The Impact of an Unconventional Solution: Mark Brand at TEDxVancouver

Mark Brand's life as an entrepreneur began in the summer of 2007 with the opening of his first venture, Boneta Restaurant, at 1 West Cordova. Over the course of the next 3 years, the inaugural Vancouver 'Bartender of the Year' would establish several other popular local businesses, including Sharks + Hammers, The Diamond, and Seamonstr Sushi. But all of these projects proved mere training grounds, when in July 2010 Mark signed his life away and assumed control of the historic Save On Meats Butcher Shop / Grocery & Seafood. Working in close collaboration with various community programs and initiatives, Mark and his team are harnessing compassion in their pursuit of new approaches to tackle important societal issues like barrier employment and food security straight from the heart of Vancouver's Downtown East Side.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

• Category

  Nonprofits & Activism

[GregGrude]

“There is nothing more invigorating than understanding how flawed you are and still believing you can do good.” – Mark Brand

[Kristopher McCraw]

Powerfully inspirational

[verrywellhung]

He owes money to his creditors possibly bankrupt and he opens this bar? Why they let this goof talk at TED? Disgusting.

[Doug Lewellen]

Dr. Malcom?

[poioquentinho]

Possibly a bartender! or a very hip cook:)

Thanks Mark

[poioquentinho]

"Once you begin a path, and become fulfill by it every day, it becomes second nature"

Mark Brand's

[Anora McGaha]

He's a global nomad, all those moves in and out of different cultures, changes a person. Very inspiring.

[headgirlblues]

Here's a Brand you can love

[Silviu Buligan]

Wow, very inspiring.

[Lihwen Hsu]

Invigorating. Challenging the status quo to create a different norm.

[Nick Harborne]

Great talk bro!