We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrian Tonon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrian, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Since I was a child I have used my privilege and resources to relentlessly assist and champion those around me. Growing up in hospitality, I used our family restaurant as a place to gather people from all walks of life around the table, break bread and flesh out solutions for area issues, such as blight, education in urban schools, at risk youth violence and mentorship.

Today, many years later I continue to follow that model in my career as Detroit’s first Night Time Mayor, Congressional candidate, music executive and restaurateur.

There are so many young men and women who do not realize that there is a seat at the table for them.
It is our duty to be intentional and invite, create awareness or demand that everyone deserves an opportunity and a seat at the metaphorical table. To truly move the needle and make true social impact our mentality must change systemically.
More leaders must live this philosophy and intentionally cultivate those who have traditionally been left behind.

I did not choose to make a social impact over the years, it was something that organically chose me at a young age and I naturally did what felt was authentic.

Today I continue to bridge relationships and network sideways to lift those who traditionally do not have a voice. I am living the mission I embarked on so many years ago.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My career path chose me early on in life when I was forced to wash dishes as a small child in my Italian immigrant family’s restaurant.

As I grew older my parents influenced me with culinary experiences and music, mostly local Detroit sounds. My first concert at 8 years old, was Stevie Wonder at the Fox Theatre.

Growing up I was a natural public servant. I truly believe you do not choose public service, it chooses you.  My unique skills of customer service and vast knowledge of the music industry positioned me as the founding Director of Customer Service for the City of Detroit and later the City’s first Night Time Mayor, which left me responsible for the City’s economy from the hours of 7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.

After a Congressional run I have returned to the private sector with a liberation mindset. Our current goal is to champion and lead efforts in the rise of the Creative Class!

Of course things did not come easy. It was insane!
Today my firm belief is that good things do come easy if you are aligned with your highest self and if they do not come it was not meant to be. Let’s go!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I tend to work and exist at the same time, so my best friend would be riding shotgun the entire week. Anyone who knows me, knows my work is a lifestyle, not a job.

A typical day would start with family, kids, buses and drop offs. Next meditation. wellness. Shower and out the door to several meetings.

Currently we have honed in on building Detroit’s 2.8 billion dollar creative economy.

The day is filled with meetings w/ artists, industry leaders, government officials and entrepreneurs in several different venues, artist spaces, studios, and government buildings.

One of these meetings will of course include lunch at some low key restaurant, coffee shop or collaborative creative space.

Early evening we most likely will break bread over a dinner meeting at one of three restaurants Cafe | Cortina, Central Bar and Kitchen or Yum Village.

The night would end with a set from a Dj, live band or hip hop artist we are supporting, partnered with or are scouting to assist in their pursuit of success.

Then home to chill, a bit of admin, maybe reruns of ‘The Office’ or a movie that leaves you smarter or more knowledgeable in the end and bed. Multiply this by 7 days.

Over the years any friend of mine, especially my best friend has been on the rollercoaster of life with me and appreciates the tranquility and collectedness of the present.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are soooo many mentors and lessons in my life thus far. Too many to mention.

But there is one shout out. My love, my partner and my best friend Meg.
I am grateful for the way she sees me for my truest and highest self and embraces it. Thank you Meg Tonon

Website: AdrianTonon.Com

Instagram: @AdrianTonon

Linkedin: @AdrianTonon

Facebook: AdrianTonon

Image Credits
@MenaceMedia

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