Brent Ferguson, “Ferg,” is a Creative Consultant in Wilmington. Read his story as this week’s #PeopleOfWilmDE!
“Twenty years in marketing, nine years in the entertainment industry. I’m Wilmington Born, Newark raised, and a Hodgson alumni. After high school, I jumped straight into the marketing world and secured an entry-level position at an expanding marketing firm where I worked in cities like New York, Allentown, and Chicago. Eventually, I returned to Wilmington and started a screen-printing company, which I sold to a buyer in New Jersey for a profit 5 years later. After that success, I focused on freelance consulting and creative directing before my journey took a significant turn when I teamed up with Paris /Jet Phynx. Over the past eight years, we’ve created well over 2,000 visual projects, and worked on 60+ man sets to 4-men skeleton crews. This collaboration opened doors to work with major brands like Coca-Cola, Sketchers, and SoundCloud, as well as major artists in the industry such as 50 Cent, Flo Milli, Latto, Usher, and so many talented people.
I’ve been blessed! Prior to Covid, I worked on the production team at Live Nation, and I recently wrapped up a 3-year contract with iHeartRadio. Now, I’m looking to shift my focus back to Wilmington, aiming to give people a reason to visit and experience the city. With the variety of roles I’ve taken on, I consider myself a Creative Problem Solver, overall committed to turning ideas into a reality.
I’ve had the privilege of playing a role in many projects across Wilmington over the years – most people don’t realize, because I’m often in the background making sure everything runs smoothly. Whether it’s helping artists build their brands, producing live events, or working on creative campaigns, I’m dedicated to making sure all the moving parts come together. So, don’t forget to read the credits!
In hindsight, 2016 was a pivotal moment for me as I connected with a young artist from the city named Bobby Dimes, a beloved figure in Delaware. Though he passed before we could fully finish his project, his influence shaped my path and perspective in the creative space significantly.
3 interesting facts about me are:
- Despite what some may think, I’m actually an introvert. I tend to be the quiet one in the room, but that doesn’t mean I’m shy – it’s just how I recharge.
- I’m a huge Hip-Hop nerd! I’ve been lucky enough to work with various artists in the industry, helping them ensure their intellectual property and creative branding are structured correctly for long-term success.
- My daughter lives with me full-time, so if I’m not working, I’m probably spending quality time with her. They grow up fast, and I make sure to be present as much as I can!
What is one of your proudest moments of being a Wilmingtonian?
One moment? That’s hard to narrow down but I’ve produced several concerts here in the city and I’m incredibly proud of selling out The Queen and bringing my favorite artist, Jadakiss, to Wilmington. I’ve worked with plenty of artists over the years but this was a full- circle moment for me. Having worked closely with The Queen for years, funding multiple shows under its roof, this particular event stood out. The venue has seen shifts in operations – from Live Nation to BPG – and I’ve had the privilege of working with multiple GMs during this time. But this show was special because it was personal. Growing up listening to Jadakiss and then having the opportunity to bring him to a sold-out arena in my hometown was surreal. Overall, I have a great team, and we’re dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for this city.
My favorite Wilmington attraction is definitely the Delaware Blue Coats. I’ve had season tickets for the past couple seasons, and it’s always a great time. The energy at the games is contagious, you should definitely catch a game!
A night out in Wilmington for a guy like me really depends on the night because we love sushi takeout from Al’s in DE.CO, but I’m always down for good music and food.
I’d kick things off with happy hour at The Quoin on the rooftop – best view in the city, hands down. Then it’s dinner at Oath 84. My guy Justin serves up some great dishes – have you tried his lamb chops? They’re perfect for setting the night up right.
From there, I’d head over to The Queen for some live music. Whether it’s a local artist or a bigger name, The Queen always delivers a solid lineup. There’s something about the energy of live music in that space that just hits right.
After the show, I’d hit up either APEXX or Suite4Eleven for that after-party feel. If DJ Blaire is spinning at APEXX, you already know it’s going to be a good night. But if I’m in the mood for a chill hookah spot, Suite4Eleven is the perfect place to wind down.
If it’s a weekend, I’d stretch it into the next day with brunch at Le Cavalier inside Hotel Du Pont. After that, walk along the Riverfront, maybe stopping by Constitution Yards for some outdoor games at the beer garden. If my daughter is with me, we might hit up the Riverwalk Mini Golf for some ice cream and a round of mini golf.
I love that Wilmington has a mix of great food, music, and fun places to hang. It makes for the perfect weekend or night out.
I’m heavily invested in the growth of the creative economy here in Wilmington. Over the next year, I’d love to see more support and development around entertainment and nightlife. It’s great that we have new condos and buildings popping up all over, but if there’s nothing for people to do after hours, what’s really keeping them here? We need to focus on a ‘live, work, play’ mentality, and entertainment will be key to encourage residents to stay and build a life here.
In the next 5 to 10 years, I’d like to see more venues and spaces dedicated to live music, art shows, and creative projects. I think we should aim to become a city where people don’t just come to work but STAY because they can immerse themselves in our city’s culture. It’s not just about having a place to live… it’s about creating a lifestyle that makes Wilmington an exciting place to be.
I’d also like to see more resources and programs for young creatives, whether it’s mentorship opportunities, grants, or spaces where they can collaborate and grow.
Wilmington has so much untapped talent, and if we invest in that now, we can shape a future where our city becomes a hub for creativity and innovation.
Everyone knows location is key!! We are 30 mins from Philly, a little over an hour to Baltimore, and two hours from New York City. The ability to travel to these major cities for meetings or social events in such short time frames is something that we shouldn’t take for granted.
There’s a lot of good energy in the city right now, you can feel it! Like a cloud has been lifted. A lot of my peers are now at the stage in their careers where we’re buying vacant properties, starting new businesses to fill the store fronts, and cultivating these relationships to move the city forward in a positive light.
What excites me most is being part of the city’s creative pulse. I believe Wilmington is more than ready to be a destination for people to visit, stay, and thrive. There’s so much talent here, and it’s been incredible to see how we’ve grown over the years. But we’re just scratching the surface. My hope is that through projects in music, arts, and entertainment, I can continue to help elevate Wilmington, making it a place where creativity and innovation lives.
So, if you’re in the city, come check out what we’ve been building. And if you’re not, you’re missing out – but there’s a lot more to come.
Embrace the connections you make here. Wilmington is a city where relationships matter! It’s small enough that you can really build meaningful networks, but big enough that there are plenty of opportunities to grow. The city’s capacity is only 70k people, but the Philadelphia Metro has a population of 6.5 million. So, whether you’re working in business, the arts, or community projects, don’t hesitate to put yourself out there and collaborate. There’s a lot of untapped potential in Wilmington, and the more we work together, the more we can elevate the city as a whole.
Also, be adaptable. Wilmington is evolving, and the people who thrive here are those who can see where the city is headed and find ways to contribute. Whether it’s through your business, creativity, or community engagement, look for ways to make an impact. And finally, enjoy the ride. This city has a unique culture, especially with its music, food, and arts scene, get involved and take pride in being part of its growth.
Follow Brent Ferguson on Instagram and Facebook.
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