Meet Brian Pearson: Franchise Broker, Consultant and Entrepreneur

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

Hi Brian, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
The one thing that outsiders are unaware of would be just how many franchise opportunities there truly are avail in the US which is currently over 3,700. As I touch and work with hundreds of franchise companies it imperative that I speak in-detail to what my clients are truly seeking in a business and show them all the incredible opportunities available beside food franchises. The lifestyle of that potential franchisee owner must be considered before signing the agreements to operate that business. Also the support services the franchisor offers to the owners is another key component.

What should our readers know about your business?
Invictus Development Group is a boutique Franchise brokerage firm that specialize in franchise sales, consulting and development. What sets us apart from most firms in this space is my particular skill set and approach to helping people realize their dreams of franchise ownership. As I’m one of the very few men of color who operate in this space and on this side of the industry I have developed a stellar reputation of delivering on my objectives and establishing a win- win scenario for the franchisee prospects and franchisors. My perspective and experience in the industry different than most and that insight really helps people learn I have their best intention in mind. I also help people franchise their existing business concepts, as well as help franchisors sell off existing cooperate operating units.

I got to my current place by taking a chance in 2007 and formed my 1st company in the franchise brokering space. I learned a great deal as the financial crisis of 2008 hit and I had to change all my plans and adjust given that uncertain time. It was a very challenging time for a new business. Despite that I achieve a good level of success but wanted to learn more and decided to go in-house with Shell Oil and the Jiffy Lube Chain as a Senior Franchise Development Manager responsible for the 14 Western US States. After 4 years with Shell and great success I realized I needed go back to being in charge of my destiny and start a new company as the entrepreneur bug bit me again.

The best lessons I’ve learned along the way is to partner with the right people and brands. You can’t do everything yourself. Operate in integrity as your name, business and reputation will be affected if you don’t. Take time for yourself to plan, have fun and recharge to avoid burn out. Give back and help someone.

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.
I would start by taking them to Grand Central Market for some great food and a fun vibe or breakfast at my favorite Hole in the wall Uncle John’s Cafe. My next stop would be the flower district to show them a different view point and then the fashion district with Santee Alley to blow their mind. Dinner in Downtown would be Nick and Stef’s, The Water Grill or Amante Restaurant We would then venture to Koreatown, the Sunset strip and Hollywood Blvd for the tourist sights. Griffin Park, LACMA, The Getty Museum, Westwood( Diddy Riese Cookies) Rodeo Drive. The Farmers Market of Course.

Pasadena to see the Rose Bowl / Swap meet Old Town Pasadena for lunch at either Rotisserie Chicken of California (Hot and Spicy or 32 Flavors are my favorites) or Mi Piace Italian.

A visit/tour of Universal Studios would be mandatory. Have to visit Sweet Blessings by Cyler for my soul food fix.

Venice Beach and the wonderful shops of Redondo Beach, Chef Melba’s is incredible!!! Manhattan Beach/ Santa Monica Pier. If I’m on my Indian Chief Motorcycle then ride up the coast to Neptune’ Net or to the Rock Store or up to Santa Barbara.

I’d also go to the Porsche driving experience in Carson, and the Aquarium in Long Beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my business life my two main shoutout are to former bosses Gus Stamoutsos and Jim Treliving ( founder of Boston Pizza and Sports Bar). Gus taught me so many aspect to working the multiple angles to achieve success in franchise sales and development. Jim Treliving was a great mentor in developing a brand on a international scale with commercial real estate development in the casual dining sector with higher ticket investments. I truly value what I learned from both men.

In my personal life of course my biggest cheerleaders are my dad William Sr.(RIP), mom Estella Pearson, followed by my sister Robin and brothers William Jr. and Kevin. We are a very close, supportive and very competitive family. Growing up we had fun and legendary battles of Scrabble, 500, Clue or what ever games or sports we played. As the youngest I learned very quickly to compete, develop a tough skin as older brothers give no sympathy and give as good as I get it..

Two organization I want to give a particular shout out to are my beloved Fraternity of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) as I’m a living kidney donor to my brother Kevin on May 5th 1994.

Website: www.invictusdevgroup.com

Instagram: @invictusdevgroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-pearson-cfe-8b82a69/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.pearson.900; https://www.facebook.com/Invictusdevelopmentgroup