Barion McQueen is a digital marketer, branding specialist, business consultant and real estate investor. He owns various businesses one of them being, The Brand Castle a full service digital marketing/branding agency located in Fort Lauderdale specializing in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Management, Web Design & Development, Pay-Per-Click and Digital Content & Video Production.
The Brand Castle has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world like Mercedes Benz, Coca Cola, Adidas, Forever 21, Levi’s, H&M.
1.Please tell us something about yourself.
My name is Barion McQueen. I am a digital marketer, branding specialist, business consultant and real estate investor. I currently am the owner of several of my own businesses and have successfully launched over 100 local businesses from the beginning stages of logo design, brand identity to website launch.
2. How did you get into entrepreneurship? Please tell us more about your journey as an entrepreneur.
I have always been into entrepreneurship because I was raised by a single mom. My mother did everything to make sure I had a roof over my head, clothes on my back and food in my stomach. So, anything extra that I wanted I had to figure out how to make some money to get it. I started off as a kid fixing bikes in the neighborhood. That grew from me fixing bikes to taking old parts and customizing bikes to sell them to the other kids in my neighborhood.
3. Who are your role models?
One of my biggest role models when it comes to this entrepreneur journey would be Jay-Z. I used to be in the music business so to see him as an inspiration musically and business like was all in the same.
4. Did you read any books that inspired or motivated you in your journey?
I didn’t read any books in my journey as an entrepreneur. I hated reading books. I just studied people, watched documentaries. I was more of a visual learner. Now that I am older, I am more into reading books and personal development.
5. Please tell us about your company
Which one? I think the company that I am most known for is “The Brand Castle”. We are a full-service digital marketing/branding agency located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We are a collective of creatives, directors, videographers, graphic designers, editors, social media analyst, artists, photographers, and more striving to cross promote and connect a world full of entrepreneurs and like-minded visionaries.
6. What’s your most memorable experience as an entrepreneur?
My most memorable experience as an entrepreneur would have to be attending Grant Cardone’s 10X conference in Miami. Being in the room, well more of a stadium with some of the most successful, business minds from all over the world. I was able to create relationships that will last for many years to come from just attending that one event.
7. Are you using any online marketing strategies for your company? How are you using different social media channels to market your company?
Our whole business is digital marketing through, SEO, social media, ad campaigns, email marketing and Google My Business.
8. What’s your greatest fear as an entrepreneur?
Everyone always has this fear of failure as an entrepreneur, but I have had many businesses fail, but when I think back at why it’s because of lack of preparation in the beginning without a clear written out game plan on what I wanted to accomplish.
9. Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood about entrepreneurship before you ever got started?
I wish I understood the importance of sales before I got into entrepreneurship. Growing up I always told myself I hated sales, and never wanted to be a salesman who only got paid off a commission. The further I grew in business I realized that I was a salesman my entire journey.
10. Would you like to share any success secrets that helped you in your journey?
One success secret that I can share with you is simple, just be yourself. Good businesspeople will know when you are not being sincere or authentic. That’s when you will have the most success when everything is natural and a complete reflection of yourself.
11. What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The thing I enjoy most is when I have a client who is brand new and starting a new business. I love to help them turn something that was a vision into something real. From the first consultation, to the logo design, to the brand identity all the way to the launch of the website, I love the journey. It makes you feel like you are starting a new business each time because we are contributing the growth and the process.
12. What keeps you going when things get tough?
The thing that keeps me going is remembering why I started in the first place. As an entrepreneur I love being able to do what I want and when I want without having to answer to anyone. If I have a difficult client, I love having the ability to tell them that I do not want to work with them. As an entrepreneur you do not have to work with everyone, you can tell anyone to kick rocks if you want, and I love that freedom.
13. How can people connect with you?
People can connect with my on social media. My handle is the same on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc. @barionmcqueen. Also log onto the website www.thebrandcastle.com if you need help with your business.
thats an inspiring read
Hey – I was checking out your site and I’m impressed with how clean and professional it looks.