STCC inspired entrepreneurial spirit for Dave Brinnel, a television producer and entertainer

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When he was attending Springfield Technical Community College, Dave Brinnel received some words of wisdom that he uses today in his life.

A professor told him: “Don’t wait for inspiration to write. You write to get inspiration.”

“That is so true,” said Brinnel, who owns and operates Dave’s Creative, a company specializing in the creation of unusual TV and radio commercials. “If I can take only one thing out of STCC, it would be that advice. It applies to everything in life. You can apply it to building a deck. You just do it and you get inspired.”

Brinnel is a familiar face – and voice – in Western Massachusetts. In addition to producing TV and radio commercials, he works as an entertainer. He has performed music in venues throughout the Northeast.

He used to host “The Dave in the Morning Show,” a radio show on WRNX out of Holyoke. He gave Rachel Maddow, the host of MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show,” her first broadcasting job.

Brinnel produces entertaining and funny videos showcasing local businesses picked as winners of MassLive’s Reader Raves “best of” contest.

Brinnel looked back on his time at STCC, where he graduated with a degree in Teleproduction and Multimedia Technology in 1982. STCC offers opportunities to receive a two-year degree, or one-year certificates. Students can enter the workforce or train for better positions after graduating, or transfer to four-year universities and colleges.

I got a ton of education crammed into two years, and walked away feeling like I knew what I had to know. Dave Brinnel, STCC graduate, Class of 1982

Brinnel saw STCC as a good fit for his goals. He wanted to get his degree in two years and then follow his dreams.

“I was never going to be the four-year, the six-year or the eight-year guy, so STCC was perfect,” Brinnel said. “I got a ton of education crammed into two years, and walked away feeling like I knew what I had to know.”

Brinnel started his own business in 1989. “I was doing jingles and radio commercials, and then I moved into television production where I’ve pretty much stayed,” he said. “I’m a self-starter. I’m a self-motivated person and I’m entrepreneurial.”

Brinnel in recent years has returned to STCC to produce videos to help get the word out about programs such as Mechanical Engineering Technology. When STCC won Reader Raves’ “Best College or University” in 2020, Brinnel  came to the campus to film a light-hearted clip celebrating the victory and highlighting STCC’s role in the community.

Brinnel highlighted popular programs at STCC such as engineering and manufacturing technologies, but also healthcare. He also injected his signature wit and dry comedic touches into an interview with President John B. Cook.

“Dr. Cook,” Brinnel says in the video. “Two professions in one name!”

Cook fondly remembers meeting with Brinnel for the interview.

“Dave is a talented and creative individual with a playful sense of humor that connects with his audience,” Cook said. “We are proud that STCC inspired him and helped him get started in television production. STCC has a lot to offer for students like Dave who have an entrepreneurial spirit, whether they want to study business or go into media. I look forward to seeing what he produces next.”

Brinnel continues to produce commercials for local businesses. He performs live in Western Massachusetts at restaurants, breweries and clubs. He also plays music for senior citizens who enjoy hearing oldies.

The Teleproduction & Multimedia program at STCC has evolved through the years as technology has changed. Today, students can choose to study programs that lead to a degree in Digital Media Production Technology. They include Communication and Digital Media Transfer (which is designed for students who want to transfer to a four-year college or university); Interactive Media and Animation Design Technology; and TV Production Technology.

The classes in the programs, however, continue to emphasize the essential skills such as writing that are needed to compete and thrive in media careers.

Brinnel credited STCC with giving him the building blocks to sustain his business and provide him with a rewarding career.

“I decided to start my own business in 1989, and that’s when all the education I got at STCC became very useful,” Brinnel said. “If you want an excellent, hands-on education, you can’t beat the STCC experience.”

Find out more about Dave Brinnel at davebrinnel.com and davescreative.com.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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