We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan and Mark Phillips and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan and Mark, how do you think about risk?
We honestly believe that our ability to take risks has greatly influenced our successes throughout our early career. In our experience the biggest difference between those who continue to improve and those who stay stagnant are their ability to take on risk. The great thing about living in such a versatile market such as Atlanta Metro is you have limitless opportunities to become successful which enables you to take on more risks!

What should our readers know about your business?
We currently run a real estate development firm in Alpharetta Georgia with a team of 8 where we purchase off market properties and renovate them to 2022 standards and then resell to the first time homebuyer population. Our mission is to provide housing that is not only renovated but also affordable to Georgia’s hardest working group!

The blessings we have been given from our real estate business has allowed us to move into other ventures as we have recently purchased Mercantile Social in the bustling Downtown Alpharetta. This is known as one of the only pop-up theme bars in the north metro area and has been a staple in the Alpharetta food and live music culture! At Mercantile we provide top quality drinks and also give our employees a voice by paying them well and allowing them to help with menu and decor ideas.

Although we are only in our 20s, we have learned quite a bit along the way. Most importantly we have learned the importance of the fundamentals. That is, waking up early every day and crushing your morning routine, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a balanced life. In addition we realized that 90% of success is the raw ability to communicate with others and leave a lasting impression on them! We are constantly pushing our boundaries and taking on more risk as we grow as individuals and as business owners!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Of course I would take them to Mercantile Social during our Grinchmas Pop Up Bar! First we would enjoy a few of our absolutely CRAZY Holiday Cocktails with lots of flavor and garnishes. Then we would have a few snacks off the redesigned menu including the french dip sandwhich and our famous Amish Grilled Cheese. Once we finished we would head upstairs to our dance floor and have a great night enjoying the 360 views of Downtown Alpharetta! Once the night winds down we would take. a stroll throughout Downtown Alpharetta and check out the other cool establishments recently opened!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We would not be where we are without the love and support from our parents. Although we did not come from a super wealthy background, our parents always ensured we had a roof over our heads and never had to worry about life’s necessities. That allowed us to really focus on our education, networking opportunities and allowed us to take the necessary risks involved with starting a business.

Website: mercantilesocial.com

Instagram: jonathanmphillips & markwilliamphillips

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