167: [LIVE RECORDING] Black Men Who Lead Panel Washington, DC 2023
In this exciting live recording of the Black to Business Podcast, we bring you an engaging panel discussion from our “Black Men Who Lead” event, which marked the grand finale of this year’s series, “The DNA of a Black Businessman.” We took this show on the road to the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, and hosted this event at the iconic Shanklin Hall.
In this insightful discussion, we celebrate the extraordinary journeys, challenges, and triumphs of Black male entrepreneurs who have left an indelible mark on their industries. Our panelists, each a trailblazer in their own right, share their stories, strategies, and invaluable insights into entrepreneurship.
MEET THE PANELISTS:
DAMON DIXON
For the past 5 years, Damon has worked as a Growth Marketer to start and scale bootstrapped businesses profitably. Generating north of $4 million dollars in revenue, Damon has had his hands in numerous brands from product development to video ad creation to paid media amplification. Most recently, Damon founded of douxds and invented a breakthrough skincare tool and formulations for men to look and feel their best.
Stay Connected With Damon: Website | Instagram
MATTHEW GOINS
Matthew Goins is the CEO of Puzzle Huddle, which he created in January 2018. Frustrated with the lack of diverse images shown on commercially produced puzzles, the family began creating unique puzzle designs. Matthew began by printing images from the internet and hand-cutting puzzles at home with a pair of scissors. A few dozen roughly cut puzzles later, he started looking for commercial printers to manufacture puzzles with images he commissioned from different artists.
After launching a line of diversity-focused puzzles, the company expanded to include wall decorations, t-shirts, pillows, and blankets. The puzzle images primarily represent important themes to their family: education, achievement, culture, and diversity. Puzzle Huddle was featured as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2020, as well as in Essence, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, USA Today, NPR.
Matthew was born and raised in Detroit, MI. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree, MA and MBA degrees from Howard University. Matthew is also a husband and father of three children.
Stay Connected With Matthew: Website | Instagram
OBI OMILIE JR.
Obi was on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List and is a Techstars ‘18 alum. He brings experience across tech and financial services industries prior to launching theCut with his co-founder Kush Patel. Previously, Obi was a Software Engineer at Accenture Federal Services and a software developer at Wells Fargo, where he worked with both business executives and fellow engineers to build out products. He also interned as a Data Analyst for cognitive enhancement startup, truBrain and built and released Payday, an app making it easier to forecast paychecks an improve savings habits. Obi earned a B.B.A. in economics, with a concentration in finance, from James Madison University.
Stay Connected With Obi: Website | LinkedIn
CHRIS PERIN
Chris owns Cut Seven, a gym in Washington DC and Arlington VA. Chris was born in Boston and played college football for the University of Connecticut. While at Connecticut, Chris suffered a knee injury that sidelined his football career. While rehabbing his knee, Chris found a love for fitness that ultimately led to the opening of Cut Seven.
Stay Connected With Chris: Website | Instagram
JAMOR JOHNSON
JaMor Johnson is a dynamic entrepreneur, currently serving as Chief of Growth and Innovation at Black to Business. He’s empowered countless entrepreneurs through education and community support. With a decade of experience in innovative marketing, JaMor’s influence has propelled DMV restaurants and hospitality groups to over $3 million in sales. A Howard University School of Business graduate, JaMor co-founded Jerk At Nite, transforming it from a college-pop-up to a beloved local storefront. He recently completed an accelerator with BuildWithin to enhance his tech industry expertise. A passionate world traveler, JaMor calls Washington, D.C. home, where he enjoys live events, biking, podcasts, and exploring new eateries.
Stay Connected With JaMor: Instagram
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