BE Modern Man is an integrative program that honors the essence, image, and accomplishments of today’s man of color. With features of today’s leaders, executives, creatives, students, politicians, entrepreneurs, professionals, and agents of change—these men share the common thread of creating a new normal while setting the bar in tech, art, philanthropy, business, and beyond. The BE Modern Man is making a positive impact, his way, and has a story to tell.
BE MODERN MAN LARRY MORROW
Age: 27
Profession: Entrepreneur, Author, Event Curator, Investor, Restaurateur
One Word That Describes You: Driven
Social Media: Twitter: @Larry_Morrow | Instagram: Larry_Morrow
Website: Larry-Morrow.com
What does being one of the BE Modern Man 100 Honorees mean to you?
It’s absolutely mind-blowing. I consider it a great honor. Here I am, a young black man, walking in my God-given purpose, striving to be a better man, doing what I love to do and to be recognized for that is simply amazing.
What is your “Extraordinary Impact?”
I believe in sowing seeds and making an impact on a daily basis. But if I have to emphasize a particular area of “Extraordinary Impact,” in general, it would be my approachability, willingness to be a resource to anyone, and my desire to create platforms for others that has helped me make an impact. Specifically, those attributes led me to start my foundation, Hope For 2morrow. Many nonprofits struggle to reach the community, host events, identify donors, and raise funds. With Hope For 2Morrow, I use my platform, businesses, and relationships to benefit nonprofits making a difference in the community, as well as, the community at large. We’ve hosted benefit galas, concerts, and many different charitable initiatives.
What are you doing as a BEMM to help support black male achievement now or in the future?
I feel that there are various ways to support black male achievement. I uplift other black men through mentorship, philanthropy, consistently creating job opportunities, as well as, supporting the businesses and ideas of others.
What are some examples of how you have turned struggle into success?
I actually touched on those experiences in my book, All Bets On Me. But what’s most memorable was the year I turned 23. That year is what I considered “The Best Worst Year of My Life” because I lost so much but I learned so much more and I felt like it was God humbling me. I opened my first restaurant…I’m the man of my family…I was immature and undisciplined…I gambled and I lost everything. From those experiences, I learned the lessons that made me the man I am today
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
Energy. Understand, I’ve always been the quietest person in the room, so I spent a lot of time observing human behavior, how a person treats other people, etc. People can say anything. People can even act a different way around certain people or groups of people so words and actions can be deceitful but energy never lies. And for me, as a highly productive person, I don’t like to be connected to negativity because that will drain your energy.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
I’m a serial entrepreneur. Extreme multitasker. It’s been a busy year with the new restaurant opening (Morrow’s, New Orleans) and I’ve got so much more coming up! Right now, I’m getting ready for my celebrity-hosted events that take place every year during Essence Fest in New Orleans. I’m currently working on a few real estate development projects because I believe real estate is one of the best investments a person can make. My team is trying to solidify the details for the All Bets On Me College Book Tour—so I can share my journey with students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Blaze your own trail. Walk in your own greatness. Stay in your lane. There’s no need to replicate anyone else’s path to success. You can be inspired by it but you don’t have to copy it to be successful.
What advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
I think so much of making a difference or making an impact in life is linked to walking in your purpose and identifying your passion. Passion is like the gas that fuels purpose. Develop your passion. Become an expert at it. Execute well—consistently!!!! And you’re sure to make a difference.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
Synergy is really important to me. Synergy is when we all come together to produce something greater than any of us would separately. Leading up to an important meeting or event I have several other meetings and calls. We “synergize” to ensure everyone’s on the same page and that all of the necessary people and components are engaged and activated.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation?
I unwind by traveling to a nice place with beautiful scenery. I’m really family oriented, so my best vacation was when my family and I spent two weeks in Thailand recently. It was breathtaking…like nothing I had ever seen or experienced. And to be with the people I love the most in the world… it was the most perfect vacation.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I’m a frequent traveler; so don’t judge me when I say this. If I could travel and stay anywhere in the world, I would stay in Los Angeles. Not because of the people or anything like that but because I feel at home every time I visit. I love the scenery. The pace and environment inspire me. I enjoy taking a run at Runyon Canyon. I just love LA!
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @BEModernMan and join the conversation using #BEModernMan.
Come celebrate the BE Modern Man 100 Men of Distinction at the 2nd Annual Black Men XCEL, Aug. 29–Sept. 2, 2018, at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.