Meet Bri Polanco | Founder, Contract Manager, & Chief Operations Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bri Polanco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bri, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To me, taking risks is about tapping into faith, grit, and passion. It’s that moment when you step forward into something without fully knowing how it will turn out. I’ve learned through my journey that no matter how much planning or preparation you do, there’s always an element of the unknown. When I made the decision to venture out and establish my own business, ContractQueenBri, it wasn’t just about a leap into entrepreneurship—it was a commitment to trust myself and embrace the challenges ahead. Risk is a core part of both my career and my life path. Each step, from drafting my first contract to helping others build their businesses, involved taking risks that forced me to grow.

What I find important, and what I share with my clients, is that risk-taking isn’t easy. It involves embracing discomfort, fear, and uncertainty, but it is also an opportunity for incredible growth. We can’t underestimate how hard it is to take risks. It means facing failure, setbacks, and doubts while having the courage to push through them. I believe my role is to support others who are on that same path, helping them navigate the uncertainties of risk while managing my own. This approach is at the heart of ContractQueenBri—helping others turn their risks into steps toward success while being transparent about how challenging that journey can be.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, ContractQueenBri LLC, was born out of a deep passion for helping businesses navigate the complexities of contracts and operations. What sets ContractQueenBri apart from others is the personalized approach I take with each client. I don’t just provide templates; I help build processes and strategies that are tailored to each company’s unique goals and challenges. One of the things I am most proud of is how I’ve been able to blend my passion for business operations with a high level of detail and care for each contract. Whether it’s starting a new partnership or ensuring compliance, my goal is to make business growth as seamless as possible for my clients.

My journey with Elite List as the Director of Operations has been both rewarding and challenging. Coming from a business operations background, stepping into the tech and startup world required me to learn a lot very quickly about digital platforms, creator management, and innovative business models. Elite List is a digital creator collaboration platform that automates partnerships between creators and businesses based on barter-only transactions, which was an entirely new world for me​​. I had to merge what I knew—efficiency in operations and business processes—with this exciting and fast-paced digital landscape. It wasn’t easy, but by staying curious and being open to learning, I was able to connect my existing skills with this new opportunity.

The challenges I faced—especially early on—came down to overcoming the steep learning curve in an industry that was foreign to me. I had to get comfortable with not knowing all the answers right away and instead focused on staying adaptable, asking questions, and relying on the strengths I already had. Overcoming these challenges taught me that no matter how niche or complex your skills are, there is always a place for you to thrive.

Through this journey, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that passion and persistence go hand in hand. Whether it’s learning new technology or building a business, trusting your unique abilities and leaning into the discomfort of growth is essential. What I want the world to know about my story and my brand is that, no matter how unconventional your talents may seem, there is a path that aligns perfectly with what makes you unique. You just have to have faith in yourself and your vision.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Scottsdale for a week, I’d want to show them the best of everything—food, fun, nature, and nightlife. Scottsdale is full of diverse experiences, so we’d start with some amazing dining. For upscale dining, I love SumoMaya because the fusion of Mexican and Asian cuisine is incredible—it’s a true celebration of bold flavors and culture. For a more relaxed, local vibe, we’d hit up Karsen’s Grill. They don’t do takeout because they’re all about creating a friendly, neighborhood feel with amazing food. It’s like stepping into a spot where everyone knows your name.

For drinks, I’m a huge fan of the downtown speakeasy scene. We’d definitely grab a cocktail at Pigtails, where the atmosphere is perfect for a laid-back yet sophisticated evening. If we’re looking to go out, I love the house music vibes at Almost Famous or Sunbar—it’s impossible not to have a great time dancing the night away there.

In terms of outdoor activities, Scottsdale is unbeatable. I’d take my friend hiking in the McDowell Mountains—it’s one of my favorite ways to stay active while soaking up Arizona’s beautiful desert landscape. Afterward, we’d cool off by hitting the pool at a luxury spot like Mountain Shadows or even head to a pool party at Hotel Adeline for some fun in the sun.

Overall, Scottsdale offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture that I absolutely love, and I’d want my friend to experience every bit of it. Whether we’re trying new foods, enjoying the music scene, or just kicking back by the pool, I’d make sure they leave with unforgettable memories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My former business partner and mentor Tony Hansmann, Elite List Inc, and Venture Cafe Phoenix

Website: https://www.contractqueenbri.com

Instagram: bri_alyse15

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briana-polanco-90b52b129/