Murphy Funkhouser

Brand, Marketing & Business Strategist
Brand, Marketing & Business Educator

“Murphy is a dynamic and inspiring person, and so fun to work with!” – Christa Capua, Capua Law

Just as the spark bursts from the flame, most paths to success do not follow a straight line. After studying theater performance, I spent 15 years in business management, sales, and broadcasting. In 2010, I founded the successful branding and marketing agency Kudzu Brands. In 2021, I opened a private consulting firm BrandStage Consulting and started working as a teacher and coach at Mountain Bizworks.

Under BrandStage Consulting, I offer both business and brand strategy and management for businesses looking to improve performance.

When I am not creating strategies that help businesses perform, I am on the stage myself. My understanding of the stage and the elements of a performance transfer to my understanding of business and branding. I know how to tell a compelling story. I understand how to get an audience’s attention. I understand how all the actors and “scene changes” must work together to produce a great show!

My business and brand expertise combined with my experience as a performer make me the perfect business or brand strategist for any business or organization looking for effective strategies for taking center stage in the market.

Professional Bio:

Murphy Funkhouser is a business, brand and marketing strategist and educator with over 20 years of experience. She was the co-founder and owner of Kudzu Brands, based in Asheville, for ten years, and now owns a private business and brand strategy firm, BrandStage Consulting. Her expertise includes creating, launching, and building brands and developing business and non-profit marketing strategies. 

Murphy has taught business, branding and entrepreneurship at UNC-Asheville, AB Tech and Blue Ridge Community College. She is a year-round teacher, coach and facilitator at Mountain Bizworks in Asheville. She is on the UNC-Asheville Management and Accountancy Department Advisory Board. She is a graduate of the Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Businesses program at Babson College and a two-time Mountain Bizworks ScaleUp participant.

In 2018, Murphy was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year from the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, she received the Girl Scout’s Woman of Distinction Award for her work with female entrepreneurs.

Murphy is currently obtaining her Master’s Degree in Communications and Storytelling from East Tennessee State University.

In addition to helping businesses tell their stories. Murphy also has some of her own. She shares her personal stories as the author and performer of multiple award-winning plays that have been performed across the country.