Name: Omar Kinnebrew
Profession: Sales Manager / Inventor / Innovator
Age: 30
I have put my passion to purpose by: overcoming the uncertainty of developing and attempting to patent a product that was somewhat absent in the marketplace. This journey has provided me with the funds to donate to local charities and to share what I have learned with young people who aspire to pursue the road less traveled.
A man of style and creativity, Omar S. Kinnebrew sought to create The Perfect Pocket Square Holder and custom men’s accessories. Focused on providing the ultimate holder that eliminates issues of bulkiness, slippage and excess fabric from store bought squares, Kinnebrew has crafted a unique and simple wardrobe must. The Perfect Pocket Square Holder prevents slipping and bulging of your pocket square and keeps you looking stylish throughout the day!
Inspired by having a product in the market that truly solves a daily problem, Kinnebrew relishes the opportunities it presents. “When I hear from gentlemen that they’ve needed this for years, it further motivates me to push harder and go one step further,” Kinnebrew tells BE Modern Man. “However, the support of my wife keeps me from falling to far when adversity hits.”
Although Kinnebrew is a successful business man, he realizes that his current profession is not exactly his passion. “For me, it was easy to identify this passion for style and product innovation,” says Kinnebrew. “When I would get home from work and dive into working on my pocket square holder, the hours would fly on by. No matter what needed to be done that day or week, I would not stop until the task was complete.” This however, left Kinnebrew operating on 3-4 hours of sleep for quite some time. “It was grueling, but exciting; and reminded me of my time in business school.”
Kinnebrew has had his share of ups and downs developing The Perfect Pocket Square Holder but encourages people to go for it. He says, “unfortunately, everything you love or have a passion for may not be a profitable enterprise. It may not be scalable, the market might be saturated or there could be some other missing link. However, it’s always worth the risk to try, if you go about it in the right way.” He advises to start by doing research
to see if your idea is already being done, who is being serviced where and at what capacity. If it’s an existing idea, see if you can find a way to improve upon the product or service, offer at a better price point, provide a higher level of service or quality, or introduce to new markets. “If there’s a green light at that point, poll your potential customer base,” Kinnebrew tells BE Modern Man. “Talk to your network first and then expand beyond that to survey and see if this is something people will pay for. Remember not to rely on friends and family because they may spare your feelings and hide the truth if their thoughts are not desirable. When you ask a stranger or newly met acquaintance, the response might be more candid.”Read more on page 2…
While working full-time Kinnebrew entered into an 18-month accelerated professional MBA program and finished with an elevated sense of pride, achievement, confidence and hope for the future. “My wife and I both have advanced degrees and now the expectation for my unborn children will not only be to attend and excel in college, but to go further by earning an advanced degree and continue advancing.”
Continuing to advance through challenges is something Kinnebrew learned how to do while a student-athlete at North Carolina A&T. Playing football, majoring in chemical engineering (which he eventually switched to
business) and attempting to become a member of my fraternity (Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, INC.) was an extremely full load. As one could image, it was a true test of time management. “The problem was, there was not enough time in the day to effectively study, watch film, do homework, internalize information, lift weights, eat, go to meetings and sleep,” says Kinnebrew. “After a short period of time of feeling down about my unconquerable situation, I realized that it simply had to be done. It hit me that if I just rearranged my approach, utilized my resources and prioritized activities, I could still remain successful in my endeavors. I ultimately achieved my goals during that period and learned that there is a solution to every problem; it just comes down to finding the optimal method to reach that point.”The process of learning, growing and developing looks different for everyone, which is why it is important for men like Kinnebrew to be represented. “I believe it ‘s important to show men like myself who are experiencing various avenues in life and are willing to share those stories with whomever will lend an ear,” Kinnebrew tells BE Modern Man. “Not only does it showcase the wide variety of men with purpose, but these stories may inspire or open a door for others.”
Opening doors of opportunity to help others is a must for Kinnebrew as he moves forward in life. “I feel as though I am obligated to give back. Not as a burden, but as a gift. I have been extremely fortunate to receive guidance, advice and a helping hand from so many which continues to mold my existence as a true gentleman of character.”
Currently serving on a nonprofit board, mentoring students and volunteering to build homes, Kinnebrew says a BE Modern Man “means personifying the true state of a gentleman.” “This includes acting with integrity, maintaining high morals and values, being chivalrous, remaining calm and confident, and being purposeful in what you do.”
The BlackEnterprise.com team congratulates Omar Kinnebrew for his hard work and dedication. Putting his passion to purpose while in a full-time position, Demonstrates that it is possible to manage career and entrepreneurship. We look forward to witnssing the growth of The Perfect Pocket Square, and seeing men across the world staying stylish due to this innovative product.
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