Brandon J. Hurst

Brandon as Co-Head Drum Major of the Mighty Marching Hornets at Alabama State University

From early entrepreneurship to leadership excellence

My journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start with wealth or a polished business plan. It started with a lunchbox full of candy and a determination to create opportunity where none existed.

After losing my mom at 12, I learned that discipline, resilience, and resourcefulness would be my greatest assets. Those early years didn’t just teach me how to earn — they taught me how to see potential where others saw limits.

That mindset carried me through Alabama State University, where I graduated magna cum laude in Accounting while holding leadership roles in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, and as Co-Head Drum Major of the Mighty Marching Hornets.

Scaling multi-unit franchise operations

With an MBA in Finance, I joined Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program, traveling nationwide to help franchise owner/operators launch and grow successful businesses. There, I mastered the ability to scale operations, build high-performing teams, and develop systems for sustainable growth.

At 26, I opened my first Chick-fil-A franchise in downtown Baltimore — the city’s first. A few years later, I relocated to Brooklyn, NY, opening the borough’s first Chick-fil-A across from the Barclays Center and a second thriving location in Clinton Hill. Today, I lead nearly 200 team members and am recognized as a multi-unit franchise owner/operator known for operational excellence, leadership development, and community impact.

Brandon smiling candidly while sitting inside Chick-fil-A, holding a cup, and wearing a blue blazer with a Chick-fil-A name tag

Brandon reading a book and looking thoughtful

Investing in entrepreneurs, ventures & communities

Beyond my work as a franchise owner/operator, I founded Birth of a Dream Ventures to invest in aspiring entrepreneurs, emerging ventures, and community-minded business ideas.

My commitment to philanthropy, youth development, and financial literacy drives initiatives that expand education access, mentorship, and economic empowerment.

Speaking, mentorship & impact initiatives

I partner with organizations, serve on community and advisory boards, and speak at universities, conferences, and leadership events nationwide — sharing actionable strategies on entrepreneurship, franchising, scaling businesses, and building generational wealth.

Brandon smiling in front of Chick-fil-A with a group of young people

Brandon kneeling in the grass and smiling, surrounded by a large group of young Rwandan children

Building generational wealth & lasting change

At every stage of my journey, someone gave me a chance. That chance became a stepping stone. Now, I’m building stepping stones to help leaders and founders scale with purpose, invest wisely, and create impact that lasts for generations.

“Brandon’s approach stands out for its intentionality and genuine care for our mission.”

“He took time to understand our programs and how his support could make the greatest impact. That level of thoughtfulness creates partnerships that truly transform communities.”

CARLY STUCKY
Corporate Partnerships Manager, New Heights

Brandon sitting down, smiling and laughing

let's take action together

From early entrepreneurship to leadership excellence

My journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start with wealth or a polished business plan. It started with a lunchbox full of candy and a determination to create opportunity where none existed.

After losing my mom at 12, I learned that discipline, resilience, and resourcefulness would be my greatest assets. Those early years didn’t just teach me how to earn — they taught me how to see potential where others saw limits.

That mindset carried me through Alabama State University, where I graduated magna cum laude in Accounting while holding leadership roles in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, and as Co-Head Drum Major of the Mighty Marching Hornets.

Scaling multi-unit franchise operations

With an MBA in Finance, I joined Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program, traveling nationwide to help franchise owner/operators launch and grow successful businesses. There, I mastered the ability to scale operations, build high-performing teams, and develop systems for sustainable growth.

At 26, I opened my first Chick-fil-A franchise in downtown Baltimore — the city’s first. A few years later, I relocated to Brooklyn, NY, opening the borough’s first Chick-fil-A across from the Barclays Center and a second thriving location in Clinton Hill. Today, I lead nearly 200 team members and am recognized as a multi-unit franchise owner/operator known for operational excellence, leadership development, and community impact.

Investing in entrepreneurs, ventures & communities

Beyond my work as a franchise owner/operator, I founded Birth of a Dream Ventures to invest in aspiring entrepreneurs, emerging ventures, and community-minded business ideas.

My commitment to philanthropy, youth development, and financial literacy drives initiatives that expand education access, mentorship, and economic empowerment.

Speaking, mentorship & impact initiatives

I partner with organizations, serve on community and advisory boards, and speak at universities, conferences, and leadership events nationwide — sharing actionable strategies on entrepreneurship, franchising, scaling businesses, and building generational wealth.

Building generational wealth & lasting change

At every stage of my journey, someone gave me a chance. That chance became a stepping stone. Now, I’m building stepping stones to help leaders and founders scale with purpose, invest wisely, and create impact that lasts for generations.

“Brandon’s approach stands out for its intentionality and genuine care for our mission.”

“He took time to understand our programs and how his support could make the greatest impact. That level of thoughtfulness creates partnerships that truly transform communities.”

CARLY STUCKY
Corporate Partnerships Manager, New Heights

let's take action together

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Outstanding Community Service

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Alabama State University Metro-DC Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award

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Alpha Phi Alpha Outstanding Entrepreneur Spirit Award

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Brooklyn’s 2023 Power List

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The Baltimore Sun’s Top Workplace Award (2015)

Like you, I used to feel like I was hearing far too many no’s and not enough yes’s.

Until I realized every No was pushing me toward the opportunities that would define my success.

Now, I help ambitious entrepreneurs, small business owners, and emerging business leaders who feel stuck between their vision and the systems to bring it to life—guiding them back to their why and giving them the clarity, leadership strategies, and scalable business frameworks to turn ambition into sustainable growth and lasting impact.

My core beliefs

Resourcefulness Fuels Possibility

Your starting point doesn’t define your destination. Creativity, grit, and resourcefulness can turn limited access into limitless opportunity. I know, because that’s how my journey began.

Ambition is the Spark

Ambition alone isn’t enough — paired with discipline, it will take you further than talent alone ever could. It’s about setting a bold vision and pursuing it relentlessly, even when the path is unclear.

Build Beyond Yourself

Entrepreneurship is more than profit. It’s a platform for legacy. Success means creating something that outlives you, opening doors for others, and building communities that thrive long after you’re gone.

Resilience Creates Leaders

Every setback is a proving ground. Challenges aren’t there to stop you — they’re there to sharpen you into the kind of leader success will demand.

Access Should Be Shared

Opportunity is meant to be multiplied. True leadership isn’t just about reaching your own goals. It’s about making sure the people coming behind you can reach theirs, too.