“The Gathering Spot”
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Two classmates from Georgetown University, Ryan Wilson and TK Petersen, planned to reshape the social landscape of Atlanta. Night after night, they gathered in Ryan's apartment, investing long hours to meticulously plot and strategize how to turn their vision into reality.
Their dream was to create a haven for where Black professionals, creatives, and leaders could come together to network, collaborate, and support one another. With this vision in mind, they founded The Gathering Spot, a private membership club.
As they pitched their concept to potential investors they were told no 97 times. Instead of waning, their confidence went up with each negative response. Ryan and TK were unwavering in their belief that their vision was worth pursuing, no matter how many doors slammed shut.
From 2016 to 2020, The Gathering Spot became a thriving hub, hosting thousands of events that brought people together, sparking innovation and fostering connections. With the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this community was forced to shut its doors temporarily.
But where others saw adversity, Ryan, TK, and their dedicated team saw an opportunity. They pivoted quickly, using technology to stay engaged with their community, organizing virtual gatherings that kept the spirit of The Gathering Spot alive. They knew that the heart of their mission - to connect people - couldn't be stopped by a virus.
As restrictions lifted and life gradually returned to normal, The Gathering Spot emerged stronger than ever. They reconnected with their members, reignited their events, and reaffirmed their commitment to the community that had become their lifeblood.
Then, in 2022, The Gathering Spot was acquired by Greenwood, a Black-owned Financial Technology company. With the support of Greenwood, they had the opportunity to expand their mission and reach even more communities.
The Gathering Spot has three thriving locations, each in a different corner of the United States - Atlanta, D.C., and Los Angeles. Ryan and TK's accomplishments provide the blueprint on how to stay rooted in your morals, character, and beliefs.
HELLA INSPIRED.
Their dream was to create a haven for where Black professionals, creatives, and leaders could come together to network, collaborate, and support one another. With this vision in mind, they founded The Gathering Spot, a private membership club.
As they pitched their concept to potential investors they were told no 97 times. Instead of waning, their confidence went up with each negative response. Ryan and TK were unwavering in their belief that their vision was worth pursuing, no matter how many doors slammed shut.
From 2016 to 2020, The Gathering Spot became a thriving hub, hosting thousands of events that brought people together, sparking innovation and fostering connections. With the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this community was forced to shut its doors temporarily.
But where others saw adversity, Ryan, TK, and their dedicated team saw an opportunity. They pivoted quickly, using technology to stay engaged with their community, organizing virtual gatherings that kept the spirit of The Gathering Spot alive. They knew that the heart of their mission - to connect people - couldn't be stopped by a virus.
As restrictions lifted and life gradually returned to normal, The Gathering Spot emerged stronger than ever. They reconnected with their members, reignited their events, and reaffirmed their commitment to the community that had become their lifeblood.
Then, in 2022, The Gathering Spot was acquired by Greenwood, a Black-owned Financial Technology company. With the support of Greenwood, they had the opportunity to expand their mission and reach even more communities.
The Gathering Spot has three thriving locations, each in a different corner of the United States - Atlanta, D.C., and Los Angeles. Ryan and TK's accomplishments provide the blueprint on how to stay rooted in your morals, character, and beliefs.
HELLA INSPIRED.