Gavin Keilly Built the Room Hollywood Trusts

Hollywood has never suffered from a shortage of parties, velvet ropes or rooms filled with attractive people pretending they are not looking around to see who else is there. Gift lounges are no exception. There are plenty of them. But there is only one GBK Brand Bar.

Founder and CEO Gavin Keilly has spent more than two decades producing luxury gift lounges that celebrities, brands and the media consistently describe as the best. That kind of longevity cannot be purchased with a beautiful venue and expensive champagne. In Hollywood, where everyone is promised an “exclusive experience,” reputation is the real luxury. Keilly understands that better than most.

He began his career as a financial advisor before moving into nonprofit work, where he recognized that celebrity attention could do more than produce a photo opportunity. It could raise awareness and funds for charitable organizations, introduce an emerging company to the world and create relationships that would continue long after an event ended.

That philosophy became GBK Brand Bar.

Of course, the guests receive extraordinary gifts... that is the glamorous part. But Keilly’s real talent is creating a room where everyone has a reason to be there. Celebrities discover brands, businesses gain meaningful exposure and charitable organizations receive the kind of attention that is often difficult to secure on their own.

GBK Brand Bar states that, with the help of its participating brands, it has donated more than $10 million to over 50 charitable causes and organizations. That figure says more about Keilly than any celebrity guest list ever could. It also helps explain why GBK Brand Bar has become Hollywood’s most reputable independently produced gift lounge. Anyone can fill a room with products. Keilly has spent years filling one with purpose.

The company’s Google reviews tell a remarkably consistent story. On reviewer writes, “In my 17 years of experience, I have never encountered someone as professional and top-notch as he is.” Another says, "He runs a first class event on every level.”

Celebrities have been just as direct. Anthony Anderson was overheard declaring, “GBK is the best gifting suite! We leave everything else for last.” Most companies would frame a compliment like that. Keilly appears to have treated it as a standard he must continue meeting.

His work continues this Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12, when GBK Brand Bar hosts a two-day gift lounge in honor of the upcoming 78th Emmy Awards.

Former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson once said, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” For Gavin Keilly,"that little extra" has been his business model all along.