Community Highlights: Meet Larry Faragalli of Brightly

Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Faragalli. 

Hi Larry, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a native of the East Coast, from the Philadelphia region, I grew up in a family where design was the primary profession. After becoming enamored with technology, I began my career creating animations and websites in the mid-’90s. After servicing many different clients around the country, I moved to Michigan to assist in creating digital platforms for Central Michigan University’s Distance Learning Division. 

From there, I moved to Grand Rapids and worked for a technology firm specializing in business solutions eventually heading up their interactive division. 

After nearly a decade there, I left and started brightly, a research-driven, design-led digital consultancy focused on transforming complex business challenges into powerful brands, elegant software & engaging digital experiences.

Brightly has been in business for 10 years and is headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI with offices in Traverse City, MI, New York City, Buffalo, NY, Chicago, IL, and Detroit, MI. 

Additionally, I sit on the Board of the Small Business Association of Michigan, I’m a member of the West Michigan Technology Council, and I have a history of arts advocacy. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Because of the pressing and often unmet need for design and business strategy to be integrated into technology initiatives we’ve serviced hundreds of clients around the country and the world in the past decade. 

While not without the typical small business challenges, we’ve experienced great growth over the years. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Brightly?
More information can be found here: brightly.com 

We’re a boutique design and technology consultancy that helps mid-market and enterprise clients around the world tackle complex business challenges with a focus on total digital transformation and improving customer experience. 

After a decade in business, we’ve helped many well-known companies in both Michigan and around the world elevate their brands, increase their efficiencies, and perform their business goals more effectively through a thoughtful research and design-led approach to complex custom software, transformational initiatives, and large scale B2B eCommerce sites. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Starting a business, especially in the creative and technology space, requires a total commitment to continuing education. Things change so frequently in the world of business and technology that if you aren’t constantly learning new skills, frameworks, and core technologies you’ll quickly become irrelevant. 

Beyond that, just remember that for all the success stories you hear about, people often gloss over all of the challenges they faced getting there. It can take a long time for your business to look the way you imagined it initially. Keep at it, and don’t get discouraged by failure. Failure is a great teacher. 

Contact Info:

• Website: brightly.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamBrightly

Image Credits
Marion Siebert