Meet Brandon Washington | Founder of The STREAM Engine/ Ron’s Signature Sauce

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

Hi Brandon, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The cornerstone of my success and the prosperity of my brand revolves significantly around the support I continually receive from my family, friends, and fellow Philadelphians. Without this collective backing, my non-profit organization, The STREAM Engine, wouldn’t be the influential entity it is today. Their contribution, along with the collaboration of our partner organizations, truly embodies the potency of unity and collective effort.

Moreover, the success of Ron’s Signature Sauce – the profit-oriented counterpart to The STREAM Engine, which channels its profits into the funding of our non-profit organization – is largely attributed to the Philadelphians. These are people who deeply respect and appreciate the brand’s rich legacy.

The personal anecdotes shared by our patrons, specifically related to Ron’s Signature Sauce, have left a deep impression on me. Their interactions with our product and their appreciation for its unique flavors offer invaluable perspectives. It’s truly heartening to comprehend the role our sauce plays in their lives and the delight our nostalgic tastes impart to them.

I am deeply thankful for the support that has greeted the launch of The STREAM Engine and Ron’s Signature Sauce. This continuous backing is the driving force propelling the growth of each brand. It’s clear to me that the most vital component behind my success and the progress of my brands is the unwavering support from our community.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’d be happy to share more about my organization, The STREAM Engine. Founded with the purpose of providing educational opportunities and resources to equip individuals with Science, Technology, Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Art, and Math skills for tomorrow’s jobs, our ultimate goal is to address poverty in Philadelphia. We currently focus our efforts on youth, but we intend to help everyone gain a better understanding of, and thrive in our technologically advancing world.

What sets The STREAM Engine apart is our extensive network. We are supported by a collective of exceptional individuals, businesses, and organizations that are dedicated to tackling the problems prevalent in our city. Since our inception in 2021, the journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. We faced significant obstacles, one of which was our inability to maintain our lease due to insufficient funds, even after raising over $15,000. This setback disrupted our programs, but it didn’t deter us from finding a solution.

I’m excited to share that we’ve embarked on a new fundraising effort with the aim of establishing a permanent headquarters in the building that was once home to Ron’s Ribs. Our objective is to raise $20,000 to repurpose the old dining area into an innovative learning lab. This space will be instrumental in hosting an after-school program tailored for young learners like my daughter Ava, who’s in kindergarten, and her classmates.

In our mission to advance our programming, this lab will also serve as a platform for remote and face-to-face instructional sessions. We’re privileged to be partnering with “Pharaoh’s Conclave” and “Flemming’s Tech Camps.” Pharaoh’s Monarch, a remarkable esports workforce development program, brings along an esports league and an apprenticeship program. Meanwhile, Flemming’s Tech Camps excel in providing unparalleled exposure to the esports industry. These partnerships will undeniably play a crucial role in enriching the experiences and opportunities offered at our new learning hub.

Although the past year hasn’t allowed us to deliver as many programs as we’d have liked, we’ve still been able to provide necessary support remotely through digital solutions. This journey has reaffirmed a key lesson for me: consistency is vital. I’ve also come to understand that while support is crucial, it must be the right kind of support to truly make a difference.

We’ve made substantial strides towards aligning ourselves with partners that share our goals, and now, we’re seeking to raise funds by selling Ron’s Signature Sauce and other merchandise, including a new clothing line inspired by the “Ron’s Ribs” brand. This summer, we’ll be hosting pop-up events all across Philadelphia. I want everyone to know that we’re here, tirelessly working to make a difference. We welcome more support to enhance our effectiveness and ease the burden. By buying our sauce or our unique apparel, you’re not just supporting The STREAM Engine, but also contributing to a brighter future for Philadelphia’s youth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Start your week in Philadelphia exploring the historic Old City on day 1. Fuel up with breakfast at High Street on Market before taking a morning visit to the iconic Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall. Wander around the historic district for some unique contemporary shopping and dining experiences. Break for lunch at the City Tavern, a colonial-themed restaurant, before spending your afternoon at the Museum of the American Revolution. Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at Zahav, a top-rated Mediterranean restaurant in the city.

On day 2, immerse yourself in art and green spaces. Begin at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can channel your inner Rocky Balboa on the iconic steps. Enjoy lunch at the museum’s café, Stir, then continue exploring the museum’s vast collection. Spend your afternoon soaking up nature at Fairmount Park. End the day with a New American bistro experience at Fork.

Day 3 is all about South Philadelphia. Start your day at the famous Italian Market, a perfect place for coffee, cannoli, and a bit of morning shopping. Head over to the Magic Gardens, an immersive mixed-art environment. For lunch, delve into the classic Philly cheesesteak rivalry between Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks. Spend your afternoon strolling along South St, exploring the local boutiques and restaurants. For dinner, try Tico’s Tacos, offering some of the best Mexican cuisines around and home to where Ron’s Ribs used to be.

On day 4, head over to University City. Start with breakfast at the charming White Dog Cafe, followed by a tour of the University of Pennsylvania campus and its world-renowned Penn Museum. After a flavorful lunch at Kilimandjaro Restaurant, take a trip to Bartram’s Garden, North America’s oldest living botanic garden. Wrap up the day with an Italian dinner at Zavino.

Day 5 is a blend of science and nightlife. Start your day at Green Eggs Cafe, a local favorite for brunch. Spend your morning at the Franklin Institute, one of the country’s leading science centers. Take a lunch break at Reading Terminal Market, one of the largest and oldest public markets in America. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenery at the Delaware River Waterfront and Spruce Street Harbor Park. Have dinner at Suraya, a celebrated Lebanese restaurant, then explore the vibrant nightlife in Northern Liberties or Fishtown.

Day 6 brings history and intrigue. Start with breakfast at Hungry Pigeon, a cozy all-day cafe in Queen Village. Spend your morning at the Eastern State Penitentiary, a historic site that offers a peek into the past.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s an absolute pleasure to acknowledge the many individuals, organizations, and businesses that have substantially contributed to my journey. If I were to list them all, it could easily fill the pages of a book. Among them, Chris Blackden of Blackdentech and Lam Nyugen of SocialProof Branding were instrumental figures in kickstarting the organization. Ron Coleman, also known as DJ N.I., has been a fundamental part of putting the organization’s programming efforts into action alongside me.

Organizations like “Urban Navigation” have generously provided me with a space, while the Uncommon Individual Foundation has offered invaluable coaching for business and program development. CyberCrunch has been our technology provider, which has enabled the organization to thrive.

Regarding Ron’s Signature Sauce, it would have remained a distant dream without the culinary expertise of my chef, Sam Rivera. Additionally, the support from Yash Dhir, my intern from Penn, has been quite significant in recent times.

Last, but certainly not least, I must acknowledge my family, friends, and fellow Philadelphians. Their constant support, encouragement, and belief in my work have been my guiding light and inspiration. They are the ones who fuel my commitment and deserve recognition for their unwavering faith in my abilities.

Website: thestreamengine.org, ronssingaturesauce.com, ronsribs.com

Instagram: @washiewash, @thestreamengine, @ronsribs, @ronssignaturesauce

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-washington/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.washington.5851

Image Credits
Mike Prince