Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Banyas
Brad , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Birth of SaltyMF: A Story of Serendipity and Vision
I’ve been an entrepreneur since my early twenties, primarily in the software and technology space. My career had been built on innovation, strategy, and solving complex problems, but I never imagined that a casual conversation on a beach would set me on a completely unexpected path.
It was four years ago, during the height of COVID-19, when I found myself walking along the shoreline, the ocean breeze cutting through the eerie quiet that had settled over the world. As I strolled, I struck up a conversation with an old beachcomber—just one of those chance encounters that somehow sticks with you. He had a weathered look, the kind of face that told a thousand stories, and as we talked, I found him to be an all-around great person, full of life and wisdom.
As our conversation wrapped up, I jokingly called him a “Salty MF’r.” He laughed, nodded in agreement, and started to walk away. But then, he suddenly turned back and shouted, “Hey, that would make a funny t-shirt!”
We both chuckled, and I returned to my beach chair. But as I watched him disappear into the distance, something clicked. The world was drowning in isolation, human interaction was dwindling, and yet here was this guy—living proof that everyone has a story worth telling. That moment sparked an idea: What if we built a company that honored real people—the raw, unfiltered, and authentic side of everyday folk?
I glanced at the beer in my hand, smirked, and grabbed my phone. Right then and there, from my beach chair, I registered www.saltymf.com. That was the day SaltyMF Enterprises was born.
Excited, I called my business partners at our technology company, OMI, and told them, “Hey fellas, I’m going to start a lifestyle company.” Naturally, they thought I’d lost my mind. But one of my lifelong friends and business partners, Paul Sciandra, asked the golden question:
“Does the MF mean what I think it does?”
I laughed. “Yes, Paul, it does.”
He didn’t hesitate. “I’m in. Let’s roll.”
Little did we know that what started as a joke on a beach would evolve into an apparel brand, a media company, a podcast network, and even a music service just three years later. What began as a simple idea—celebrating authenticity and real human connection—had transformed into a movement.
And it all started with a conversation, a beer, and a salty old man on the beach.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Figuring It Out Together
By the time you reach your fifties, you’ve seen a lot—life’s highs, lows, triumphs, and setbacks. You’ve taken your fair share of wins, but you’ve also learned that it’s not just about winning. It’s about doing your best work, putting in the effort, and surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better, just as you push them.
I consider myself incredibly blessed. Through all the twists and turns, I’ve had loyal family, steadfast friends, and business partners who have stood by my side. If there’s one thing I’ve come to understand, it’s that success isn’t about individual victories. It’s about reaching your full potential—together.
My father, Michael Banyas, was the greatest man I’ve ever met. He had a simple philosophy, one that stuck with me through every challenge in life. He used to say,
“Fellas, we have to figure this sh!t out together.”
And he was right. No matter what we face, no matter the obstacles ahead, the answer is never in going it alone. The answer is in the people around you—the ones who push, support, and challenge you to be your best.
That’s what I carry with me every day. That’s what drives me forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The Road Trip That Sparked a Revolution in Live Music for SaltyMF Enterprises first technology based service called Band Groupeez www.bandgroupeez.com
Long road trips have a way of inspiring big ideas, Paul Sciandra and I, returning from a drive Myrtle Beach, South Carolina became the birthplace of something that could transform the live music industry as we know it. Somewhere between the endless highway stretches and the back-and-forth banter about music, venues, and independent artists, a vision took shape—Band Groupeez, a service designed to seamlessly connect independent artists, live music venues, and passionate music fans within one dynamic ecosystem.
But to fully understand this idea’s genesis, we have to rewind a bit—to Salty’s Live Music, an initiative launched earlier that year. Through countless interviews and backstage conversations, Paul and I met some of the most talented, hardworking independent artists, all fighting for their place in the industry. Episode after episode, a recurring theme emerged—musicians struggling with the same obstacles:
Promotional challenges – Reaching the right audience was harder than playing a packed house.
Self-management struggles – Booking gigs, handling finances, and staying visible online felt like a full-time job (on top of making music).
Venue difficulties – Even the best live music spots were grappling with event management headaches, inconsistent audience turnouts, and unreliable promotion channels.
And then there were the fans—the lifeblood of any music scene—left scrambling between outdated websites, scattered social media posts, and word-of-mouth just to find a good live show.
Sitting in that car, mile after mile, We knew something had to change. We weren’t musicians ourselves, but as die-hard music fans and years of experience in the tech industry, we saw the glaring gaps in the system. We had the ability to build something better—a single, cohesive platform that would bring it all together.
The vision wasn’t just about helping fans find live music; it was about empowering artists and venues, giving them the tools to thrive in an industry that often leaves them struggling for visibility. It was about creating a movement—where independent artists could connect directly with the fans who love their music, and where venues could fill their spaces with engaged audiences, night after night.
By the time the car pulled back into town, Band Groupeez was more than just an idea—it was a mission.
And it all started with a road trip, some good music, and two guys who knew there had to be a better way.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
The Beautiful Lie
For most of my life, almost no one knew I was adopted. And funny enough—neither did I.
It wasn’t until recently, at 53 years old, that I uncovered the secret—one I now affectionately call “The Beautiful Lie.”
It was a secret so deeply held, so completely embraced, that even I was unaware of it. My mother, Louise Banyas, and my father, Michael Banyas, along with every relative and friend who surrounded me, never made me feel like anything but their own flesh and blood. Their love was so absolute, so unwavering, that the truth remained hidden in the best possible way.
Fifty-three years is a long time to live without questioning where you come from. And when I finally learned the truth, there was no sense of loss—only gratitude. Because in the end, family isn’t just about blood; it’s about love, loyalty, and the people who choose you, every single day.
To my parents, my family, and everyone who made this life possible—thank you. Your love was never a lie. It was the most beautiful truth I could have ever known. Thank You!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bandgroupeez.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymf_goat
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradbanyas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saltymf
