He had a full client roster, was running paid media campaigns, and building lead gen systems before he could legally vote.
Aaron Wagenheim had already lived two distinct career chapters before most of us had even picked a major.
First came digital marketing.
Then came the pivot: helping high school athletes build personal brands before NIL had fully entered the mainstream.
That decision, and a relationship-first approach, shaped everything that followed.
Aaron chose to skip college and double down on what was already working.
Now in his early twenties, he leads BYAWAGS Media, a content agency serving national brands, professional athletes, and local businesses.
He's worked with top brands including GilletteLabs, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Timberland, Stanley, Slate Milk, Raising Cane’s, CVS, 7/11, and RedBull.
When we met at a startup event in Boston, I was struck by Aaron’s clarity and mindset.
While The Afternoon Shift is focused on mid-career and leadership, understanding how early career marketers and entpreneruers see the game right now is instructive.
Especially for those of us navigating what’s next.
In this episode, we cover:
- Balancing preparation and posting
- The production-value paradox of personal content
- Working with athletes in the NIL era
- Why companies should support internal creators
- The evolution of influencer marketing
- Creativity, ego, and the curse of the marketer
Thanks for being here.
Let's make career more of a team sport.
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Learn more about The Afternoon Shift and sign up for our free newsletter. (theafternoonshift.com)
Host: Brady Sadler
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Show Art: Kyle Mosher