This is such a terrible loss for all who knew Brett, and for the world. He was truly one of a kind, a special human in every sense.

When Brett joined as CMO of ZenPayroll (leading the rebrand to Gusto), I was early in my career and had never met a leader like him. He was sensitive and warm, taking the time to get to know each person on his team, not just for what we could do at work, but for who we were as humans and what we aspired to do with our lives. I felt so seen, heard, and valued in a way no manager or mentor had ever even attempted before.

One thing he told me I'll never forget: to lean into my superpowers (superheroes were a big love of his) and not worry so much about my weaknesses. I was a worrier then, and that advice became a turning point I still cite to people. It changed my entire outlook on my career.

And he was so fun to work with. Fearlessly creative, absolutely unafraid to get weird. I can still picture the glint of mischief in his eyes when he was enjoying what he was working on (which was often). It didn't surprise me at all that he went on to champion artists as a founder.

I wish we had kept in closer touch over the years. I wish I had gotten the chance to tell him what an impact he made on my life. The world can be so cruel, with its sharp-elbowed people and harsh-edged things. Brett was a pure delight, and I will miss him so, so much.

It is still hard to believe Brett is no longer with us. Just surreal. He was such a creative and entrepreneurial inspiration to me, and everyone around him. I learned the whole “Yes and..” thing from him. He was a friend, a mentor and a cheerleader. I’ll miss him dearly.

Sending love and condolences to Anne Marie and everyone in his family.

About 15 years ago, I was the hiring manager of Brett at Google (with him becoming Country Marketing Manager for Canada before he quickly moved to the Bay Area). He was one of the most original and entrepreneurial people I have worked with. On top of that, we became also personally great friends as he was so much fun, engaged, quirky and personable.

He was the official stepdad of my late dog Mickie (with Anne Marie being her one and only mom and Leo her junior brother). Always when I was away from the Bay Area, Mickie stayed with Anne Marie and Brett and had the most wonderful time of her life. I am forever grateful for the generosity of Anne Marie and Brett and herewith my heartfelt condolences to Anne Marie and Brett’s family and friends with the very sad loss of the most wonderful person. Warm greetings from the Netherlands.

# A Celebration of Brett Wilms

Brett Wilms didn’t just dream—he built. After years of leading at Google, he did what few have the courage to do: he walked away from certainty to create something that mattered more. His platform became a launchpad for independent artists, a testament to his belief that creativity shouldn’t be constrained by convention.

Just before he left us, Brett cracked the code on technology that would have taken his vision even further. And here’s the thing that sits heavy with all of us—he was just getting started. Brett saw technology as a tool for advancing humanity, for giving people the freedom to create and contribute in ways the world hadn’t seen yet. The ripple effects of what he could have built, the lives he could have touched—we’ll never know the full scope of it.

At 49, Brett lived more fully than most people do in twice the time. He showed us that excellence isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up with relentless care. That leadership means clearing the path for others to do their best work.

To Ann Marie, his best friend and wife, and to everyone whose life he illuminated: Brett’s work continues through us. Every artist he championed, every person he inspired to think bigger—that’s his legacy, alive and growing.

He was one of the good ones. And we were lucky to have him.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​   

Brett: A Hero Without a Cape

At 49, Brett Wilms left this world far too soon. But not before transforming every life he touched.

He loved superheroes. He studied their courage, celebrated their triumphs. Yet, every hero he admired on screen paled beside the man he was.

Brett didn't need a cape or superpowers.

His compassion was his strength.

His brilliance, his light.

His creativity and passion elevated every soul blessed to know him.

Brett was more than a friend. He was the younger brother I never had but always dreamed of. We met at Google after a simple invitation to speak to his team. Neither of us could have imagined how that moment would blossom into something sacred: a family of choice, bound not by blood but by love, trust, and shared dreams.

Brett and his beautiful Anne Marie became my first call for every new idea. Their encouragement made everything possible, everything better.

There are no days without thinking of him. His light continues to shine in every life he illumined, every heart he healed, every dream he helped bring to life.

Gone too soon? Yes.

But then, superheroes always are. And in a world that needs them more than ever, Brett remains precisely that: a hero whose legacy of love, brilliance, and humanity continues to save us all.

You remain the best of us: Aloha, my brother, my friend.

Brett was so full of life and wisdom. My favorite moment will be when he and Dave Zaboski were willing to accept the spontaneous request at breakfast: "Dave: would you consider officiating my wedding this morning? Brett: will you be our witness?" Magic happened and here I am living my best life with my wife having been married in one of the most spontaneous and unexpected of ways.

Brett gave me amazing wisdom on a very career-defining moment with a simple question: "Do you want your legacy to be based on being the critic or being the dreamer? It's not about the 'right' answer, only 'what is right for you'?"

Brett: you've impacted the world positively and made it a better place. Thank you for your contributions and vision.