On behalf of clients, we have told the story of small businesses pivoting since March, which was the first wave of significant pandemic shut-downs in the US. As an independent project, and to celebrate National Small Business Week, we are telling the story of a catering business based in Atlanta, Occasional Occasions by Carlton.

Since I started Imprint seven years ago, I have met many fellow entrepreneurs through associations, organizations and events. While our small businesses are different from each other, the common thread among one segment of us tends to be focus, creativity and drive.

I want to celebrate my fellow entrepreneurs while highlighting one story, that of Carlton Brown.  Owner of a successful catering company in Atlanta, Occasional Occasions by Carlton, he is an example of the spirit of a small business owner: when big rocks, like a pandemic, get put in your way, quickly rethink, refuel and keep moving forward.

I met Carlton in November 2019 during an executive education program at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business––I was sponsored by Freddie Mac, and Carlton by Wells Fargo. Both our businesses are certified as diversity-owned by the nglcc (National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce).  I liked his business plan – and then, four months later, he had to rethink his whole model.

Please watch his story – if you watch it while hungry, you may find yourself ordering some products. And keep celebrating the entrepreneurs and small businesses out there – they are amazing people.