Working in the music field usually displays creativity and passion surrounded by talent and ability and it showcases, typically, the best the industry has to offer. That’s also usually the case with people working behind the scenes who are equally, if not more, passionate about working with the talent and/or product at hand.
As an executive in this fickle world, Antone Barnes found a place he felt comfortable in and made a nice career out of it. But, as things changed, so did his mindset and goals.
The talented and well-connected man then set his sights in an area that has nothing to do with the music but, on the other hand, it required the same passion and determination and a new path was created.
And after being approached several times by future partner, San Francisco 49er, Vernon Davis, about working together, the time was right for the Modern Class Design.
BlackEnterprise.com: Having a music industry background, what made you decide to go into starting a design company?
Antone Barnes: I have always been a creative individual. I entered the music industry when I felt artists were using their creativity more to show their individuality. The industry began to lose that flair and I eventually lost my desire to continue my career in that field. However, during my travels while working in the industry I was able to visit different art galleries, museums and exhibits that helped to pique my interest to explore my own creative pathway.
What gets you going as far as wanting to do what you do?
Actually it’s what happens at the end of a project that gives me the motivation to begin…the look on the faces of the clients, their excitement, gratitude and appreciation for what has been accomplished. Looking at something that you created from beginning to end come into existence is an exhilarating feeling.
I know you appeal to athletes and higher end clients, is this by design?
My first big budget home design contract was for an athlete – and upon completion of that assignment – I received more referrals for jobs to work on homes of people working in that field. So to answer your question, I developed a client list of athletes and people in that world simply by chance. However, I consider myself and Modern Class Design to be diverse and we can work with clients who have varying budgets.
How did you end up partnering with Vernon Davis?
I was approached by Vernon on several occasions with the idea of starting a company however, it was not until the third time that I decided to forge ahead and co-found Modern Class Design.
You’ve worked with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Prince and Jay-Z, to name a few, how did the experience of artists of that stature shape the way you do business?
Their artistic talents have inspired my passion for creativity in my field and to push the envelope creatively. And working with such distinguished individuals has enhanced my ability to maintain a professional demeanor regardless of the status of the client.
You’re involved in charity work as well, what prompts you to give back and do you have any programs you work with and/or are planning on working with?
I was influenced by watching my father who started several successful businesses and was a firm believer in giving back to the community which supported him. Without going into all of the details, I have an upcoming project in the works which will help to build schools in under-developed nations.
The uniqueness of your company is that you are both black men from different realms of the industry, what are the qualities the two of you bring that helps compliment your business endeavors?
The business partnership with an athlete exposed me to certain trends and design styles which are popular within that community. And my creative eye and knowledge of art teamed with this helps us to expand our clients’ interest in art. And a key facet of our work is exposing our clients to art that is related to their individual cultural backgrounds and incorporating that into our designs.
What is your long term goal for your business and yourself, in general?
The goal for myself and Modern Class Design is to continue to expand the company. I’m also working on writing a couple of books. One about interior design and another that focuses on my life and the challenges that I’ve faced and have been able to overcome. I’ve also been speaking to TV producers about doing a show revolving around the work we do at MCD.
Tell us about your team at Modern Class Design, I understand that you have people with diverse backgrounds that help your company thrive, who are they and what do they bring that helps your company work?
Jennifer Snowden, Brenda Lane, Bianca Taylor, and Nicole Blackmon make up my team. They all have diverse backgrounds and work experiences. With the abundance of knowledge, experience and professionalism shared by this group, we are able to successfully handle any project that we work on.
You’re big on urban renewal projects, why are you so passionate about it?
This was a passion passed on to me by my father who successfully helped to initiate one of the first urban renewal projects for the Jersey City, NJ waterfront area, which set the standard for subsequent urban renewal projects throughout the country.
A certain toughness is needed to succeed in any type of business, how did your upbringing help you with your toughness?
Growing up in downtown Jersey City, you had to learn to take care of yourself. My father was a strong believer in being able to take care of yourself in any situation as well as being disciplined with your actions. He kept my brother and I involved in contact sports throughout our childhood. This helped us to be tough but it also helped with discipline and being a team player. Also, I was able to observe the operations of the business world by watching him run three successful businesses as I grew up.
Look into the future, 15 years from now, what has MCD done and what will MCD be doing?
My goal is for Modern Class Design to become a household name and influential in the commercial market on a national and international level.
What advice would you give to anyone pursuing their dream and needed something to motivate them to make something happen?
Be a trendsetter, don’t let negative responses, ideas or people influence your choices. Things may not be easy or quick, but if you are passionate about your ideas don’t let others persuade you to change them.
If you could do anything over again, what would it be and why?
Everything that I have done and every person that I have encountered thus far has helped to create the individual that I am today. Therefore I wouldn’t change anything.
Is there anything I may have missed that you would like the BlackEnterprise.com audience to know?
Don’t follow stereotypes, create your own path and live your dream. As Magic Johnson said “Who would have ever thought a brother would be opening Starbucks and movie theaters in the hood?”
Really, anything is possible if you are willing to invest the time needed. And in closing, be sure to visit our website, www.modernclassdesign.com.