Paul Brodie ('05 BBA, Management)

Tell us about yourself.
I was raised in Arlington and went to school at Pope Elementary, Gunn Junior High, and Bowie High School. At UTA, I was a commuter student and lived by the slogan, "yes, you can, 10-year plan," as I worked full-time and went to school part-time. 

After graduation, I joined the corporate world. After several years, I decided to take a leap of faith by going into education. I was a teacher for nine years and taught English as a second language, managed an after-school program to help at-risk kids, and then taught special education to specifically teach kids with special needs. 

In 2017, I left teaching to focus on my publishing business full-time, and it was the best decision I ever made. Brodie Consulting has helped over 150 people launch best-selling books since we started this journey. 

Why did you choose to attend UTA?
I received a vocal scholarship at UTA that paid for part of my tuition, which was a big factor in my decision. Ironically, UTA was closer to my home compared to Bowie High School. I also wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to stay in Arlington, especially with already having a full-time job that would cover the rest of my tuition. 

What did you study at UTA? What attracted you to that field? 
My focus was to always be a business major and I sacrificed a full scholarship in vocal performance at UTA to be able to get my degree in business management. As someone who loves Arlington, I always wanted to attend UTA. 

Describe your UTA experience. How did UTA help prepare you for your career?
The experience overall was excellent. At first, I did not know many people and I eventually got into Greek Life. During my junior year, I pledged Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity. I felt a strong connection at UTA and made lifelong friends, including becoming best friends with my DSP big brother. 

I learned about the power of connection when I joined Delta Sigma Pi with both my friends in the chapter and also with the importance of networking with alumni. It was also where I learned about serving our local community with supporting Mission Arlington and other non-profits through our time, treasure, and talent to them. Two members in the chapter became my real estate agents, and thanks to them, I bought my dream house a few weeks after graduation. 

"Always lean in when you receive the same message over time and do not be afraid to pivot when needed."

Did you receive a scholarship while at UTA? How did it help you to achieve your goals?
I received a partial scholarship in vocal performance and had the privilege to perform with the UTA A Capella Chorus. During that time, I had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Bass Hall in Fort Worth, and The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. 

Describe your path to your current position. What have you learned along the way?
Always listen when you hear the same message from people. When I started my publishing business, we had a coaching program. While the program was very helpful to my clients, I kept getting the same feedback from prospective clients. They kept telling me they did not want to learn how to publish and market a book because they do not have the time in their busy schedules. Instead, they wanted to pay me a premium to have my company publish and market their book as a done-for-you service. I had this conversation many time with potential clients and continued to receive the same message.

Due to that constant feedback, we transitioned from coaching to done-for-you services at the end of 2018. That decision enabled us to have record breaking revenue from 2019-2024. The UTA College of Business also selected me to their MAVS100 in 2023 and 2024, in recognition of leading one of the top 100 fastest-growing UTA alumni-owned or -led businesses. None of this would have happened if I did not listen to the feedback that I received. Always lean in when you receive the same message over time and do not be afraid to pivot when needed.

Can you share any defining moments in your career that inspired you to continue your work? 
The main defining moment was the importance of staying involved in our local community and to always give back. I joined the Greater Arlington chamber of Commerce in 2018 and that led me to the Rotary Club a few months later. In Rotary, it is all about giving back, and in 2020, I had the opportunity to rebuild our club. We quadrupled our membership during that time with like-minded people who love to give back to Arlington.

My business sponsors multiple events on a yearly basis in support of our community, including the Maverick Golf Open, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, the Margarita Ball, and the River Legacy Classic. Those relationships gave me the opportunity to serve on the board of directors for the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, River Legacy Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands. It is also why I speak at Business Week every year for the UTA College of Business and support the University in every way that I am able.

What's one lesson you learned at UTA that has stayed with you still today?
In college I learned about opportunity cost and apply this lesson every day. Opportunity cost is the question of what is it costing you to not do something. In other words, when I was thinking about writing my first book in 2011, I delayed it for several years because I felt that I was not ready. After I finally stopped making excuses, I got that first book out into the world in 2015 and it became the first of my twenty one best-selling books. The opportunity cost was four years of my life as I should have written the book back in 2011. Due to that, I always ask the question of what is it costing you right now to not get something done. 

What message do you have for the next generation of UTA graduates?
Get involved in UTA organizations as soon as possible if you have not already done so. During my senior year, I joined two additional organizations at UTA with the International Business Society and was one of the founding members of the Entrepreneur Society. Getting involved presents a great opportunity for deeper connections at UTA and networking opportunities after graduation. 

Anything else you would like to share?
Have a servant heart and give back to your local community. My core will always be the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, River Legacy, Rotary, and UT Arlington.