MEET our FOUNDER
“I received an email from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation asking for professionals to be considered to be panelists and authors for its Annual Legislative Conference. I sent that email out to about 60 friends who met the qualifications. After that initial email was sent out, I found myself updating those same 60 friends about upcoming ALC events and changes. I attended the conference's Small Business Forum and I found myself taking copious notes from the experts on the panel with the intent of sending those notes to the same 60 friends — that's when it hit me! I had something, a product that offered very relevant and interesting information from experienced business owners, that others apparently, enjoyed reading and learning from.”
ROB JOELL
HERE’S HOW IT HAPPENED
It all began in the Wynnefield section of West Philadelphia. My mother, a retired elementary and middle school teacher, volunteered with a community-based organization that basically was, what's known today as a free Uber or Lyft, to pick up senior citizens from their homes and take them to their destinations, during weekdays. Mom made me tag-along and help by escorting the seniors from their front door to her car door. It wasn't something I jumped to do - as an immature 13-year-old child, but it was helpful and it showed one of the ways to be involved in the community. Mom also was the block captain and always involved in something helping out in the community.
Dad was heavily involved in other communities in Philadelphia. He was the conductor for the North Philadelphia Youth Symphony Orchestra (NPYSO) -- which was based in a section of the city that had the toughest/hardest reputation at that time. Dad also worked at and led musicians at summer camps in Philadelphia.
From seeing both of my parents always involved in communities in some capacity around Philadelphia, I found a way to help those in communities as well.
After a couple of years of college and limited funds, I joined the United States Air Force to help pay for college -- it worked out OK as I earned both BA and MA degrees. I was assigned to McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey where I was involved in community-based events on the base - such as the Cultural Awareness Group. I was later assigned to the Pentagon, in Washington DC where I got involved in the community as well.
FROM MY STORY TO MY PASSIONS
Taking a note from hanging with my dad when I was a child and having music in my DNA, I created Joell Entertainment where I represented a few musicians here in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area by negotiating and securing gigs for them. Owning that small business allowed me to join the Prince George's County (MD) Black Chamber of Commerce. That was an amazing experience as the Chamber recognized outstanding everyday people that were doing amazing things in that County, however, it faded away and left a void of those doing amazing things in this part of MD that is proudly populated with a very large number of influencers/leaders/professionals, not being recognized by this Chamber of Commerce any longer.
A few years later, I thought of creating Ethos 108 with a major objective — To help recognize those in the DMV and now, far beyond that initial reach. Using the Ethos 108 newsletter platform, it's become a perfect and simple way to share what influencers are doing all around and it helps to create connections for mentoring and simply, helping good people move forward with their dreams and visions. Ethos 108 also hosts Think Tank Zoom Sessions where we engage in thought-provoking conversations with those from all around, virtually.
A global community of 500+ professionals and leaders joining together to create meaningful relationships that push business and impact forward.
A global community of 500+ professionals and leaders joining together to create meaningful relationships that push business and impact forward.
A global community of 500+ professionals and leaders joining together to create meaningful relationships that push business and impact forward.
A global community of 500+ professionals and leaders joining together to create meaningful relationships that push business and impact forward.
THE INSPIRATION for ETHOS 108
A TRIBUTE to TULSA and BLACK WALLSTREET
a thriving community
Greenwood is a historic freedom colony in Tulsa, OK. In the early 20th century, the community was home to nearly 10,000 residents and hundreds of successful Black-owned businesses which were eventually recognized as Black Wall Street.
A TRAGEDY
More than 100 years ago the thriving, predominately Black, community of Greenwood was burned to the ground in a racially motivated attack known today as the Tulsa race massacre.
a number
While the exact number of businesses that were in this community is disputed today, some believe there were roughly 108.
a name
Our name, Ethos 108, is a tribute to the Greenwood community and the many successful Black-owned businesses that served all who lived there.
“Our name, Ethos 108, pays homage to the once flourishing, prior to May 31st 1921, Greenwood community of Tulsa, OK and the diverse business leaders/professionals that were prospering over 100 years ago. Ethos — like minded/similar values etc. The 108 was the first number I learned through a documentary about the Black businesses that were burned down on that notorious day. ”
Learn more about Black Wallstreet in this History special, "Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre."
