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 MARCUS GILMORE
Age: 28
Profession: Advertising – Experiential Event Production
One Word That Describes You: Strategist
Social Media: Facebook: Marcus Gilmore | Twitter: @marcusdgilmore | Instagram: @marcusdgilmore
What does being one of the BE Modern Man 100 Honorees mean to you?
This is a great honor for me especially at this stage in my career. Black Enterprise has been an icon in the community and so being recognized amongst other individuals who are impacting their industry is amazing.
What is your “Extraordinary Impact?”
“People never forget how you treat them.” That is something that my mother has always emphasized to me. When creating ideas, sharing someone’s story, or supporting a brand, I always think about the consumer’s experience and connecting to their passion points.
What are you doing as a BEMM to help support black male achievement now or in the future?
The media outlet I created about three years ago, TheCultureSupplier.com, is a platform to share stories that are often overlooked. Black men and women are making great strides in my industry, despite having the odds stacked against us at times. I also make sure to mentor through Kappa Alpha Psi. I make it a point to connect with my interns and mentees who are in college trying to find their way.
What are some examples of how you have turned struggle into success?
There is a belief that college is four years and you are done. I actually was in college for six years. I wanted to quit but I realized it was my fault and I had to turn my mistakes into lessons and push through it. I ended up getting an internship with the Tom Joyner Foundation my last year of college and that led to being brought into the company full time. Through this opportunity, I was given a creative space to help a company grow. Those lessons have put me in the place I am in today in New York.
(Photo Credit: Black Spadez Media)
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
I look for a person that has patience and is a good listener. As I grow older, relationships in all walks of life require more listening than talking.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
My website, theculturesupplier.com, will always be an ongoing project along with building out the media company Thirty Thirty Media. Thirty Thirty Media specializes in content creation for social campaigns, video content, and celebrity interviews. Also, event production strategy and execution, and social media management. I’m currently working on creating more visual content. Recently the brand has launched its first series, #TheVideoUnpack, where hand-picked guests analyze and break down the latest music videos that are in rotation. I am also preparing for the third National Goal Writing Day for December 2018. This is a reflective holiday that I created to help people focus on their goals while using the members of their social media community to support them. The six-month check-in was this past June and I enjoy reading about how they’ve paid off debt, picked up new books, joined a church, improved their health and so many other awesome things.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so excellence first.
What advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Start with the community around you and make a difference there then keep expanding. The difference you want to make can start small and then expand quickly if it is truly beneficial.
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.