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, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I was raised in a family of entrepreneurs, which deeply influenced my aspiration to start my own venture. Observing my family, I learned the importance of entrepreneurship not only for personal independence but also for its positive impact on the community. My early years were spent in the lively atmosphere of my father’s restaurant, a place I dreamt of carrying forward. However, after my father’s death, the restaurant also met its end.

Post-college, I attempted to resurrect the restaurant, but the endeavor failed due to the poor condition of the building and the daunting challenges of launching a food business as a recent graduate. This setback was followed by the loss of my job a year later.

In the face of adversity, I co-founded Green Couch Productions with my cousin to support local artists through audio/video services. This venture aimed to provide my cousin, a former inmate, with employment and to generate funds for the upkeep of the property left by my father. Despite our efforts, the business didn’t thrive, forcing me to return to the job market.
During this time, I realized my knack for technology and saw an opportunity to educate others. This led to the creation of The STREAM Engine. The initiative gained momentum in 2021, especially when the pandemic highlighted the need for such services. When my community organization acquired a new space requiring programs, I stepped in to fill the void.

Facing financial challenges, I devised a plan to sustain the nonprofit while honoring my family’s legacy. Drawing inspiration from a successful barbecue sauce venture before my father’s restaurant era, I launched Ron’s Signature Sauce.

This venture was more than a business; it was a holistic solution to several challenges. It was about reviving a family tradition, contributing to the community, and introducing a unique product with a meaningful history. The excitement lay in bridging my family’s past with the community’s future, reviving a cherished local product, and supporting a noble cause—all at once.

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, readers! I’m Brandon Washington, a Philadelphia native deeply rooted in entrepreneurship, education, and social justice. My journey began at my father’s restaurant, Ron’s Ribs, which wasn’t just a place to grab a bite but a community hub where I learned the importance of hard work and giving back.

My early career kicked off as a graphic designer at IBS Communications while I was still in high school, eventually leading me to LaSalle University, where I earned a B.S. in Integrated Science Business and Technology. Post-graduation, I evolved into a field technician role at IBS, delving into network systems, audio-video setups, and CAD designs, which laid the foundation for my technical expertise.

However, my heart was always set on making a meaningful impact, drawing me towards education. My commitment to teaching was amplified by the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship, culminating in a Master of Teaching in STEM from The College of New Jersey. Now, I balance my time between being a Technology Education Teacher, an Adjunct Professor, and a mentor for aspiring tech enthusiasts.

The STREAM Engine Organization is my pride, a platform I founded to arm people with the skills necessary for tomorrow’s job market, aiming to dismantle poverty through education and access to technology. Our community workspace, “1901”, embodies this mission, offering advanced tech resources to the community.

To support The STREAM Engine’s initiatives, I’ve revived a piece of Philadelphia’s culinary heritage – Ron’s Signature Sauce. This isn’t just a nod to my father’s legacy; it’s a bridge connecting my past with my community-oriented present, turning a beloved local flavor into a vehicle for change.

I’m most proud of intertwining my passions for technology, education, and community upliftment into a coherent narrative that not only honors my roots but also looks forward to the future. Whether it’s through teaching, technology, or a bottle of sauce, I’m committed to making a difference. I invite you to be part of this journey, supporting a cause that blends tradition with innovation for a brighter tomorrow.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

When I embarked on the journey of producing Ron’s Signature Sauce, the process began quite humbly. Initially, I was allowed to use the kitchen of Tico’s Tacos, a restaurant owned by a tenant, for bottling the sauce. This hands-on start gave me a deep understanding of the production process.

As demand grew, I aimed for a grander scale and partnered with a copacker for the first large batch. This experience was enlightening; the copacker handled the bulk of the production, requiring just my recipe and label design. However, this convenience came with higher costs, a critical lesson in balancing scale and expenses.

Realizing the importance of cost-effectiveness, I returned to a more hands-on approach, this time bottling the sauce at my aunt’s restaurant, Meskerem. This move not only helped control costs but also kept the production within the family, adding a personal touch to every bottle.

Looking forward, I’m excited about the next phase—partnering with Rutgers Food Innovation Center for the relaunch. This step represents a blend of my initial hands-on experience and the lessons learned from outsourcing, aiming to achieve the right balance between personal oversight and scalable production.

Through this journey, I’ve learned the significance of understanding every facet of manufacturing, from hands-on production to navigating partnerships with larger entities. Each step, whether in a small kitchen or a large copacker’s facility, has been crucial in shaping the path of Ron’s Signature Sauce, teaching me invaluable lessons about the art and business of manufacturing.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Honestly, my reputation in the market is deeply intertwined with my roots and the legacy left by my parents, particularly my father. Growing up in Philadelphia and experiencing a diverse range of educational environments—from public to private and parochial schools—allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life. This diverse upbringing has been a cornerstone in building relationships across various communities.

My parents, known for their kindness and integrity, laid a solid foundation for my own reputation. They were not just good but exceptional individuals who left a lasting impact on those around them. Their influence has opened doors for me, offering a wealth of opportunities as people associate their positive experiences with my family name.

In particular, my father’s reputation has been a major driving force in enhancing my own.
Realizing how respected my dad is in our community has been super helpful for me. It made things way easier for my publicist to work with his legacy and even helped me get a spot on a TV special. It’s like his good name in the community opened doors for me that I didn’t even know were there. It’s a testament to the lasting influence of a strong, positive legacy and how it can pave the way for future generations.

So, while my efforts and personal attributes have played a role, it’s the foundation laid by my parents and the goodwill they fostered that have been instrumental in building my reputation within the market. Their legacy has not only inspired me but also served as a bridge, connecting me with broader opportunities and aiding in establishing my own place within the industry.

Contact Info:

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