Marty Brickey is a U.S.-based entrepreneur, investor, and technology leader who has built his career by turning unconventional ideas into real businesses. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from Missouri State University, where he began shaping a mindset focused on problem-solving and adaptability.
Growing up, Marty moved often due to his father’s job. That experience taught him how to adjust quickly and see opportunity in new environments. As a teenager, time spent in Colorado sparked his love for exploration, something that would later influence both his work and personal life.
In 2002, he founded Layne Morgan Media, where he helped pioneer educational graphic novels. The company produced content for The McGraw-Hill Companies, showing how storytelling could improve how people learn. He later entered the gaming industry by founding Flyover Entertainment, a group of studios that expanded internationally and were eventually acquired by Vivendi Universal. That work contributed to the foundation of Sierra Online and the growth of Activision Blizzard’s presence in China.
Over time, Marty took on roles as a CEO, advisor, and investor. He has worked with companies like Gasworks Games, which was later acquired by Zynga. Today, he focuses on technology and software, while also supporting efforts that help veterans manage PTSD, anxiety, and trauma through innovative solutions.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts early. I try to get some kind of movement in, either cycling or something simple to clear my head. After that, I focus on priority work before anything else can distract me. I break my day into blocks. Mornings are for thinking and decision-making. Afternoons are for calls and collaboration. I stay productive by limiting noise and focusing on what actually moves things forward.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start small. I don’t try to build the whole thing at once. I look for the simplest version that proves the idea works. When we started educational graphic novels, it was just testing if people would engage differently. Once you see traction, you build from there.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Technology being used for mental health. There’s real potential to reach people who would never step into a traditional system. That matters, especially for veterans dealing with PTSD and anxiety.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I write things down. Not just tasks, but thoughts. It helps me stay clear and focused. If it’s not written down, it’s easy to lose track.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Move faster. I spent time overthinking decisions early on. You learn more by doing than by waiting.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think most people make things too complicated. Simple ideas, executed well, beat complex ideas that never get finished.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Step back and ask what actually matters. It’s easy to get caught in busy work.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away completely. Sometimes I’ll go for a ride or just disconnect. That reset helps more than pushing through.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Focusing on overlooked opportunities. Educational graphic novels weren’t common when we started. Neither was building global game studios the way we did. Looking where others aren’t gives you space to build.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I’ve had projects where we tried to scale too fast. We assumed demand would follow automatically. It didn’t. I learned to validate before expanding.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A simple platform that connects veterans to peer support in real time, with privacy built in. It doesn’t need to be complicated to be useful.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use simple note and task tools. Nothing complex. I organize ideas, track priorities, and keep everything visible.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I tend to revisit classic business and mindset books. The ones that focus on thinking clearly and acting decisively always stand out.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoy anything that shows how people solve problems under pressure. It’s interesting to see how different personalities approach challenges.
Key learnings
- Focus on simple ideas and execute them well rather than overcomplicating plans.
- Test ideas early before scaling to reduce risk and improve outcomes.
- Look for opportunities in spaces that others overlook.
- Build habits that create clarity, such as writing down priorities and thoughts.
- Take breaks when overwhelmed to reset and return with better focus.