David A. Bramble, Inc.’s Post

Navigating Forward: Leading the Way on DEI, Luncheon is only 6 days away! In collaboration with Bobby McDonald and the BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF ORANGE COUNTY we are excited for you to join the conversation on how we can all Navigate Forward with DEI! Have you registered yet?? https://lnkd.in/gA6nBYNw #NavigatingForward

Did you know that August is Black Business Month? While the work I am honored to lead at BeyGOOD Foundation is rooted in creating more opportunities for economic equity and growth, it’s important to shine a light this month on the staggering reality for many Black business owners across the United States. Despite there being over 160,000 Black-onwed business contributing over $180 billion dollars to our economy, annually, according to Crunchbase data (2022), only 2.4% of venture capital dollars went to Black-owned businesses. With a funding gap this wide, it shows us very clearly just how much work is still left to do to create a future that provides equitable access to society's most marginalized and underserved communities. These businesses are the backbones of these communities and when they receive the access, support and visibility they need to attain greater success, they, in turn, have the ability to create opportunities for transformative change across generations. This is why we are so proud to collaborate with the amazing businesses that are part of the Black Parade Route, and I hope you’ll join me in supporting the small Black-owned businesses in your community who are doing their part to their mark on the beautiful tapestry that is the American economy. Click this to learn more about equity! https://lnkd.in/gKSSkWgB

Thanks so much for having us, Family Business Center - University of St. Thomas! One of the great things about these sessions – and I’m sure Marnie Kittelson will agree – is that as much as we share insights, we also learn a great deal. There were so many great moments at this session, but one that really stood out for me was an insightful question from a woman from a family business in the Hmong community who asked how to approach marketing in a community that is so culturally unique. It’s such a great question because I think there’s sometimes a perception in marketing that successful brand strategies can be applied almost interchangeably to different communities and contexts. The thinking seems to go: Success is success, even if it was a strategy that targeted a completely different audience in a completely different place. I disagree. My advice when developing a strategy in unfamiliar contexts is to approach the challenge with humility. This is when even the most experienced strategist should throw out their favorite playbook, and invest time in listening, learning, and understanding the customers and the community. A brand strategy, is, after all, about connection.  Thank you to everyone who attended, engaged with us, and shared their insights! #BrandStrategy #GenerationalFamilyBusiness #BrandingWithoutBragging

Check out this video and consider Jurney for your future projects!

WHY IT MATTERS

"Board governance is the cornerstone of organizational success, guiding strategic decisions, ensuring accountability, and fostering transparency. Strong governance practices are essential for driving sustainable growth and achieving long-term goals. Thanks in adavnce MONIQUE GUILLORY and Michael Jones for your leadership. #BoardGovernance #Leadership"

It’s been a hectic few months... As a result, you may have noticed that I’ve been MIA on here. I’m not going to glorify my busyness, which is what we often see on social media and within society. The truth of the matter is that at times I’ve found it counterproductive to wear many hats. Your focus is diluted, and you feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water. When you’re immersed in the daily tasks of driving your business forwards, it can be difficult to see the progress and the impact. At times, I can become fixated on pursuing what needs to be done rather than reflecting on the highlights and successes. Recently, THIIS Magazine did a feature article on my business to celebrate our 20-year anniversary. It made me stop in my tracks and take a moment… From a market stall in Leeds to a thriving business with plans for expansion, I allowed myself the time to acknowledge my win and the grit I’ve put in. Of course, I can’t take all the credit. I have a supportive family and dedicated team around me. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Together we’re changing lives, making a difference, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and where we are heading. Here’s the article if you’d like to read it. 👉 https://bit.ly/3AXfSPz

Last week at our 139th Annual Meeting, we announced the members of our Minority Business Accelerator 2026 Cohort. These Black and Hispanic owned businesses will launch their 2-year journey in the program starting in January and represent a variety of business sectors, including the restaurant industry, finance, commercial real estate, architecture and engineering. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gHhTXmSx

This year we celebrate our Ten Year Anniversary. Most people don’t know this, but Black Barn Financial LLC started in 2014 with just 5 clients and $1.2 million in managed assets. In our first year we had less than $15,000 in REVENUE. I don’t even want to say what our profit (ahem, loss) was that year. But even without much revenue, what I did have was a solid plan. I knew that people wanted what we offered — investing advice specifically attuned to the unique needs of those investors whose perspectives had been overlooked by traditional investing models. Today we’ve grown to over $100 million in managed assets and 140 households (including those original 5). We’re still a boutique firm, but we’re not small potatoes. Planning and growth is in our DNA. Success for us is guiding both our clients and our firm toward the future, but always remembering who we are and where we came from. Kacie Swartz, CFP®, CIMA® Elisa Hanson Amy Calistri Gwen Danielle Leonares