Member Spotlight: A Conversation with Larry Brinker Jr.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an entrepreneur, and how that’s led you to the business decisions you’re making today?
My journey as an entrepreneur began within the family business. Watching my father build something meaningful sparked my passion for leadership early on. Over the years, I’ve made it my mission to grow Brinker Group into a multi-faceted enterprise that supports not only financial success but also the community I love—Detroit. Every decision I make, whether in business or philanthropy, reflects my belief in long-term growth, legacy building, and empowering others. My path hasn’t been linear; I’ve navigated challenges along the way, but those experiences have shaped how I approach leadership today—by balancing risk with purpose.
Q: What does the long-term vision look like for the projects you’re focusing on now?
I’m focused on creating sustainable growth—whether through our Family Office, construction projects, or investments in Detroit. Beyond business success, my long-term vision includes building opportunities for the next generation. It’s about creating infrastructure, both physically and socially, that allows people to thrive. A key part of my focus right now is ensuring that everything I do contributes to Detroit's revitalization. This means bringing life back to buildings that honor the city's cultural past while elevating them into the future by emphasizing more inclusion, culture, and workforce programs. I believe in creating spaces that foster growth,
Q: Who are the people you want to serve?
My work is always rooted in service—whether it’s through my business ventures or philanthropic efforts. I’m committed to uplifting the people of Detroit—entrepreneurs, families, and community leaders—those who share the same passion for building a better future. I want to inspire others to see the potential in everyone, especially young professionals and emerging leaders. It’s important for them to understand that creating wealth is only part of the equation—what truly matters is using that success to give back.
Q: You’re currently writing a book on leadership and the idea of “treating everyone like the billionaire in the room.” Can you give us some insight into what inspired you to write it?
The inspiration for this book comes from personal experience. I’ve often found myself in rooms where I was one of the youngest—and sometimes the only person of color at the table. Those moments taught me that wealth isn’t just about financial success; it’s about the mindset you bring and how you treat others. The book explores how true leadership lies in showing up with confidence, recognizing the influence you carry, and making others feel seen and valued, regardless of their status or background. It’s about embodying the mindset of a billionaire by uplifting others, building trust, and creating environments where people feel empowered to contribute at their highest level while cultivating meaningful connections everywhere you go.
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I want readers to walk away with a deeper understanding that leadership isn’t tied to your title or how much money you have—it’s about your character and your ability to inspire others. It’s about how you think, how you make decisions, and how you show up for people around you. It’s not only about being open and ready for opportunities but also about doing the work when those chances come your way. I also want to challenge conventional ideas about wealth, especially for those who may feel out of place in environments where they’re the only one of their kind. My hope is to inspire future leaders to embrace who they are, use their differences as strengths, and lead with purpose and intention.
Q: How do you balance being a father, entrepreneur, and leader?
Balancing these roles isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned that it’s about being intentional with your time and priorities. My family plays a huge role in everything I do, and I’ve found that involving them in meaningful ways strengthens our connection. Whether it’s bringing my kids to events or ensuring I make time for their school and sports activities, I strive to create alignment between my personal and professional life. I prioritize work-life balance not just for myself but also for my team, ensuring that everyone has the time and space to find fulfillment beyond the office. No matter how great the success, all we leave behind are the memories we share with others. As I often say, “At the end of the day, the most precious thing you have is your time”.