Written by Mara Brak
All it took for Gus Minotto to dive headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship was attending one Center for E+I event. The rest is history.
Meet Gus Minotto
Gus Minotto ‘24 majored in Biblical and Religious Studies and minored in Missional Entrepreneurship. He added his Missional Entrepreneurship minor after attending an event discussing Redemptive Entrepreneurship. Professor Yvonne English ‘97 was instrumental in his decision to pursue the minor. From there, he spent all his time participating in and attending any E+I event he could. In his free time, he endeavored to create a diverse skillset.
“I felt fulfilled working on projects customized to my strengths,” Minotto said in a recent interview with senior Mara Brak.
For Minotto, the best part about entrepreneurship is that any skill that you learn will be applicable in the real world, no matter where life leads you after graduation. He started with the Elevator Pitch Competition his freshman year and went on to participate in and win cash prizes at future Elevator Pitch Competitions and Wolverine Venture Battles.
Some of his favorite memories involve his experience with Praxis Academy Activate in California and New York. Praxis Academy Activate is a multi-day event for aspiring leaders seeking to create a redemptive vision and strategy for their vocation. Reflecting on his time spent at these events, Minotto mused that “it’s so cool to be surrounded by Christian entrepreneurs. It’s really eye-opening.” Being able to be heavily involved in a project like that allowed him to learn real-world entrepreneurship skills he can use for the rest of his life.
When you have a dream, you do anything you can to make it happen. Sometimes, life can take us on an unexpected journey.
Where Is He Now?
Gus Minotto is now a freelance videographer and photographer based in Pittsburgh, PA. His business, Brick by Brick, primarily exists on social media. The account on Instagram is @brickbybrickpa. He originally started in real estate photography but quickly realized his passion lay with videography. Today, he works with various companies like restaurants, architecture firms, non-profits and more on retainer. His business, Brick by Brick, adds value to their content by delivering high-quality videos that increase engagement.
Currently, Minotto is looking to enter into a 50/50 split with an ad agency, meaning he will receive half of the proceeds from any ad campaign they run with his videos. Otherwise, he plans to continue scaling his business and learn new skills to further elevate the value he provides.
Advice to Current Students
“Focus on God and what you’re good at.”
Minotto truly embodies the redemptive vision of the Entrepreneurship Department and Center for E+I. By trusting in God and fully utilizing the gifts you are given, you are well on your way to success.
Lastly, Minotto wanted all students to know this:
“Take as many risks as you can. Nothing is as hard as you think. Start it first, then make it perfect.”
Are you ready to start your entrepreneurial journey? Attend an upcoming E+I event and see where it takes you, just like Gus did.
Upcoming events:
- VentureU: Rapid Software Prototyping with Max Mirho, March 12 @ 4PM (virtual); RSVP here
- Richard G. Staley ’62 Visionary Entrepreneur Speaker Series: Zero To a Billion: A Story in Three Parts with Patrick Colletti, March 25 @ 7PM, Sticht Lecture Hall; View past speakers here.
- VentureU: Building Your Venture Finances with Professor Smith, March 26 @ 4PM, SHAL 308; RSVP here