An Oklahoma native whose early career began in Tulsa, Brenda’s love of music stems from growing up around the acclaimed “Tulsa Sound.” While in Tulsa, Brenda developed a diverse background in modeling and modeling instruction, imaging and career development, business administration, talent booking, and restaurant/club management. In her early twenties, after a modeling stint in New York City, Brenda returned to Tulsa and put her entrepreneurial skills to work. She started a business designed for women which specialized in imaging and portraiture. She also gave instructional seminars on career development for women in the corporate world.
In 1987, Brenda moved to Nashville and her plans to start another business focusing on imaging and career development for women was diverted. Married to a music industry executive she found herself immersed in the music business. Inspired by her passion for music and fueled by enormous energy, she began spearheading industry events and songwriter nights. Brenda created and produced “The TNT (Tulsa-Nashville-Transplant) Blowout,” a reunion celebration for Okie transplants working in the Nashville music industry. The event with it's multi-act concert became a successful annual event with music fans from all over the country traveling to Music City.
Always in the company of industry professionals, it wasn't long before Brenda's entepreurial skills and creative talents were noticed. At the request of several artists she began working with new acts in a consulting capacity. In 1990, she founded Artist Concepts a Nashville-based artist development and management company. At first, the company was discouraged by her industry peers, but as always, Brenda went "against the grain" and developed Artist Concepts into a premier artist development company. It was the first of it’s kind in the Nashville music industry.
One of her first clients was singer-songwriter Rachel Proctor. She groomed Rachel for an introduction to the major record labels and publishers landed a publishing deal at Warner Chappell Music, a division of Warner Brother's Records. This achievement garnered media attention because Rachel became the youngest writer in history to be signed to a major publishing agreement. Soon, Brenda was actively seeking young artist writers. She sought out youthful singer-songwriters who with proper development had potential for stardom. She organized a group, selected the members and called it the “Young Riders". She dedicated herself to each member's development process; grooming their image, establishing stage presence, and musical direction. This incredibly talented group included Rachel Proctor, Blake Shelton, Robin English, Kenny Horton, Amber Leigh, Ryan Murphy, and Tom Wurth. This group's unique performances gained so much attention from industry executives that it resulted in several publishing and recording contracts.
Overseeing every aspect of the artist’s career, Brenda groomed her clients for introductions to major labels. Brenda also negotiated recording contracts for her management clients, Wild Horses, Mike Self, and Rick Stevens. She was also recruited for special projects such as the Patsy Cline Duets, and with well-known artists such as Tracy Lawrence and Shedaisy and actor, Kevin Bacon. She was often called upon to consult with indie record labels such as Bluxo Records, who represented Kevin Bacon, and was asked to help develop new artist/writers with Warner Chappell Music.
Because of a changing music industry climate, in 2003 Brenda formed NashRock Entertainment. The company was designed to represent not only country music artists, but artists from all genres. Again, Brenda put forth a new model unlike any other company in the Nashville music industry. The first act signed to NashRock was rock/pop group, Crew (later to be re-named Safety Suit). After discovering the band in Tulsa she worked with them to facilitate the signing of contracts with Zomba Publishing and Universal Records. NashRock also represented Christian artist, Tommy Job and country artist, Justin David. Brenda managed the country-rock super group, Burrito Deluxe, who is signed to indie label, Luna Chica Records. Soon after, she was recruited to consult for Burrito Deluxe's record label, Luna Chica Records. Her expertise oversaw every aspect of Burrito Deluxe’s latest recording, Disciples of the Truth. To accompany Disciples Of The Truth, Brenda co-produced Burrito Deluxe's historical DVD, now released as a CD/DVD combination which has received rave reviews from the critics. Brenda also co-created and produced the soon to be released television program, In House Concerts a weekly live music show.
Presently Brenda heads up the day-to-day operations of Luna Chica Record's as General Manager and Director of A&R. Her responsibilities include the indie label's strategic planning and development, distribution, recording, marketing, and promotion.
Additionally, Brenda generously gives back to the community. She has long had a reputation for organizing charitable events and benefit concerts, and serves on several committees. With a strong desire to make a difference, she also reaches out to families and friends of those suffering from mental illness. She actively advocates for the mentally ill and serves on the Executive Board of Directors for NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness). She was also recruited to serve on the Board of Directors for Grandpa's House (a program house for those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction) and Colby's Army, a non-profiit organization. Brenda is also a member of the Country Music Association, the Americana Music Association, and NARAS.