The official launch of the Gentlemen’s Factory by GroomedSuccess took place on March 4, 2017 in the Factory's rustic yet plush duplex loft located at 495 Flatbush Avenue in Central Brooklyn. The event started with a panel discussion which included an esteemed group of panelists building in front of a packed, standing room-only audience.

Meet the panel:

• Kenneth Montgomery - Civil Rights Litigator at Kenneth J. Montgomery Law
• Joi Brown - Senior VP Marketing & Branding at Atlantic Records
• Keenan Beasley - Managing Partner at BLKBOX
• Diana Hilaire - Manager of Diversity and Inclusion at Macy’s Inc.
• Kenny Moore - Brand Director at LVMH
• Darius Hines - Senior Brand Manager at William Grant & Sons

Moderated by Sam Pierre, Managing Partner at SMP Global Consultants

The topic was Black at Work: How to navigate corporate America without losing your identity. Here are some of the questions and answers from the panel:

What role does race play when climbing the corporate ladder?

Three resumes pop up on your desk with the last names Sliver, Schwartz and Johnson...do you pick which is best for the company or pick the black applicant (Johnson)?

Your boss is asking about a Black issue, i.e. “What’s the big deal with this Black Lives Matter thing?” Do your morals cause you to help make him understand or do you leave it alone in pursuit of money and career success?

How does the way you dress play a role in your image and what people expect?

The panel concluded with closing remarks from the CEO of Groomed Success Jeff Lindor:

The panelists generously spent time chatting with the attendees after the discussion. As the sun set, the event continued with an open mixer and networking on both levels of the Factory duplex. Refreshments and wine -- provided by Tugboat Tea Company and Drink respectively --were available as gentlemen engaged in deep conversations, laughter, and even a couple games of NBA 2K. 

What would a Gentlemen’s Factory be without gentlemen's accessories? Ties, cuff links, pocket squares and lapel pins were available to purchase during the event. Image consultant and founder of Well Dressed Academy Tyron Cutner was available for style advice.

The Gentlemen's Factory is a business incubator and gathering space designed to help men of color learn, grow, connect, and build. Monthly passes are now available, allowing entrance to all weekday and weekend events, daily workspace access, discounts on gentlemen's accessories and other perks. Always follow our calendar for upcoming events.

Let’s change the world. 

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