Name: Everette Taylor
Profession: Entrepreneur / Marketing Professional
Age: 25
One Word That Describes You: Authentic
Entrepreneur and marketing executive, Everette Taylor, is an innovator who’s changing the consumer marketing game. At the young age of 25, Taylor’s resume reads like a seasoned vet. He is the chief marketing officer of Sticker Mule, founder of Millisense (named after his mother), one of four people who built GrowthHackers, and has partnered with Brandian Ross on a brand called Unity Over Self, which helps children with autism.
Growing up, Taylor saw the men in his family and around his neighborhood get caught up in the wrong things, which often resulted in jail sentences or worse. Being able to break the socio-economic patterns within his own family and neighborhood, gave Taylor a sense of accomplishment. “I was definitely an impressionable kid, and could have ended up going down a different path,” Taylor tells BE Modern Man exclusively. “I won’t pretend to have had this squeaky clean image growing up, but I learned and I pivoted which led me to where I am today.” Being able to break this cycle has been a great example for Taylor’s younger sister, other family members, and young adults in the community.
Entrepreneurship came naturally to Taylor, who, as a kid, was constantly coming up with ways to make money on his own terms. “My first official foray into entrepreneurship was a small entertainment company I started at 19,” says Taylor. Through his entertainment company, Taylor would throw parties and social events at different venues. “I saw other people doing it; I even had some close friends that were doing it, so I studied what they did and just tried to improve on it.”
Six years later, Taylor has established himself in the marketing industry, but admits it’s still tough at times. Discriminated against during many job searches because of his age and experience, Taylor saw just how cutthroat and vile the business world can be. “Despite amassing a ton of experience early in life, more traditional companies still saw me as a kid fresh out of college and gave me low-ball offers.”
Still, Taylor didn’t allow these challenges to prevent him from pushing forward. Being a leader requires sacrifice, passion, and having the right people on
your team. Finding success at an early age has taught Taylor many valuable lessons, but none more important than giving back. “Once successful, don’t just look out for yourself. Constantly look for ways to help others succeed as well. I’m sure; most likely, there was somebody who did the same for you.”Read more on page 2…
If you think success has come easily for Taylor, you’re mistaken. Being homeless at the age of 17, while trying to finish his senior year of high school, was one of the lowest moments of Taylor’s life, and almost pushed him to the brink of destruction. However, he persevered, was accepted into college and, from that point forward, knew that anything was possible. “Overcoming showed me that you can’t play victim,” says Taylor. “You have to see the light at the end of the tunnel and believe in yourself. Sometimes life deals us a bad hand, but you have to be able to maneuver and adapt. That experience has been invaluable for me in my career.”
With every accomplishment Taylor realizes how tough it is for many young
men to see past their current situation, and envision something bigger and brighter for themselves. “I want to be a role model to others in my community, showing them that it is possible to make it,” says Taylor. “Mentoring the youth is a huge responsibility that we should all take seriously, that’s why I am very active in several mentoring programs, personally or through Alpha Phi Alpha. Most recently, I became involved with Project Now through the Clinton Global Initiative.” Diversity and equality within the tech industry is a major focus for Taylor, and he plans to continue working with organizations like CODE2040, as well as advocate for programs like Black Girls Code.As a kid Taylor was stereotyped and perceived as a thug for wearing du-rags and baggy clothes. Now, he’s evolved and matured into a successful young man, which goes to show that you never know what someone’s future holds. “Exposure like this is crucial to providing inspiration for others,” says Taylor. “I was once told by a teacher of mine that you never know who’s watching, so we must continue to shed light on the positive things people are doing, in and outside of our community.” He adds, “Becoming a famous rapper or athlete is a shot in the dark for most, but when people read my story hopefully they can say, ‘I can do that too.'”
Taylor believes that it’s never too late to make a change in your life, and that is what being a BE Modern Man is about. “A BE Modern Man is a vehicle for inspiration, who holds the torch for his community as a positive role model for everyone he comes into contact with,” says Taylor. “It means the world to me to have been selected, and I will continue to keep pushing forward.”
The BlackEnterprise.com team salutes Everette Taylor for persevering through the many challenges he has faced, to become a successful business man who stays true to himself. With interests that extend far beyond business, we thank you for helping to prepare our young men and women for opportunities.
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @blackenterprise and join the BE Modern Man conversation using #BEModernMan.