We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leroy Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Leroy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

I started my journey with underserved businesses. I worked for a company focused on breaking down barriers for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) who were launching new energy and technology ventures. Working alongside these founders, getting them integrated into the New Orleans ecosystem and helping them connect with opportunities and resources showed me what was possible when people had access to the right support.

That experience inspired me to keep working with those who are often overlooked and underestimated.

Recently, I put it all together turning my attention to veteran-owned construction companies. Some of them face the similar barriers: limited access to capital, limited connections, and little visibility in the places where contracts are awarded.

I know we are in a season of unprecedented growth: billions of dollars in infrastructure, energy, and development are flowing into our state.

That’s why I created Connextive, to help recruit, empower, and position veterans to get construction contracts. We can connect them with capital, primes, and help with certifications if needed so they’re ready to compete, win, and reinvest locally.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Meet Leroy Brown — Ecosystem Builder, Business Development Specialist, and Connector of What Matters
For those who may not have crossed paths with me yet, I’m Leroy Brown, founder of Connextive. I work at the intersection of people, purpose, and progress.
My path to this field is rooted in lived experience. I’ve journeyed through the world of small brands — from restaurants and online tea companies, to marketing firms, artists, and organizations serving the special needs community. I’ve always believed in supporting entrepreneurs who possess the vision and drive to create something larger than themselves. Along the way, I’ve collaborated with economic development agencies and witnessed firsthand the gaps in workforce and pipeline development. That’s what fuels me: understanding challenges at every level and bridging the distance between where we are and where we could be.
What I Do
I specialize in building ecosystems that connect economic development, industry, workforce, and innovation. My work includes:
• Designing strategic partnerships that bring together small businesses, community organizations, and industry stakeholders.
• Supporting infrastructure and clean energy initiatives by connecting local talent to new opportunities.
• Helping organizations craft their stories the right way to unlock investment, visibility, and momentum.
The Problems I Solve
• Many small businesses and founders are doing great work but remain disconnected from the systems that can help them scale.
• Communities are ready to grow but need strategic partners to bridge vision with execution.
• Industry leaders and institutions are seeking meaningful connections with local talent.
That’s where I come in — I look at the ecosystem as a whole, seeing not only who’s at the table, but who’s missing, and help everyone win together.
What Sets Me Apart
• I don’t just build programs — I build trust, momentum, and alignment.
• I bring both grassroots credibility and executive strategy to the table.
• I believe community is our superpower and that connection is the currency driving growth forward.
What I’m Most Proud Of
• Helping local businesses reach new heights of ownership.
• Connecting small brands and businesses with the larger ecosystem.
• Serving as a bridge between those doing the work and those with the resources to scale it.
• Most of all, I’m proud that we’re finally telling the right stories and building together.
If you’re seeking a partner who understands strategy, relationship-building, workforce, and storytelling — and who knows how to connect the dots for tangible results — let’s connect.
I’m based in Louisiana, but my work extends wherever purpose and progress need a handshake. Together, we can build an ecosystem that serves us all.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The most important thing I had to unlearn was buying into perceived limitations. Early on, I realized how easy it is to fall into preconceived notions about how industries work, who will or won’t be interested in certain projects, or what kind of businesses have potential. Letting go of those limiting beliefs and the tendency to put people and ideas into boxes was essential.
One powerful lesson emerged from working with a founder who had spent years in the nonprofit space. Initially, based on our conversations, it might seem obvious to assume they would never transition into building for-profit ventures or industry partnerships. Yet, by remaining open, I watched that founder evolve and create a remarkable project with the potential of making lasting impact. Had I dismissed their potential based solely on their starting point, I would have missed the opportunity to support their growth and transformation.
I’ve come to understand that founders do not have to choose between doing good and doing well; they can pursue both. Sometimes, it simply takes time and the right conversations to shift a mindset from helping a few to building something that helps many. For me, this has been a highlight of the journey; helping guide passionate, service-driven founders to see that sustainability and impact can go hand in hand.
Ultimately, my goal has always been to be an asset to founders, especially those who are driven to succeed, even if their first instinct is to put others before themselves. By moving beyond perceived limitations, I have been able to help more entrepreneurs create brands, businesses, and ecosystems that do not merely survive, but truly thrive.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A Career Pivot
The last two years of my work were dedicated to building an ecosystem designed to help underserved founders in the new energy and technology space access the opportunities and resources they needed to grow. When that chapter came to a close, it left me with not only valuable knowledge but also meaningful connections. I have since parlayed that experience into launching a business development consultancy. This pivot allows me to apply the same tools, resources, and insights to support purpose-driven founders across a broader range of industries. It has expanded my reach, enabling me to connect with and support a diverse set of entrepreneurs while staying rooted in the mission of helping founders succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://connextive.net
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leroy-brown-2b21bb34/

Image Credits

pictures taken with my camera