Patric Greer, CFO of Edkey, Top 10 Admired Leaders of 2022

Brett Winn
Founding Partner/Creative Director
The Refinery


Patric Greer, CFO of Edkey

"Don’t Be Afraid To Take Big Creative Risks”

“The Refinery” is a "best in class" entertainment marketing agency with 160+ employees, numerous Clio, Golden Trailer and Promax Awards and clients in every sector of the industry. Brett Winn, founding partner/creative director, helps guide the talented team promoting films and series through key art, billboards, trailers, TV spots, digital ads, banner ads, and behind-the-scenes featurettes.

“Culture is a major component of our success”, says Winn. “Kindness is the thread that connects us, guides us, informs our actions and makes us all feel good. What's more, the byproduct of acting with such distinct, kind intention is creative that feels joyous, exhilarating, and special. It's not always about WHAT we do, it's about HOW we do it that sets us apart. And THAT is the harmonization of our vision with our mission.”

Brett believes in confronting any task with optimism, tenacity, and patience and tries to lead by example. From his business to his family to his love of music, he is a source of positivity, creativity, and balance for the team.

The Refinery is dedicated to creating content that resonates and stands the test of time. “It's amazing to work in an industry where our work can live on long after the original movie or series”, Brett adds. “We’ve created A/V and DIGITAL ads that stir conversation and PRINT artwork so beautiful, people hang it in their homes. It’s truly a gift to work in a job that you love.” One journalist reviewed Refinery’s KONG: SKULL ISLAND trailer, proclaiming “I love this trailer so much I want to marry it.”

The entertainment marketing industry is highly competitive. Personal relationships is what separates the good from the great. “You need to be comfortable enough to speak openly and honestly without the fear of hurt feelings or frustrations. I hope our clients know that we care as much about their success as they do and that we strive to make our marketing materials not only artistic but are also successfully effective in driving audiences to their franchises.”, states Winn.

In an effort to enable healthy growth, The Refinery recently integrated the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), encouraging and empowering the team with the tools to lead effectively and efficiently. Through EOS, they've created a safe space for employees to express their opinions and solve problems quickly. “I wouldn’t have thought an agency led by creatives would be amenable to such a system, but I can honestly say it works and was the key to how we successfully navigated the pandemic”, states Brett.

In addition to its creative services, Refinery is now offering ATMOS sound mixing and HDR color-timing through its TURN 9 finishing division. “ATMOS sound today is what Dolby 5.1 was a decade ago”, Winn claims.

Brett encourages entrepreneurs to have focus, perspective, and tenacity. “You can’t be afraid of taking big risks if you want to stand out. That also means, you can’t be afraid to lose. It is the equity of failure," he says, “that contributes to future successes.” “Nothing would ever change in the world if it weren’t for the brave few who “always take the leap, not knowing exactly where they’ll land.” IE


Company

The Refinery

Management

Brett Winn
Founding Partner/Creative Director
The Refinery

Description

The Refinery is a creative ad agency specializing in print, AV and digital advertising with a focus on the entertainment industry. Clients include: Disney, Universal, Paramount, Sony, Warner Brothers, Fox, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Apple, Hulu, ABC, NBC, CBS, AMC, HBO, FX, TNT and more.


Admired Leaders Magazine