protect it.

3. Curated Doesn’t Mean Credible

One of the standout characters this season is the perfect example of influencer illusion. Gorgeous feed. Flawless energy. But behind the scenes? Chaos.
Takeaway: Don’t let follower count fool you—vet influencers for alignment, values, and long-term impact.

4. Cultural Competency is Non-Negotiable

With Season 3 set in Thailand, the show surfaces some serious questions about cultural appropriation and tourist entitlement. And the same goes for brands who want to “borrow” from cultures without doing the work.
Takeaway: Respect the culture. Do the research. Hire consultants if needed.

5. Power Can Shield You… Until It Doesn’t

Whether you’re a billionaire or a boutique brand, public perception matters. Big names might survive scandals with money and connections, but that doesn’t mean their reputations aren’t scarred.
Takeaway: Authentic accountability > performative apologies. Every time.

Want the Full Breakdown?

In the newest episode of the Brandinc PR Podcast, I walk through these lessons and share how you can apply them to your brand—minus the murder mystery, of course.

Listen now: [Insert Podcast Link]

Let The White Lotus be your reminder:
Your image is only as strong as your strategy.

Need help building a PR game plan that keeps your brand protected?
Let’s talk. Book a 1:1 strategy session with me or explore our media kit development services.

Brandi Sims is the founder of Brandinc PR, a full-service communications agency helping brands stand out, stay relevant, and build authentic connections through storytelling, strategy, and solid PR fundamentals.