GARRETT HERZIK





Helping brands big and small understand who they are, why they matter, and where they’re going.





Freelance Brand & Innovation Strategist
Born in Houston, based in Amsterdam
Currently working alongside Porto Rocha




Strategy is a daily practice. A disciplined study of the world around me to illuminate the obvious, but overlooked truths inherent to how we live. I look for the remarkable in the menial and exchange chaos for clarity.

I consider myself a student of ideas, perspective, and opinion. Born in a generation overthrown by technology and now fascinated by its impact on how we relate to the world around us.

I’m self-taught, freelancing before joining the ranks of agencies. Most recently practicing full-time at Redscout, and before that, cofounder of Primary Haus, a micro agency built on a friendship that began in driver’s-ed.

Away from my desk, I can be found running, reading, and generally roaming while deep in thought or deeply distracted. I also dream of one day operating as a pseudonymous creative under the alias Cerebral Panther™.

I sincerely believe brands have the power to move humanity forward.


I’m deeply optimistic, willing to trust there’s a brighter future ahead and working to bring great ideas into the light. You’ll find my style to be quite personal, as I continually channel an understanding of myself and those around me to create playful environments for digging in deep. 
Read the Manifesto







If the way you see the world never shifts while working together, I haven’t done my job.










“There's no one quite like Garrett. He embodies qualities you rarely find in one person: sensitive cultural antennae, a strong sense of creative integrity, unlimited hunger to learn, and a persistent optimism that makes doing the work fun even when it's hard.

For me, he's been a solid co-pilot on a variety of projects, and he never flinches when asked to take on big pieces of work, or knotty questions.

Get yourself a Garrett!”

Dan Pratt
Strategy Director, Redscout


"Garrett is that rare brand professional who combines research, analysis, and novel ideas to deliver inceptive strategies like Aristotelian endings: unexpected, yet inevitable.

Garrett is a gifted brand strategist who is as thoughtful in his concepts as he is in his team dynamics. His articulation and messaging drive stewards toward brand maturity while feeling ownable. His initiatives consider the full range of brand experience, from business and marketing strategy to company culture.

Garrett has zero ego, deftly integrating feedback while pushing back where necessary in service of the brand. His greatest accomplishment while we worked together was strategizing around one of the strongest brand names and territories I’ve seen in my career. Garrett was an absolute delight to manage and is one to watch."

Jackie Julie
Strategy Director, Paper Tiger“I've been sitting on this complex business idea for a few years, but it always felt a bit too complicated. Working with Garrett changed all that. He helped me give it the right structure and a clear purpose, turning it into something I could realistically pursue and think about strategically. I'm really grateful for his help. Garrett's not just talented; he's a great person and super easy to work with. I'm excited about the prospect of collaborating on more projects in the future.”

Andy Sommer 
Founder, OffChance


"When I started to write this, my first thought was to ask Garrett to write it for me. Not because I didn't want to leave a recommendation, but because the magic he writes would be better than anything I could come up with. Joking aside, please hire this talented professional. He took my rough idea for my company and created poetry that is not only easy to read, but so much more interesting. He gave us a North Star and strategy that not only helps our clients know what we do and how we do it, but it also keeps us aligned as a company to stay on the right path. We get so many compliments on our about page and I'm so proud to show off Garrett's work.

He was thoughtful, thorough, and patient. Things you rarely get out of an individual today. He took the time to listen and hear my goals for my company. I can’t thank him enough for his time and talent. He is a wonderful human. You won't regret working with Garrett, it will actually be one of the best decisions you make as a business owner."

Justin Sweidel
Founder & CEO, Timber Pictures
HERZIK & CO.