Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridget Brandt.
Hi Bridget, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story is deeply tied to the Leander Chamber of Commerce. I’ve been part of the organization for 15 years, and during that time I’ve had the opportunity to watch both the Chamber and the city of Leander grow in incredible ways. What started as a passion for community involvement turned into a long-term commitment to serving local businesses and helping create a strong, connected business community.
Throughout my time with the Chamber, I’ve helped build and grow many of our signature events, especially those centered in Old Town Leander. Events like the Old Town Street Festival, the Old Town Christmas Festival, and community gatherings in our historic district bring thousands of people together and highlight what makes Leander special. These events aren’t just celebrations — they’re opportunities for local businesses to be seen, supported, and connected to the community.
On the business side, the Chamber’s networking and professional development events have always been a core focus for me. From our monthly luncheons and after-hours mixers to leadership programs and the Leander Local Fest, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful connections turn into partnerships, growth, and long-term success for our members.
After 15 years, what continues to inspire me is the people — the business owners, volunteers, and community leaders who show up, support one another, and believe in Leander. Being part of that journey and helping move it forward has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited for what’s still to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being part of the Leander Chamber of Commerce during a period when Leander has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Rapid growth brings real pressure — on infrastructure, small businesses, workforce development, and the sense of community that makes a city feel like home. Managing that kind of change takes intention, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt quickly.
At the same time, that growth has created enormous opportunity. New businesses, new residents, and new ideas continue to reshape Leander, and the Chamber plays a critical role in helping connect those pieces. We work to ensure long-standing businesses aren’t left behind while also welcoming new entrepreneurs and employers into the community.
This period of growth has pushed us to expand programming, rethink how we support our members, and create events and networking opportunities that help people build relationships in a rapidly evolving city. It’s required flexibility and vision, but it has also allowed us to position the Chamber as a steady connector during times of change.
Ultimately, the challenge and the opportunity go hand in hand. Helping guide a growing city while preserving its heart is meaningful work, and it’s something I’m proud to be part of every day.
As you know, we’re big fans of Leander Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Leander Chamber of Commerce exists to support, connect, and champion the businesses and organizations that make our community thrive. At our core, we are a relationship-driven organization focused on helping local businesses grow, stay visible, and feel connected in a rapidly expanding city.
What sets the Leander Chamber apart is our hands-on, community-first approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all membership. Instead, we work closely with our members to understand their goals and help connect them to the right people, resources, and opportunities. From networking events and leadership development to workforce initiatives and large-scale community festivals, we create spaces where relationships turn into real results.
We’re especially known for our signature events in Old Town Leander — including the Old Town Street Festival, Old Town Christmas Festival, and community-wide celebrations that bring together residents, businesses, and visitors. These events not only celebrate Leander’s history and culture, but also provide meaningful exposure for local businesses in front of thousands of attendees.
We also specialize in business networking and professional development. Our monthly luncheons, after-hours mixers, leadership programs, and the Leander Local Fest are designed to foster authentic connections, spark collaboration, and support long-term business growth.
What we’re most proud of as a brand is our role as a connector. Whether it’s introducing two businesses that end up partnering, supporting workforce programs for students, or helping new businesses find their footing in Leander, our impact is measured by the strength of the relationships we help build.
We want readers to know that the Leander Chamber of Commerce is more than events and meetings — we’re a trusted partner, an advocate for local business, and a welcoming gateway into the Leander community.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that has been most important to my success is the ability to bring good people together to work toward something meaningful. I genuinely believe that strong communities — and successful organizations — are built through collaboration, trust, and shared purpose.
I’ve always focused on creating spaces where people feel valued, heard, and connected. When the right people are brought together and given the opportunity to collaborate, incredible things happen. Ideas turn into action, partnerships form naturally, and a true sense of community is created.
Especially in a fast-growing city like Leander, that ability matters even more. Growth can feel overwhelming, but when people work together as a team, it becomes an opportunity to build something lasting. My role has often been less about leading from the front and more about connecting the dots — aligning people, passions, and resources to serve the greater good.
At the end of the day, success isn’t about individual achievement. It’s about building strong teams, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating a community where people want to invest their time, energy, and talents. That’s what motivates me and continues to guide my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leandercc.org
- Facebook: leanderchamber
- Twitter: leanderchamber
