Meet the Founder
From the helm of Hitman Inc., Steve Brazell has built, repositioned, and elevated brands at the highest levels—working with Fortune 100 companies like Intel, Microsoft, Walt Disney, and Hard Rock, as well as global celebrities and industry disruptors. His reputation as a relentless strategist comes from his ability to transform raw ideas into world-class brands, cutting through market noise with precision and power.
Now, as the driving force behind Whetstone, Steve cuts through the noise, sharpening your clarity, judgment, and influence—transforming you into the one everyone else tries to keep up with. He zeros in on your hidden strengths, eliminates distractions, and positions you for maximum market value. The mission is ruthless and simple: turn your potential into a competitive advantage and make you impossible to ignore.
“Hands down the most attentive, enthusiastic and brilliant partner we’ve worked with on any campaign.”
— Time Inc.
More about Steve Brazell
Steve Brazell ranks among the world’s foremost Global Business Strategists and Brand Risk Experts, delivering clarity to Fortune 500s, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals tackling major uncertainty. Operating from his New York City headquarters, Steve founded the Competition Removal® firm Hitman Inc nearly 30 years ago—partnering with industry heavyweights such as IBM, Intel, Kevin Costner, Keyshawn Johnson, Fitness Magazine, Time Inc., Microsoft, Gulf Bank, The Misk Foundation, The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Century Link, Warner Brothers, and Walt Disney.
Hitman Inc delivers deep, actionable insights on Brand Growth, Brand Value Discovery, Brand and Reputation Risk Mitigation, and Political Positioning. As the author of Clear! The Simple Guide to Keeping Your Business Alive and Kicking, Break Through the Cash Ceiling (featured in Men’s Health), and a contributing author to Replication: The Art and Science of Franchising Your Business, Steve’s influence spans publishing, thought leadership, and product innovation.
A serial entrepreneur and angel investor, he pioneered Limelight—the world’s first patent-pending online brand builder—and Whetstone, the original branding engine commissioned by the Department of Defense. Steve is also the founder of The New York Consulting Group, MintSky Entertainment, GBSC Strategic Communications, Gener8 Branding, Silent American, Respiro, Jet Black Studios, and Infrared Tactical.
Named one of Esquire’s 45 Under 45 Professional Men, Steve is fluent in Japanese and fascinated by body language, human behavior, and the martial arts. Rated in the top 1% of speakers and recognized as “most thought-provoking” and “most life-changing,” he delivers global keynotes on topics like coexisting with AI, thriving during change, dominating your market, sales mastery, persuasion, and conquering fear.
Steve also consults private equity firms and investors seeking turn-around strategies for underperforming brands, stepping in as interim CEO or CEO Advisor during disruptive phases. His leadership has guided EdTech and Business Strategy trailblazer Fullbridge, among others, through intense growth and reinvention.
Learn more at SteveBrazell.com and YourHitman.com.