Welcome to RichNotFamous.Org

I met Adolph on a red eye flight from Los Angeles to New York.  Although most prepare to sleep on such flights, I could not once I met Adolph.  I asked what he did, and his response was quite subtle "This trip I filmed an educational documentary."  I asked if all of his trips were similar and he responded "It depends on which business I'm representing."  And our conversation went to the deepest depths at 30,000 feet in the air. It was evident that his love for his family was most important to him and providing for them was a close second.  I asked him if he would be interested in being interviewed for a platform I was launching on Christmas day.  After sharing every detail with him per his pointed queries, he agreed. Our encounter was life-changing for me....

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Dr. Adolph Brown is an American businessman, clinical psychologist, master teacher, full tenured university professor, and best-selling author.  In June 1996, Dr. Brown became a certified investor, investing primarily in commercial real estate.  These activities significantly contribute to his overall financial portfolio.  As of September 2021, he had an estimated net worth of $33 million.  Dr. Brown is also a graduate of the College of William and Mary, and Eastern Virginia Medical School.  Dr. Brown is the father of eight children, an avid gun collector initiated by the inherited gifts of his grandfather, and a boxing and martial arts practitioner.  He currently sits on six boards and enjoys spending time with his wife Marla, also a graduate of the College of William and Mary, and his grandchildren.  Most entrepreneurs enjoy his master class on being a low-profile investor called  “Focus on Family & Fortune, Not Fame: The Joy of Being Nobody.”

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Five Focus Questions:

1.  Who or what inspired you to consider becoming an entrepreneur after your humble beginnings?

My grandparents were farmers and granddad would often say "It's not the money you make, it's the money you keep."  My grandfather would be my favorite entrepreneur followed by my friend and former mentor, Dr. William R. Harvey, President of Hampton University and 100% owner of Pepsi Cola Bottling, who showed me that anything was possible with faith and self-discipline.  I had plenty of both, so I knew I could do multiple endeavors and do them well.  I also model most of my business practices on the generosity of Milton Hershey.  I treat my employees like a coveted family.

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2.You have accomplished many great feats in the business and educational world.  What surprised you most on your professional journey?

At a young age, I was surprised to learn how integral failure was to success.  I am successful today because I failed so much.  I also have a phenomenal partner in my best friend and wife.

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3.  Your valuation revealed a well-diversified portfolio of equities (stocks), fixed income (bonds), real estate, and cash.  How have your priorities changed since you first started?

When I first started out, I maintained a 1-fund portfolio, and overtime I wanted more control over my allocations so I went to a 3-fund portfolio.  Also on a personal level as a budding investor, I would always ensure that "the main course" was the objective, not "the dessert."  I would not make large purchases unless I knew I could buy it ten times.  My wife and I found modest homes to live in with our growing family although we could afford much larger properties.  We would drive used cars and I would wear non-branded clothing.  We were the classic "Millionaire Next Door."  We have since given ourselves permission to eat "the desserts" of life - in moderation.  We also wanted our children to have a "normal" upbringing not clouded by affluence or prestige.

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4.  You are the owner of 13 businesses.  What advice would you give to the entrepreneur just starting out?

I would give one the advice that my dear friend and mentor, Joseph Beamon, gave me to "stay low."  Joseph was my Christian accountability partner and stressed the importance of loving your family first and ensuring that they feel loved.  He encouraged me to remain humble in all of my dealings, and to always find time to help those less fortunate.  I know people who frequently dine at our restaurants or lease office space in our properties, and I never say anything regarding its owners.

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5.  You are an unabashed introvert and you describe yourself as "the energizer bunny" that people often forget needs his batteries recharged.  Of all of the entrepreneur types, which most closely fits you?

I'm unsure if this is a classification, however I'm a servant leader. 

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*BONUS QUESTION: 

What's next for you?

I am learning "the ins and outs" of owning a "micro hospital" with a physician friend of mine.  There's much to learn!

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 - Mark Paige, RNF Founder