About Us
Pyro is built on a foundation of experienced entrepreneurs who -after successfully launching their own companies- joined forces to take things to a new level. Here are the people and their businesses that laid the foundation of Pyro Studios.
- VIZCOM
- BRANDING
- DESIGN
The Variable is a design and media company based in Mesa, Arizona. Our mission is twofold: to help clients drive sales through smart, effective design, and to mentor the next generation of creatives through education. We specialize in motion graphics, animation, and visual design that deliver measurable ROI while strengthening the creative community.
What started as a basement side hustle in Minnesota has grown into a team of designers serving clients in defense, space, medical, and retail—bringing the future into focus through design.
When it comes to design work, Russ believes “everything is figureoutable”. He studied Industrial Design at Arizona State University and has spent well over a decade developing award-winning designs that sell through the clever use of static and motion graphics.
Russ founded The Variable in the fall of 2020, and started a podcast with the same name in efforts to help new innovators connect with and gain insights from working professionals in the industry.
- WEBSITES
- REVIEW SOFTWARE
- SEO
Bent Creative is a full-service creative agency that helps businesses, startups, and e-commerce brands build a powerful digital presence. Based in the U.S., we specialize in web design, branding, content creation, SEO, and digital marketing—delivering everything you need to grow your business online under one predictable monthly fee. Our team combines expertise in UI/UX design, website development, packaging design, and paid advertising to create strategies that not only look great but also drive measurable results. Whether you’re a local business or an online retailer, Bent Creative makes it simple and cost-effective to compete with big brands by providing the flexibility of an in-house team—without the overhead.
Jon Bennett grew up during the pivotal shift from an offline world to an internet-driven society, giving him a unique perspective on both technology and business. With a background in Industrial Design from Arizona State University and years of experience as a product and brand designer for large companies, Jon developed a deep understanding of what businesses need from their creatives—and what today’s digital-first consumers expect from businesses. His mission is to bridge that gap, helping companies translate their vision into a strong, effective online presence.
- VIDEO
- PHOTO
- VFX
- EDITING
Critical Frame is a creative video production company based in Mesa, Arizona, specializing in cinematic storytelling for businesses, brands, and agencies. We craft high-impact commercials, corporate videos, product demos, testimonials, social media content, motion graphics, 3D animation, and drone cinematography that engage audiences and drive results. From concept to final cut, our team blends cinematic visuals with strategic messaging to help your brand stand out. Whether you need a polished brand film, a dynamic ad campaign, or ongoing content creation, we bring your vision to life with precision, creativity, and a touch of nerdy cinematic flair.
Alex Smet moved from Algoma, Wisconsin to Phoenix, Arizona in 2009 to pursue a degree in film and video production. After earning his B.A., he has spent more than a decade working in the industry on a wide range of projects, including films, music videos, corporate productions, and political campaigns.
A creative multi-tool, Alex brings experience across all stages of production, though his true passion lies in post-production, video editing, motion graphics, and visual effects. Even so, he’s just as comfortable on set as he is behind the screen. Known for his reliability and commitment, Alex’s greatest strength is simple: he always shows up, and you can count on him.