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Join me for the last episode of the 2023 interview series where I sat down with Chris Simon, Founder and CEO of BTST and Co-Owner of Blk Swan. We discuss his journey as an entrepreneur, his love for golf, and the importance of going to grad school for his development as a leader. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation. In 2008 Chris Simon started BTST Mentoring Services. His enthusiasm for service was palpable. It was not long before he was awarded his first contract with a level 5 school, Florence Bertell, now known as New Visions Academy. BTST continued to grow beyond Baltimore City and began providing services to several counties throughout the state of Maryland. Now called BTST Services, the company has expanded to include 5 facilities in several different counties in Maryland including Baltimore City, PG County, Frederick County, Washington County, and Cecil County providing services such as outpatient mental health clinics, psychiatric rehabilitation programs, and substance abuse. In recent years, Chris has continued to grow as an entrepreneur. Presently, Chris Simon is CEO of Simon Enterprises, which encompasses several companies such as Xtra-Ordinary Creative Consulting Company, Simon Development, Cornerstone Health Management, and Lorraine's Cleaning. He has received numerous awards such as the Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and KEYS Development Award for being a leader in the field of mental health and most notably was recently awarded and recognized at the Light Health and Wellness Gala alongside Congressman Elijah Cummings and Dr. Galo who invented the term and treatment for HIV. Chris has been featured in the Baltimore Sun, Afro Newspaper, as well as the Black Business Review and is a Mental Health Contributor for local radio shows, news networks, and vlogs. He continues to support and give back to his alma mater Morgan State University where he is the President of the National Alumni Association of the School of Social Work at Morgan State University. Continuing his philanthropic pursuits, he launched a non-profit organization, BTST Cares that has helped the community by sponsoring yearly back-to-school book bag giveaways, turkey drives, Christmas big giveback, as well as help for Haiti, and providing clean water for Flint Michigan.
In this episode, we get to know entrepreneur and creative, Chris Simon. He is the owner of BTST Services and the restaurant Blk Swn. He is also a painter, investor, father, and husband. He is many things to many people. Learn things about Chris Simon that many people haven't heard from previous interviews. Hear about his beginnings that shaped him into the successful business owner that he is today.This episode was recorded at Hotel Revival in Baltimore, MD and edited by DJ Impulse. Make sure you subscribe, comment and share. Check out @eatatblkswn on Instagram. Dj Impulse (@djimpulse)Jason C Bass (@jasoncbass)Donte Johnson (@thehoodiehotelier)Chris Simon (@chrissimon_)Come thru thenightbrunch.com and stay updated @thenightbrunch
CEO of BLK Swan, BTST Services, Selfish Beauty and more came on the show to discuss his upbringing in Baltimore, his former fashion label C-note clothing...his journey through college..getting involved with the mental health world, the creation of BLK Swan and so much more. This is a very informal and motivating story.
We feel your pain! On this episode of Meeting You Where You Are, host Jan Desper Peters speaks with Jada McCray, co-owner and Executive Director of BTST Services, and Jody Friend, a senior HR executive to share their experiences of learning to pivot a business in the middle of a pandemic. From transitioning to telework to creating safety plans, tune in to catch the tips and tricks that all employers, employees, and clients should keep in mind as businesses reopen.
Jada and Ashley sat down with the hosts of The Good Life Show to talked about mental health in the African American community and its trickle-down effect throughout the generations. They discussed their thoughts are on the death Baltimore Police Officer, Amy Caprio, the young men charged with her murder and whether or not we stop young boys from crying? Check out more here on Podomatic.com, Soundcloud or iTunes and search "BTST Services."
During this episode, Chris and Jada acknowledge National Mental Health Awareness Month and its’ theme “Cure Stigma.” Jada talked about PTSD (Post Traumatic Shock Disorder) and experiences that could trigger this particular diagnosis. They also tackled the controversy surrounding Kanye West’s recent tweets. Check out the podcast here on Podomatic.com, Soundcloud or iTunes and search "BTST Services."
This episode digs deep into the interracial divides and systematic injustices that are plaguing our country. Special guest Jada McCray of BTST Services speaks about her take on the issue as well as how she deals with raising a black boy in America.
During this episode, Chris and Jada wrapped up Social Work Professional Month with Dr. Linda Darrell from the School of Social Work at Morgan State University. She filled us in on their progress and newly implemented initiatives. We also learned about Dr. Darrell's humble beginnings, the obstacles shes faced and the barriers she broke within the Social Work Field. Check out the podcast here on the main page of our site or head over to Podomatic.com, Soundcloud, or iTunes and search "BTST Services."
During this episode, Chris and Jada sat down with Coach T of Anywhere, Everywhere Fitness. They discussed her fitness journey, her eating regime, the steps she took to lose 85lbs and how a healthier lifestyle impacts her mental state! She also shared her at-home or anywhere workouts with us reinforcing the “anywhere, everywhere fitness” lifestyle. Check out the podcast here on the main page of our site or head over to Podomatic.com, Soundcloud, or iTunes and search "BTST Services."
During this episode, Chris and Jada sat down with State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. They discussed everything from the Freddie Gray trail, and systematic racism, to her bid for re-election. They also had the opportunity to learn about Marilyn Mosby outside of being our State’s Attorney. Check out the podcast here on the main page of our site or head over to Podomatic.com or iTunes and search "BTST Services."
During this episode, Chris sat down with the social work guru, Nancy Blackwell. She talked about her background in the social work field, her involvement with CASA and her company, “The Blackwell Group.” They discussed business opportunities within the social work field and things you need to consider when starting a social work practice. Check out the podcast here on the main page of our site or head over to Podomatic.com or iTunes and search "BTST Services."
During this episode, Chris and Jada discuss Marvel’s Black Panther; it's impact on the African American community and psyche. Check out the podcast here on the main page of our site or head over to Podomatic.com or iTunes and search "BTST Services."
During this episode, Chris and Jada discuss how living a balanced life can play a significant role in your wellness. They provide tips on how to create balance in your life through dieting, fitness, religion and even proper scheduling. They point out ways in which your health suffers from an unbalanced life. Check out the podcast here on the main page of our site or head over to Podomatic.com or iTunes and search "BTST Services."
During this episode, Chris and Jada attack the age-old question, "why is Black History Month during the shortest month of the year"? They also discuss Racial Insensitivities in today's society and offer their opinion on the actress, Mo'Nique Hick's, Netflix boycott. Check out the podcast here on the main page of our site or head over to Podomatic.com or iTunes and search "BTST Services."
During this episode "I Got The Keys" Chris and Jada spoke with Stephen Trye about home ownership in its entirety. We discuss facts and fallacies related to home ownership and how to make your tax returns a stepping-stone into your homeownership journey. Stephen gives us the keys that will open the door to purchasing your home. Check out the podcast here on the main page of our site or head over to Podomatic.com or iTunes and search "BTST Services."