Photo Of: Brandon M Phillips
Brandon M Phillips is more than an entrepreneur; he is a visionary force reshaping Baltimore’s landscape through innovation, mentorship, and community empowerment. As the founder of La Chow, the city’s premier culinary incubator, and FutureThink Hub Inc, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing critical social challenges, Brandon has established himself as a leader whose impact extends far beyond business. His journey is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities where others see obstacles.
A Born Entrepreneur with a Vision
From an early age, Brandon displayed an entrepreneurial mindset. As a freshman at Morgan State University, he took a bold step by launching his first LLC. In partnership with Toshiba, he facilitated the sale of computers to the university’s honors department, a move that highlighted his ability to identify opportunities and take action. This early success laid the foundation for a career built on innovation and social impact. He earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Morgan State and later a Master’s in Business Management with a concentration in Finance from the University of Maryland Global Campus, equipping him with the expertise to navigate both business and social challenges effectively.
Transforming Spaces and Creating Opportunities
Brandon’s influence can be seen most prominently in La Chow, an initiative that has revitalized an abandoned university campus into a thriving culinary incubator. More than just a shared kitchen space, La Chow serves as a launchpad for aspiring food entrepreneurs, providing state-of-the-art kitchens, mentorship, and essential business resources. Under his leadership, La Chow has become an integral part of Baltimore’s culinary scene, fostering innovation and empowering small businesses to flourish.
Not content with just reshaping the food industry, Brandon expanded his efforts with FutureThink Hub. This nonprofit organization tackles some of the most pressing social issues, including food insecurity, workforce development, and mental health. FutureThink Hub goes beyond temporary solutions, focusing on sustainable strategies that uplift communities. Through initiatives such as tech workshops, mentorship programs, and large-scale food distributions, the organization embodies Brandon’s belief that real change comes from empowering individuals with the tools they need to succeed.
A Commitment to Mentorship and Empowerment
One of Brandon’s most remarkable contributions is his dedication to mentorship. To date, he has personally guided 103 mentees, providing them with the guidance, encouragement, and resources needed to reach their full potential. His mentorship approach is not just about career advice; it is deeply personal and transformative. He frequently challenges his mentees with a powerful question: “The future doesn’t just happen it’s built by the choices we make today. So ask yourself what kind of future are you building?”
Through his leadership and wisdom, Brandon has become a role model, inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and take bold steps toward their goals.
A Powerful Philanthropic Partnership
In 2024, Brandon joined forces with Tanya Whitaker, forming a dynamic duo dedicated to large-scale philanthropy. Their efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, they set an ambitious goal: to provide toys for 10,000 children during Christmas. Not only did they meet this goal, but they exceeded it, spreading joy to countless families.
Their partnership didn’t stop there. They orchestrated community events such as the Annual Turkey Feast, where renowned chefs prepared gourmet Thanksgiving meals for families in need. Their first year of collaboration resulted in over 50,000 people served, the distribution of more than 6 million pounds of food, and an astounding $18 million worth of groceries donated across Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Their impact demonstrates the power of shared vision and relentless action.
A Legacy in the Making
Brandon M Phillips is not just leading initiatives; he is leading a movement. His ability to merge business innovation with community impact sets him apart as a true changemaker. Whether transforming abandoned spaces into thriving business hubs, mentoring young leaders, or spearheading large-scale philanthropic efforts, his work inspires others to take action and create meaningful change.
When you meet Brandon, you encounter someone whose energy, passion, and vision are contagious. He doesn’t just dream of change he makes it happen. His story is an invitation to believe in not only his potential but in your own. Through his leadership, he is shaping communities, rewriting narratives, and proving that the future is not something to wait for it is something we build together.