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As the Internet was taking its first steps in AOL and Geocities, a teenager named Curt Cuscino was already exploring the realm of possibilities, building his first websites. Today, Cuscino has become a vanguard in digital marketing, steering the ship as the Founder and CEO of HypeLife Brands, a progressive brand development and startup marketing agency. However, Cuscino’s business acumen isn’t what makes him unique —it’s his ability to intertwine his passions and interests with his career, resulting in a unique blend of unmatched professional expertise and cultural savvy.
Upon meeting Curt Cuscino for the first time, it becomes instantly clear that he defies the typical CEO stereotype. His tattoos, penchant for t-shirts, and a striking collection of vinyl records and sneakers, all hint towards a colorful and complex personal life that harmoniously complements his professional persona. On one side, he leads a team through full-scale international B2B rebrands for global logistics giants, such as Phoenix International. On the other, he’s cultivating his passion for music as the host and producer of Future/Sound, a nationally-syndicated radio mixshow focused on bass and EDM music, a genre he embraced long before it hit mainstream pop culture.
Cuscino’s journey began more than two decades ago. From navigating the world of Compuserve as a teenager to launching his marketing agency, HypeLife Brands, he’s been riding the internet curve, harnessing its power to build, launch, and grow brands for fellow visionary entrepreneurs and founders. Yet, the fusion of his varied interests with his professional pursuit allows him to excel in the digital space.
One of the most distinctive threads in Cuscino’s career is his attunement to culture. As a self-proclaimed “cultural sponge,” Cuscino’s inherent understanding of trends, from pop culture to technology, equips him to connect brands with the Millennial generation. His expertise in this sphere has not gone unnoticed, earning him a feature in a 2017 NPR Marketplace interview on Millennials and the future state of retail.
Under Cuscino’s guidance, HypeLife Brands has gained multiple industry accolades over its 22-year journey, including awards from W3, AIGA, ADDYs, HOW Magazine, and the International Davey Awards. But while the company’s success is notable, Cuscino’s leadership style, drawing from his broad range of interests and experiences, truly stands out.
As Cuscino will tell you, the journey is not always easy. Still, his ultimate goals guide his path, motivating him to not just work on his personal projects but also to nurture upcoming entrepreneurs as a startup advisor at Cal State-Fullerton’s Irvine startup Incubator. Despite his numerous accomplishments, he is far from finished. His story is still unfolding, with his upcoming contribution to a collective audiobook on leadership a promising next chapter. The narratives he shares, the brands he builds, and the lessons he imparts testify to the entrepreneurial spirit.
In this ever-evolving digital landscape, Cuscino is not just keeping pace; he’s leading the charge. His journey serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. With a successful past rooted in a shared history with the internet and a bright future ahead, one thing is certain: Curt Cuscino isn’t merely influencing the digital sphere—he’s spearheading a revolution. For more on Cuscino and his journey, connect with him on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter, or visit HypeLife Brands.
