The ultimate goal of many in the field of business is to prove they are capable of managing a company while staying ahead of the often unpredictable changes in the economy. Businessmen and women often need to exhibit both their creative and competitive spirits to succeed in their industry. For one professional, merging a vivid imagination with practical business sense has created a harmonious combination.

It's not typical for business leaders to have degrees from schools like the Cleveland Institute of Music, but Jim Brickman proved that he could develop an eye for business from an ear for music.

After graduating, the piano enthusiast began his own advertising music company, developing as both musician and businessman by writing commercial jingles for clients like McDonald's, Pontiac and Kellogg's, the Telegram reports.

While Brickman has cut six gold- or platinum-selling albums and received a Grammy nomination in his career as a musician, he is not willing to surrender his place in the business world that he fought to create.

"I don't use anyone else as a model. I attempted to find my own niche," he told the news source. He added "I happen to be interested in both [music and business]. The business side is not out of necessity. It interests me."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of advertising, marketing and sales managers is expected to increase by 12 percent through 2016.