Meet Brandon Wilson | Businessman and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I grew up in the inner-city and attended Atlanta Public Schools – C.W. Hill Elementary School, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, and Southside High School which is now Maynard Jackson Jr. High School. Growing up in Atlanta taught me a lot; survival, adapting to change, and being able to hustle up money whenever needed. From a young age, I’ve always had the “hustler” mentality. Whether it was washing cars with my childhood friend, Rah-Sun or knocking on doors during the spring/summer months to cut grass for neighbors before I reached the legal working age. During my upbringing, I have watched Atlanta grow from a small city hosting the 1996 Olympics to the great melting pot it has become today. There’s a rich pride that resides in me because I’m an Atlanta native and it will be something I’ll always hold dear to my heart. I’ll always be proud I’m from Atlanta.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Believe it or not, I was interested in becoming a band director. I’ve played the trumpet since 3rd grade, and I thought this would be my life as an adult. I was in my 3rd year of college and disaster struck. I was forced to return home and continue my Music Education journey. Things didn’t quite turn out the way I planned. I acquired a part-time job at a movie theater and was enrolled in a local college to continue my studies. However, LIFE happened, and I was out on my own, rent, bills, car note, and my part-time job was not enough. I decided to take control and improve my livelihood. After a long stare in the mirror, I decided I needed more money and more skills. I began studying for Information Technology certifications: CompTIA A+/Net+. After 6 months I was able to earn both certs and that’s how my IT career began. Even with the certifications, it was not easy. With no degree and limited skills, it was hard to find a job where I could maintain myself and living expenditures. I had small job starting out at IT Helpdesk technician. I was still looking for that perfect match. I was working at a small IT firm located in Downtown, Atlanta. My wife was 6 months pregnant, and things were starting to look up. But I was fired from the job. Married for a little over a year, my wife is 6 months pregnant, and I had no job. I went on a frenzy of filling out job applications and sending my resume all around to find work. Suddenly, one day I received a call from a recruiter regarding a job at a utility company – Southern Company. Now, for those of you who don’t know who/what Southern Company is, it’s the parent company of the Ga Power operating company. Once I saw this, I was sold and just wanted to have a great interview to get hired. I began working for them, as a contractor, in 2013. After a year or so, I applied, interviewed, and was hired full time in 2014. This year marks my 10-year anniversary. As I mentioned before, this company has afforded me the opportunity to make something of myself – to see a better version of “Brandon”. With hard work and dedication, I was able to move around and up in the company. I started as a Field Technician in Savannah, GA and now I am a Technology Planning Analyst for the Gas side of the company back in Atlanta, GA. The road was not easy, it wasn’t my ideal path, but I can provide for my family, learn new technologies as it pertains to the company, and I am able to continue my education so that I may soar ever higher in my career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Given that this is Atlanta, there are so many things I could do to host my guests while they visit. Depending on the time of year this is what I would do:

Take them to a sports event: Falcons, Hawks, Braves game.
Attractions: GA Aquarium, Stone Mountain, Atlanta Zoo, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum, MLK center and home, take a tour of downtown Atlanta, whatever concert is playing at one of our many amphitheaters.
Relax and Chill: Piedmont Park – the beltline, IPIC movie theater or ride bikes on the trail.
Restaurants: A wing spot (Too many to name lol) to get lemon pepper wings, a nice steak house (Ruth Chris, STK)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I could shoutout. These people are the influences I’ve encountered in my life that have helped mold me into the proud, hardworking, husband and father that stands before you today. They are as follows: My loving wife, Marion Wilson – who helped me realize my potential and encouraged me to step out and start my own business. My children – Bria, Mia, and Brandon Jr. – They are my main motivation to get up every day and provide. My late grandmother – Isabelle Cave, she is the foundation on which I stand. So many lessons and guidance she provided me as a child. Her love and support are unforgettable and hope to give to my children the same as they grow. The teachers and administration at Southside HS (Magnet Program: Information Processing) – this was my introduction into technology that help strengthen my interests in technology. Moreland Ave Church of Christ – there are SO many bonus fathers and mothers who acted as mentors and some even up to this day. They, along with my grandmother, help keep my faith strong in the Lord. My directors and band family at Bethune-Cookman University. I’ve learned a great deal of time management, responsibility, and achieving set goals. The skills I learned early in my young adult life, came from attending this great institution. My leadership and mentors at my company – Southern Company. They gave me a chance at having a career, strengthening my skills and abilities. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities afforded to me through this company. Last but not least the StartME co-hort. This program is very beneficial to the young man/woman who decides to start/run their own business. I’ve learned a great deal about starting, running, and expanding your business. I encourage each and every entrepreneur to attend StartME or other program similar.

Website: Under Construction

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-wilson-a225bb51/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072264046145

Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/home/rX6OHcJ3Xcck5PI8bNW2Fg/

Other: Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/business-profile