Name: Ty Brown
Profession: Founder and Executive Director at Brooklyn United Marching Band; Director of Bands at Monroe College; CEO at Big Deal Prints
Age: 38
One word that describes you: Optimistic
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
It means a lot. The reality is that when you are doing something you love and are passionate about it, the clock never stops. You may find yourself in “go mode” all of the time, but sometimes you have to sit back and take a look at the strides you’ve made. It is an honor to be recognized and I believe it is the best form of currency. Only thing better than getting a paycheck, is getting a thank you.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
There was a time when I found my life filled with challenges and walked away from my dream, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more that I was supposed to do. I challenged myself to “live out loud,” and continue to apply this throughout many instances in my life.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
When it comes to relationships with others, I look for quality. I like genuine people whose character shines through. I appreciate relating with individuals who maintain a certain level of honesty and integrity, and don’t hide things.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
Brooklyn United will always be producing various projects and remain involved in the community. One focus of mine is making sure that my children are well provided for, but my printing company continues to grow exponentially. The events Battle in the Apple and Turkey Day Battle led by my youth development and arts organization Brooklyn United are doing amazingly well. I am always excited to do work with the Brooklyn Nets and continue to walk in my path. God is doing great things, and I am just happy to be a part of it.
What is the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is “stop trying so hard.” What is for me has already been decided and what is supposed to work will work. When God places something in you, than you know it can be done. When you can’t sleep and your soul is uneasy, then you know you have to move. Our talents and time have to be put to good use. I am in a position today that many years of experience have led me to be in. I am at peace with my decisions, my mistakes, and with my success.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
I use a checklist to confirm that every detail is thoroughly planned out and stress free. If you plan and lay out the details, a level of success is almost guaranteed. I operate as if everything I do will be successful, have great results, and will be impactful. God is my partner, so I remember that my outcome has already been decided.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation? Share a story about your best vacation.
My wife and I go on our annual anniversary vacation. We have been married more than 15 years and will head to Costa Rica this year. We will try to enjoy each moment and reflect on how amazing life has been. We will put our love into perspective and dream of what’s next.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to visit every continent at least once. I am intrigued with Asian culture and would love to study their educational system. As far as staying, I can’t really stay away for long. I enjoy my life here.
It’s our normal to be extraordinary.
Follow @blackenterprise and join the BE Modern Man conversation using #BEModernMan.