Gnass actually began his career as an entrepreneur when he was even younger than 19. Starting at the age of 12, he worked with various small businesses in his hometown of Dimondale and learned the importance of working with a quality product, providing good customer service and paying attention to the details. By the time he was in high school, he was designing, creating and selling cards and invitations for his classmates and their families. While attending West Virginia University as a business administration major, he continued in this venture.

Gnass remembers the early days of Vision Creative. He had taken a risk, quit his regular job and was working long hours to launch his business. Since the business was just beginning, he found it necessary to moonlight to support his young family, and, at the end of the day, he would hurry home, change his clothes and then be off to another “work day” of DJing until 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. And this schedule wasn’t just a once-in-a-while thing but a seven-day-a-week thing.

All his hard work paid off, and today Vision Creative is flourishing in its newly refurbished home in an old building on Michigan Avenue, which Gnass bought, gutted and refitted as commercial space and lofts. He stated, “We are committed to Downtown Lansing and intend to stay here. We believe in the energy of the city and anticipate growth for our own business and other downtown ventures.”

According to www.answers.com, brand management is defined as “the application of marketing techniques to a specific product, product line, or brand. It increases the product's perceived value to the customer and thereby increases sales. Marketers see a brand as an implied promise that the level of quality people have come to expect from a brand will continue.”

For Gnass and his staff, this goes far beyond simply a visual presence. According to Gnass, “Vision Creative creates and manages the identity of a client. This includes not only website creation but also the development of marketing plans and writing, designing and producing communications materials. Our customers trust us to do our best for them and allow us the freedom to be agile and flexible and experiment with new ways of doing things. We are constantly learning and growing, and that makes every day exciting.”

He credits his success to a great staff, loyal customers and a company-wide ability to truly listen to clients. “We know how to listen to what our clients mean, not just what they say,” he said.

Gnass’ commitment to his community is just as strong as his commitment to his family and his business. His middle child, Jada, now 8, had three open-heart surgeries before she was 3. During this difficult time, he and his wife Lisa spent time at the Ronald McDonald House. His daughter is now doing well, and Gnass is giving back by working closely with the local Ronald McDonald House to design and donate any materials they need; he also serves on the development committee. His wife is currently board chairperson for the organization. The family also includes 11-year-old Alex and 6-year-old Maura.

In addition to all this, Gnass is in his twelfth year as a volunteer varsity soccer coach at Holt High School, is a board member of the Lansing Ad Club, an editorial committee member of the Small Business Association of Michigan and a member of the Lansing Regional (check this) Chamber of Commerce and Lansing Advertising Club.

Gnass is quick to credit his wife with helping him achieve success. He stated, “I truly wouldn’t be here without my wife’s support and understanding.”