Today we’d like to introduce you to Myron Clark. They and their team shared their story with us below:
After 15+ years in the hospitality industry, where he did everything from new restaurant openings to work as an Executive Chef, Myron announced an early retirement from corporate America to pursue his own entrepreneurial aspirations. Throughout his career, he worked for four different corporations and took part in a combined eight new restaurant openings. After years as an operations manager, he grew weary of managing the businesses of others. Additionally, Myron stated that the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic was a major determining factor that led to his decision. Witnessing the mismanagement of the crisis by multiple corporations across varying segments is what cemented his belief in himself as a leader, deal maker, and decision maker. “I looked at the objectives and decision-making that was going on at the time and couldn’t help but feel like I could do better.”
Inspired by the concept of Black Wall Street of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Myron launched The Regal Brand in 2020 as a Michigan-based corporation with the mission to be a family of companies, for good, by managing a diverse portfolio of profitable companies all rooted in the same corporate values while providing exceptional services and quality goods. The goal of The Regal Brand is not to simply turn a profit, the goal of The Regal Brand is to create an ecosystem of well-organized companies that positively impact the municipalities in which they do business.
Following its inception, the first company launched by The Regal Brand was from its Retail Division: Holy Grail Clothing & Apparel Company. Launched as a premium lifestyle brand, Holy Grail Clothing & Apparel Company maintains a commitment to quality and sustainability while offering an affordable price point. “Holy Grail was important because I wanted to show that I could do business outside of the hospitality industry,” Myron says, speaking on the launch of the textiles company. “We’ve received nothing but positive reactions in focus groups and will continue to build the e-commerce platform we’ve created.”
The following year The Regal Brand CEO, Myron Clark, was approached with a proposition to take part ownership in a startup restaurant concept located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. “I spent a year with the ownership group, offering my expertise in strategic planning, business development, and marketing during that time.” The restaurant concept experienced success with Myron’s involvement being ranked, at one point, as the hottest brunch restaurant in Metro Detroit. “Despite the success achieved as a group, I decided not to invest further into the concept due to strategic and organizational differences.”
At present, The Regal Brand has a total of eight projects in various stages of development spanning the varying divisions of the corporation. “It’s an exciting time; we’re working with some great people and focused on bringing two brand new products to life in the immediate future.” Myron went on to speak on the corporation’s goals for the remainder of the year 2023, “It proved prudent to focus on efficiency and restructure, in a way redefining the way we do business. I wanted to move at a more measured pace, given that the previous year was sort of a whirlwind. Having the ability and time to dedicate to strengthening the corporation was the best thing, and that’s what this year is all about.”
Since doing business in The City of Auburn Hills, the Detroit native has amassed quite a network in the Oakland County area. “The City of Auburn Hills has been extremely receptive and supportive of my efforts.” After Myron was recognized by the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce with his nomination for the DBusiness Magazine Emerging Leaders Award, he decided to join The Regal Brand as a member in March of 2023. “I can’t say enough about the Auburn Hills Chamber; just extremely well run with a great president driven for success.”
The same month, Myron joined the Auburn Hills Rotary Club, with his official induction in June of 2023. “What Rotary stands for, and my business philosophy lines up perfectly. Being in Rotary, I not only get to network and fellowship with like-minded individuals, but I also get to stand for things I’m passionate about and do even more good in the community.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Myron believes that the path to success isn’t a straight one. “It ebbs and flows.” He went on to say, “With that, you have to be able to ride the waves, or else you drown.”
The 34-year-old explained that there had been incredible ups and downs during his entrepreneurial journey, yet he remains grounded and motivated as he understands that everything won’t go according to plan and you have to be able to pivot when plans go awry, “I’ve learned that you only worry about what you can control,” Myron said.
“It’s not easy establishing a multifaceted corporation; it’s not easy launching a premium lifestyle brand; it’s not easy launching a new restaurant…but somebody has to do it,” Myron said with a smile. “I left my corporate job to embark on a completely new path, traversing into the unknown. There’s bound to be struggle; those same things, the struggle, the unknown, is exactly what steadily motivates me.”
We’ve been impressed with The Regal Brand, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Regal Brand is a Michigan-based corporation organized into divisions, with each division being able to hold an infinite number of businesses. Myron explained, “My passion is business, not a specific niche but the idea of business in general, and I needed the corporate setup to be able to reflect that.” Myron explained how the corporate setup of The Regal Brand was inspired by Black Wall Street. “Too often, when that story is told, the focus is on the riot that burned it to the ground. I wanted to have a look at what Black Wall Street actually was, which was a collection of diverse businesses that had the ability to recycle a consumer’s dollar 3x before it left the ecosystem, and I wanted to recreate that.” Using that as a blueprint, Myron laid out the corporate values each business launched under The Regal Brand corporate umbrella would follow. “When someone sees ‘A Regal Brand Company, ’ they will know that it is one of integrity, safety, quality, respect, diversity, inclusion, culture, and value.”
Holy Grail Clothing & Apparel Company is organized under The Regal Brand’s retail division, and it’s marketed as a premium lifestyle brand for the whole family. Myron said, “Holy Grail’s focus is affordability, quality, and sustainability. It’s also extremely important for the brand that all manufacturing takes place in the United States.” At present, the brand is focused on expanding its product offerings while strengthening its core offerings. “Vetting potential partners is important as we look to grow; going back to our corporate values, they extend not only to the businesses The Regal Brand launches but to who we partner with as well.” Myron’s intention for Holy Grail is for it to include streetwear like hoodies, tees, and sweats but to also be able to dress you in the boardroom with suits and suit separates for men and women. Myron even said that the line is developing his and hers fragrances. Holy Grail is currently retailed online at www.holygrail.store and will look to include a physical footprint in the future.
“I’m really excited about the trajectory of the corporation,” Myron said fervidly. “In addition to Holy Grail, the retail division is developing another company nearing the end of its developmental phase that will be launching very soon.” That company is Galley Handmade Selections, which Myron said is launching with a signature BBQ sauce and will grow into a full line of specialty condiments. He went on to say, “The hospitality division is working on not one but two original restaurant concepts; the first is a quick service concept that will include a food truck while the other is an upscale concept.”
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to networking, Myron has a simple philosophy: authenticity. “Networking has become a major part of my role; it’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked; it’s a powerful tool when used correctly.” Being an active member of both the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn Hills Rotary Club, such active groups in the community, there is no shortage of networking opportunities for him. “The key really is to be yourself; read the room and tell your story. But also, you should seek knowledge by asking engaging questions and listening intently.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theregalbrand.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_regal_brand_inc?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theregalbrand
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myron-clark-472791107
