Meet Mello Brown | Event Venue Owner

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

Hi Mello, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The inspiration for 44th and Madison was twofold, a personal challenge and the dream of building a lasting legacy. When my wife and I couldn’t find an all-inclusive venue for our wedding, it highlighted a gap in the market. This personal experience was the catalyst for creating a business that could provide that inclusive experience for others.

Beyond solving a market need, I wanted to build something that would endure, setting an example for our future children. 44th and Madison stands as a symbol of what can be achieved with passion and perseverance, demonstrating to the next generation that they can build solutions that matter.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
44th and Madison is not just a venue; it’s a vision brought to life—a place where inclusivity and exceptional experiences are the core of everything we do. What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a space that is not only beautiful and functional but also wholly welcoming, accommodating events of all types while fostering a sense of community.

I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built. It’s a culture of ‘yes’ that empowers our team to go above and beyond for our clients, ensuring that every event is not just an occasion but a cherished memory. The excitement that comes from seeing a couple’s dream wedding come to life or hosting a charity event that truly makes a difference is immeasurable.

Getting to where we are today was by no means easy. The world of event spaces is fiercely competitive and the challenges we faced—from zoning laws to building codes, and the daunting task of establishing a client base—were substantial. However, we focused on building strong relationships within our community, consistently delivering beyond expectations, and utilizing creative marketing strategies.

The biggest lessons learned were the importance of resilience and the power of a strong team. The path of entrepreneurship is rarely smooth, but each challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s about facing hurdles head-on and finding innovative solutions.

What I want the world to know about 44th and Madison is that we are more than just a business—we are a family that extends to every client and every event we host. Our story is about turning personal challenges into a thriving space that brings people together, and we’re just getting started. We aim to continue to innovate, expand our services, and touch more lives with exceptional, unforgettable events.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Warner Robins Georgia is growing at a high rate. I would miss out on a bunch of our favorite places if I tried to do a whole weekend itinerary. I will name a few of our favorite places to go to in the area.

Start with breakfast at Another Broken Egg, for some of the best breakfast in town.

Brunch at Social Kitchen and Cocktails, which can’t be missed for their atmosphere.

Lunch at Sushi Thai or P Goy’s Thai & Sushi, our go to spots for some of the best sushi and food around.

Work off some of the delicious food by exploring the Museum of Aviation, honoring Warner Robins’ rich military history or having a ton of fun at Rigby’s Entertainment Complex.

Conclude the trip with a special dinner at my venue, 44th and Madison, where they can experience firsthand the ambiance, culinary delights, and live entertainment, that make our place a cornerstone of the community.

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?
Absolutely, the road to where 44th and Madison is today was paved with the support and inspiration from many. I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my family, whose unwavering belief in my vision has been a constant source of strength. My wife, in particular, has been a cornerstone of encouragement and wisdom. She is also the co owner of 44th and Madison so there’s no business without her.

In reflecting on the journey of 44th and Madison, it’s clear that our success is deeply rooted in the collective support and guidance we’ve received. I would like to extend a special shoutout to our mothers, and fathers, who have been the embodiment of love and encouragement. Their endless optimism and sage advice have been a guiding light from the start.

I’m also incredibly thankful for the expertise and creativity provided by Betty J Events. They were instrumental in designing the layout of our building, transforming our space into not just a venue, but an experience.

A big thank you to Shawn Joyner, whose invaluable insights into the world of live music events have been key to our success in that arena. Shawn’s advice gave us the ‘keys’ to creating memorable events that resonate with our audience.

And a very special shoutout to our Aunt Charlene “Tweet” Keys—her promotional prowess has been nothing short of extraordinary. With her support, 44th and Madison has expanded its reach from a local gem to a venue recognized worldwide. Her belief in our vision has opened doors we could have only imagined, and for that, we are eternally thankful.

Each of these individuals, along with the love and support from our families and friends, has played a pivotal role in our story. Their contributions have not just helped build a business, but have laid the foundation for a community landmark at 44th and Madison.

Website: https://44thandmadison.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/44thandmadison/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/44thandMadison/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@biglittlebusiness6914

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@44thandmadison_ga

Image Credits
Moye Photography A Jackson Production’s