episode 4: building the community you seek with ryan wilson of the gathering spot
Visionary founder. Thought leader. Social entrepreneur. Business partner. Member of The Gathering Spot. Starting with a thought-provoking email to his then college roommate, Ryan created a groundbreaking club where diversity of thought, social justice, and just plain fun are all part of the daily conversation.
For our series, The Brag, we helped Ryan honor his initiative by framing every proud moment. “This is a reflection of a lot of good people coming together. Memories like this need to be displayed in places where that community can experience them.” Below, tour the historic events and iconic personas that helped Ryan build his community.
“It’s amazing to me what we have accomplished. And I emphasize the we, it’s not me. We have come together as a community and created something really special. Many would say having all these things happen in one place is impossible. So I hope when people see this wall they feel proud.”
ryan wilson
Tour some of Ryan’s biggest brags
5 major moments
(so far)
Hosting civil rights leader John Lewis
“We knew that talking about issues of the day, with the people in elected office, was important to us. We were able to welcome an icon, John Lewis, and celebrate his time in office, along with all the accomplishments and sacrifices he has made.”
5 major moments
(so far)
Taking membership to the skies
“When we expanded to Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, it was important all the members were part of that journey—actually able to travel with us. So we chartered a plane and flew to those cities. Every single touchpoint was branded.”
5 major moments
(so far)
Honoring legendary director John Singleton
“This was the last talk he did before he passed. The 25th anniversary of Boys N The Hood. He spoke for three hours in our intimate setting. This was one of the first times we were able to do one of those conversations with someone we deeply respect.”
5 major moments
(so far)
Opening the first location in Atlanta
“We opened this club in 2016. As unproven entrepreneurs, a lot of folks in town didn't believe we were going to make this thing happen and we got seriously rejected. We found this building really late in the process, the owner believed in us.”
5 major moments
(so far)
12,000 plus members and counting
““I have to give a shout out to Kai Williamson at Studio 7. Her team came up with the idea of creating a signature sign where you could take your picture. Now, thousands of pictures later, this is how folks mark their time here.””
