A career based on seeing what others miss
Some entrepreneurs follow trends. Marty Brickey built his career by taking the opposite path.
“I’ve always been drawn to things that don’t seem obvious at first glance,” he says. “That’s usually the real opportunity.”
Brickey’s journey began with an entrepreneurial venture. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from Missouri State University. But his real training was based on experience. He learned early on to recognize the value of overlooked ideas and turn them into real businesses.
This mindset would determine everything that followed.
Early life and a drive to explore
Brickey grew up across the country because of his father’s work. This constant change shaped his view of the world.
“You learn to adapt quickly when you’re always the new guy,” he says. “You also learn to pay attention.”
As a teenager he spent time in Colorado. He developed a love for the mountains and skiing. This spirit of discovery accompanied him into adulthood.
This is evident not only in his hobbies, but also in the way he approaches business.
Layne Morgan Media founded
In 2002, Brickey founded Layne Morgan Media. Educational content looked very different back then than it does today.
He saw an opening.
“We found that people learn better when they are engaged,” he says. “So we asked: Why not use storytelling and visuals?”
The company focused on educational graphic novels. At the time it was a niche idea. But it worked.
Layne Morgan Media subsequently produced educational graphic novel material for The McGraw-Hill Companies. This partnership helped validate the model and scale the business.
“It wasn’t just about creating content,” Brickey explains. “It was about being able to sustain learning.”
Entry into the video game industry
After success in publishing, Brickey turned to a new field: video games.
He founded Flyover Entertainment, which included Secret Lair Studios, Grumpy Ninja Studios and Studio Chi’n in China. The move was another example of his willingness to enter uncharted territory.
“Games are just another form of storytelling,” he says. “But they’re interactive. That changes everything.”
The studios grew quickly. Her work attracted attention. Soon after, they were acquired by Vivendi Universal.
This acquisition helped form the backbone of what later became Sierra Online. It also contributed to the early structure of Activision Blizzard’s Chinese division.
“We built something global before that was common,” Brickey says. “It forced us to think bigger.”
Leadership through growth and change
As part of his ventures, Brickey often took on the role of CEO and executive board. His leadership style relies on clarity and adaptability.
“You can’t control everything,” he says. “But you can control how you react.”
He believes that strong teams are built on trust and clear direction. He also values speed.
“Decisions don’t get easier over time,” he adds. “You just get more information. At some point you have to move.”
This approach helped him scale companies in various industries. It also made him a valuable advisor and board member.
Investing and advising new ventures
After building and selling companies, Brickey expanded into investing and consulting.
One example is Gasworks Games, which was later acquired by Zynga. His responsibilities often include helping teams refine their strategy and avoid common mistakes.
“I try to give founders a perspective,” he says. “Sometimes you are too close to your own idea.”
He focuses on companies that combine technology with real impact. This includes software and platforms that solve clear problems.
“Technology is just a tool,” Brickey explains. “What’s important is what you do with it.”
A focus on technology and impact
Today, Brickey continues to work in technology and software. But his focus goes beyond business growth.
He is passionate about helping veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and trauma. He supports efforts that use technology to reduce suicide rates.
“This is work that counts,” he says. “If you can build something that helps people at that level, it changes the way you measure success.”
His approach combines innovation with practicality. It reflects a broader shift in the way it defines impact.
Life outside of business
Brickey’s interests reflect the same drive for challenge and exploration.
He is a pilot with over 4,000 flight hours. He also enjoys technical wreck diving, one of the most challenging forms of scuba diving.
“It takes a certain amount of concentration,” he says. “You can’t allow yourself to be distracted.”
He cycles several days a week and values time with his family. These activities provide balance to a career that spans multiple industries.
What characterizes Marty Brickey’s career?
Looking back, a few themes stand out.
He builds in spaces that others overlook.
He adapts quickly to changes.
And it combines technology with real results.
“I don’t think about industries so much as I think about problems,” he says. “If something needs to be solved, I want to be there.”
This mindset has taken him from publishing to gaming to technology and beyond.
And it continues to guide what he does next.
