Brianna Birdwell’s path to success wasn’t linear, but it’s a story of deep connection between business growth and community impact. She’s the founder of EID Solutions, a professional services company that spans a broad range of fields, from environmental sustainability and construction management to people development. But Brianna’s entrepreneurial journey started far from the boardroom – it began with diving gear and an unexpected pivot that set the foundation for a mission-driven business that gives back to the community.
A Dive into the Unknown
In 2005, after completing dive school to become a commercial diver, Brianna’s original plan was to join the ranks of women in the traditionally male-dominated dive industry. However, Hurricane Katrina changed her trajectory. The influx of job offers in New Orleans seemed promising, but her instructor advised against it, warning her that the industry was pushing untrained divers into dangerous waters, sometimes with fatal consequences.
Brianna quickly pivoted, choosing instead to stay in San Diego. Living in the city was expensive, and she had to find a new way to make ends meet. Her brother suggested eBay, and she dove headfirst into e-commerce. Initially helping others sell their items, she learned the ins and outs of the online marketplace, all while gaining a unique skill: the ability to spot value in seemingly discarded assets. This knack would later become the backbone of her entrepreneurial ventures.
From eBay to EID Solutions
After three years of working behind the desk in her garage, Brianna built a solid foundation in asset recovery – the process of finding value in items companies no longer deemed useful. This led to her first business, Pro Transactions, which she ran successfully before pivoting into consulting. She helped businesses nationwide recover value from assets they had written off, but it wasn’t enough. Brianna sought a larger purpose
In a fateful meeting with Karl Miller, Brianna’s future business partner, she found the next step. Karl shared challenges with managing large-scale assets, like meters and transformers, after they were decommissioned. Brianna saw an opportunity to make a real difference. She didn’t just want to start another business to make money – she wanted to build something that would give back to the community. Together, they founded EID Solutions.
Changing Mindsets and Driving Value
EID Solutions isn’t just about turning a profit – it’s about sustainability, investment recovery, and making an impact. Brianna’s ability to uncover hidden value in large assets has helped companies turn their “junk” into significant profit. She often works with utilities, where projects can be multi-million-dollar endeavors, and helps them understand the worth of seemingly unwanted equipment. For example, Brianna once advised a company on the potential value of meters worth $2.5 million, and her insight resulted in an unexpected $7 million upside for them.
It’s a unique skillset – matching companies with hidden value and resources that others might overlook. But what truly sets Brianna apart is her dedication to turning those profits into community change.
The Role of Sustainability
Much of Brianna’s work focuses on sustainability. One of the projects she’s particularly proud of is the San Diego Competitive Edge Program, a workforce development initiative that aims to diversify the construction industry. Through this program, Brianna mentors and trains individuals from the community, providing them with essential soft skills to succeed in their careers. By supporting local youth and empowering them with confidence, Brianna is not only helping the community but also addressing the critical shortage of skilled workers in construction.
The Power of Vision and Impact
Brianna’s work isn’t just about seeing value in assets – it’s about seeing the potential for change. Whether it’s diverting vegetation waste from landfills or rethinking waste management strategies, Brianna’s work aligns with organizations’ sustainability goals, while also benefiting the community. Her commitment to making a difference goes beyond just business; it’s about helping others realize the untapped potential within their own operations and aligning resources for broader community good.
As Brianna continues to grow EID Solutions, her focus remains on educating organizations about sustainability and value recovery. But her ultimate mission is clear: to make a lasting difference in the community by turning hidden value into impactful change.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Brianna Birdwell’s story shows the power of seeing potential where others might see waste. Her journey from eBay hustler to founder of a multi-faceted sustainability-driven company showcases how businesses can thrive while giving back to the community. By leading with purpose, Brianna continues to prove that the true value of a business isn’t just in the bottom line – it’s in the difference it can make in the world around it. Listen to her full journey on Women in Motion now: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/revitalizing-trades/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
