EDGE Leadership: Brandon McEachern of 'Broccoli City' - EDGE Magazine Online

EDGE Leadership: Brandon McEachern of ‘Broccoli City’

When we were first introduced to Broccoli City here at EDGE we were immediately sold. It is very seldom that you met a group of young men so adamant about their business and who jump at the opportunity to help others. After being blown away by the passion they have as a unit to showcase up and coming talent and to introduce our community to a “green” way of life—meeting with Founder Brandon McEachern one-on-one sealed the deal. In Los Angeles, it is often said that it’s next to impossible to find genuine people and though that harsh reality seems daunting, the reward of finding the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is ever appreciated. McEachern is that prize. We caught up with the NC native to talk Broccoli City’s influence and what he hopes to do next.

EDGE: Who is Brandon McEachern? What kind of man and businessman are you?

Brandon: Brandon McEachern is guy from North Carolina that even in my late twenties enjoys cartoons. As a businessman, I consider myself a humble, compassionate, guy, eager to grow. I’m good but I still have a great deal to learn.

EDGE: What was the impetus behind starting Broccoli City and why was it important to you?

Brandon: I started Broccoli City as a clothing line at first, but it has since evolved into much more. I was having a conversation with a friend that said when they hear Broccoli City they think of either weed or going green. So I figured I would go with the green side, haha. In deciding to go the “green” route, the company, the site and my thoughts about the company had to evolve. I began studying products and my first order of business was to produce a t-shirt, (with the green theme), in doing so the t-shirts were made with organic cotton and soy based inks. As I have continued to learn the “green” way, I’ve learned more about the other aspects of alternative green lifestyle living and I wanted to share the knowledge with my peers. After a great deal of success with the “organic” t-shirts, I began to transition from just being a clothing company. I’ve branched off into being a media platform that includes social events, school programs and original content. BC is important to me because it gives me the ability to touch people.

EDGE: Who are you style wise?

Brandon: I would say my style is pretty basic, I have not gotten into my suit phase just yet, so I still wear fitteds to corporate meetings.

EDGE: How much of your personal style did you infuse into BC?

Brandon: Maybe a bit, with the tees we’ve tried to keep it pretty general. But definitely with the original content, like the BCTV’s and event recaps, I take pride in the music behind those visuals.

EDGE: How long has it taken to get everything rolling and what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in business?

Brandon: It took me a minute to get things rolling because after the idea then comes the work. You locking down your plan and then how are you going to get capital? Who is going to design your website for cheap? How are you going to market your products, etc… Those beginning steps usually take a couple months, depending on your plans and support system, to get in place. One of the most important things I have learned in business is not to compare your stuff to others. Just keep doing your thing at your pace, the progress/growth will come, just keep working.

EDGE: What are the politics involved with having a brand like Broccoli City? Racial? Social? Do you feel compelled to fit a certain market?

Brandon: Politics are Politics in whatever you do I suppose. But when I first started going to “Green” events and socials in Los Angeles I would sometimes be the only black guy in the building which worked in and out of my favor. As far as being in one market, I do try to stay in my lane with certain things.

EDGE: How are you looking to expand into other areas of business and have you already started those ventures?

Expanding is a blessing, and I think its just a natural progression that causes your brand to evolve. My team and I are currently working on a non-profit sector to add to our mission, and our full service creative agency will have our doors open for business at the end of the month.

EDGE: What’s been the biggest accomplishment for the brand thus far?

This may sound cheesy but everything I have done with kids or students of any kind. I never thought I would ever speak to students or plan programs for them. But honestly, its super dope and I look forward to working with kids and students more in the future.

EDGE: Who are your role models?

I would definitely have to say my Father, he is one of the hardest working men I know.

EDGE: What does living a life on the Edge mean to you?

Living on the edge for me would probably be doing the things that you truly want to do, and living outside of the box.

EDGE: What do you hope your legacy will be?

I want my legacy to be “Brandon was a good dude, and when I needed him, he was there.”

Photos by Nelvin Flores Salonga

Buy this Article in print

EDGE Magazine Volume 7: Winter 2012

By Edge Magazine in Edge Magazine

44 pages, published 12/1/2012

Elle Varner, Steelo Brim, Skye Townsend, Dusty McFly, Broccolli City, Jonn Hart, CP The Comedian, Love And Relationships, He Say / She Say, Men’s and Women’s Fashion and more!

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