About me

Hey there,

Really glad you're here.

I'm Brandon Hanly — Founder of Zappify.ai and creator of The Local Edge newsletter.

I grew up with one obsession: baseball. I worked hard enough to earn a scholarship and play college ball in the College World Series in San Diego. That experience taught me everything I still live by — discipline, teamwork, showing up every single day, and always competing for something bigger than yourself.

When my baseball career ended, I didn't want to stop competing. I just needed a new game.

I found it in the digital and AI world.

For over 10 years I've been building, consulting, and growing businesses through digital strategy and artificial intelligence — a journey that began in Carlsbad, California and continues today in Northern California. I've worked alongside some of the sharpest minds in marketing and business, including Dan Kennedy, Frank Kern, Trey Smith, Build Grow Scale, C.H.E.K Institute, and PT Enhance.

Some of the things I've built along the way:

• Zappify.ai — a company dedicated to building custom AI-powered systems that help local and small businesses automate, compete, and grow without needing a big brand budget.
• 10+ years in digital advertising and media — helping local businesses across Northern California cut through the noise and win more customers.

I've probably launched a hundred ideas that didn't work. But I believe every single day is a new lesson. The game of life never ends — and if you're willing to keep learning, you'll keep growing.

My core belief is simple: community and relationships win long-term. The businesses that invest in real connections — with their customers, their community, their people — are the ones that last.

That's exactly why I created The Local Edge.

Every week I share AI tools, digital strategies, and real-world tactics to help local business owners compete with the big brands, reclaim their power, and grow on their own terms.

It's really great to meet you.

I'm looking forward to learning and growing alongside you.

See you in your inbox,