We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brandon Washington. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brandon below.

Brandon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents instilled in me a strong sense of values and work ethic, which has profoundly shaped who I am today. They always emphasized the importance of being a good person and contributing positively to society. One of their guiding principles was to treat others the way you’d want to be treated and to always lead by example.

I often think back to my father’s tireless work ethic. He was constantly in motion, whether he was working on a project or lending a helping hand to someone in need. I remember this one instance when I had to build a catapult for a project. I had everything ready, but for some reason, I felt overwhelmed and wanted to quit. When I told my father, he made sure I didn’t give up. He literally turned my bed upside down to ensure I couldn’t go to sleep and then waited until I completed the project. That night, I learned the value of perseverance and determination.

Education was paramount in our household. My parents aspired for me to be a second-generation college graduate. They went to great lengths to ensure this, and their efforts bore fruit. My father was particularly keen on nurturing my mathematical skills. I fondly recall counting the earnings of our family restaurant with him every morning, and by first grade, he introduced me to basic algebra.

After we lost my father, it was a challenging time for me. But my mother stood as my pillar of strength. She made sure I had everything I needed and always steered me in the right direction, even when I was, as she’d put it, “hard-headed.” I’ve always tried to model my life after my father’s kindness, generosity, and relentless work ethic. He was someone who’d go out of his way to help others, and I’ve inherited that spirit of service from him.

Independence was another value my parents emphasized. My mother often reminded me that I’d be on my own when I turned 18, and that drove me to ensure I was self-reliant by that age. My father entrusted me with responsibilities at a very young age. By eight, I was taking orders and managing the cash register at our family business. This early exposure honed my interpersonal skills and gave me a sense of purpose and pride in assisting my father.

Cultural exposure and social awareness were also integral to my upbringing. We had family friends from diverse backgrounds, from Trinidad to Ethiopia. My father, a civil rights activist, instilled in me the importance of being socially aware and understanding the experiences of others. Additionally, he introduced me to karate, which not only kept me fit but also taught me self-discipline and self-defense. This experience has had a lasting impact on my life.

In conclusion, the values, experiences, and lessons from my parents have been the bedrock of my personal and professional journey. Their teachings continue to guide me, and I am eternally grateful for the foundation they provided

Brandon, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello to all the readers out there! I am Brandon Washington, born and nurtured in the vibrant city of Philadelphia. My journey has been an amalgamation of entrepreneurship, education, and a deep-rooted commitment to social justice. My early years were shaped by institutions like Greenfield Elementary School, Friends Select, and Bishop McDevitt High School. However, a significant part of my upbringing revolved around my father’s restaurant, Ron’s Ribs. Not just a place to eat, it was a community touchstone where I imbibed the values of hard work and community engagement.

As I transitioned into my professional life, I started as a graphic designer at IBS Communications while still in high school. My educational pursuits led me to LaSalle University, from where I graduated with a B.S. in Integrated Science Business and Technology. This academic achievement paved the way for my promotion to a field technician at IBS Communications, where I expanded my horizons in technological knowledge. From network system installations, audio-video systems, to CAD designs, I played a pivotal role in the company’s brand work, which encompassed everything from website designs to digital signage.

But life has a way of bringing us back to our roots. With a heart always inclined towards social justice and community upliftment, I ventured into the world of education. I was honored to be selected for the esteemed Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship, which further fueled my passion for teaching. This experience translated into a commitment to teach in New Jersey, and I was awarded a Master of Teaching degree in STEM Teaching from The College of New Jersey.

Fast forward to today, I wear multiple hats. I am a Technology Education Teacher at Hamilton West High School, an Adjunct Professor at LaSalle University, and an instructor for the Uncommon Individual Foundation. But one of my most cherished endeavors is The STREAM Engine Organization. Its mission? To equip individuals with the skills and resources they need to thrive in the 21st-century workforce. We aim to counter poverty by preparing people for the jobs of tomorrow.

But let’s not forget where it all began. To fund our initiatives at The STREAM Engine, I’ve brought back a piece of Philadelphia’s history – “Ron’s Signature Sauce”. A nod to my father’s legacy, this sauce encapsulates the flavors that made Ron’s Ribs a city favorite. It’s more than just a sauce; it’s a taste of history and a medium through which we’re reviving a Philadelphia tradition. Every time you relish its flavor, know that you are not only indulging in a culinary delight but also supporting a cause that’s close to my heart.

In closing, I want you to know that I am proud of my journey, from the bustling kitchen of Ron’s Ribs to the classrooms where I teach. I am dedicated to creating a positive impact, whether it’s through education, technology, or even a bottle of barbeque sauce. I invite you to join me in this mission and make a difference, one step at a time.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I recently faced a significant pivot in 2023. My usual space for programming was no longer available, prompting me to adapt and move my operations online. Despite life’s challenges, I am in the midst of developing a website for my business. Furthermore, I’m converting a family-owned space into a dedicated learning lab. In a renewed focus, I’ve tailored my instruction primarily towards my 5-year-old daughter’s age group. However, I am also offering two specialized classes for adults, concentrating on entrepreneurship and technology.”

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I have a particular fondness for audiobooks. At the moment, I’m engrossed in ‘The 4-Hour Work Week.’ This remarkable book is introducing me to strategies for building an autonomous business through effective outsourcing. It’s fascinating, and I’m eager to integrate these methods into my business, especially with the aid of AI. Several audiobooks have left a lasting impact on me. ‘Think and Grow Rich’ serves as my guiding philosophy, while ‘The Art of Positive Thinking’ has revolutionized my outlook. Both ‘Atomic Habits’ and ‘The Power of Habit’ have profoundly influenced my approach to routine and productivity.

Contact Info:

• Website: Ronsribs.com, Ronssignaturesauce.com, Thestreamengine.org, brandonwashington.info
• Instagram: @ronssignaturesauce, @ronsribs, @thestreamengine
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.washington.5851
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-washington/

Image Credits
Mike Prince