Chris Simon’s Strategy On Identifying Market Gaps And Pioneering New Opportunities

Chris Simon, a ‘multipreneur’ driven by community impact, has been quietly reshaping the business landscape through various avenues. With a keen eye for identifying gaps in the market, he fills these voids by creating products and services that offer opportunities for people of color in his community.

Founder and CEO behind BTST Services (A Better Tomorrow Starts Today), BLK Swan, Prim and Proper, Selfish Beauty, Simon Enterprises, and various real estate ventures, has origins rooted in modest beginnings serving as a testament to the diverse entrepreneurial journey aimed at inspiring and impacting the Black Community.

Simon, hailing from Baltimore, is actively empowering the Black community and addressing gaps in the market. Through his initiatives, he has emerged as a cornerstone of support and a prominent advocate for cultural expression. Notably, Simon has taken strides to combat the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within Black communities.

Simon shared insights into his entrepreneurial ventures and the driving force behind his commitment to community empowerment.

The Origin Story

Simon embarked on his journey into the mental health service sector through a distinctive path that originated in entrepreneurship during his youth. Reflecting on this period, Simon recalls, "I owned a clothing store when I was in high school, by the time I went to college, it continued to grow."

Transitioning from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore to Morgan State University, aided by a small business loan from the SBA, Simon directed his investment towards manufacturing clothing designs. Initially, he sold merchandise out of the trunk of his car, eventually establishing a physical storefront.

While managing his clothing store, attending grad school, and working at several mentoring and behavioral health agencies, Simon found himself drawn to social work and began to develop a passion for it. “I saw gaps in service delivery, particularly in employment and social skills training,” stated Simon.

Inspired to address these gaps, Simon took matters into his own hands and founded BTST to provide comprehensive therapy services tailored to the local communities environment.

Birth of BTST Services

Simon's journey into the mental health service arena was not a planned endeavor but rather a response to the glaring gaps he observed in traditional service delivery. Drawing from his own experiences and witnessing the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community, Simon saw an opportunity to make a difference.

"We were suffering in silence, scared to seek help because of societal stigmas," Simon noted.

BTST emerged as a beacon of hope, offering accessible and stigma-free mental health services tailored to meet individuals where they are. By providing in-home therapy sessions and removing transportation barriers, Simon and his team ensured that no one was left behind in their journey towards mental wellness.

Simon emphasizes. "We've made access to care easy. Therapists now visit consumers in their homes, schools, and communities, while establishing locations tailored to meet clients' where they are, we are effectively eliminating transportation barriers."

“We're not letting transportation be a barrier for you getting the service that you need," Simon asserts.

To ensure access, vans were purchased, drivers hired, and therapists dispatched directly to communities, even in the most underserved neighborhoods.

Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, BTST swiftly pivoted to telehealth services, ensuring clients could connect with their therapists from anywhere. Recognizing the digital divide, they went further, providing hundreds of devices to clients lacking access—a testament to their dedication to accessibility.

‘Meeting You Where You Are” is the tagline of our clinic. This speaks to our approach to services from not only a cognitive perspective but also accessibility. A lot of service providers only provided services in the office when the greatest need is where the client is facing its greatest problems,” tells Simon.

But for BTST, impact extends beyond individual therapy sessions. Through their nonprofit arm, BTST Cares, they're catalyzing community change. From providing families with the ultimate Christmas via their Big Giveback toy drive to free CEU training for therapists, their reach is vast. By empowering therapists with resources and training, they're amplifying their ability to effect positive change in the communities they serve.

Connecting With Culture

To establish a positive connection with individuals, Simon emphasizes the importance of relatability and authenticity.

“In the past, I didn't wear suits; instead, I opted for trendy fashions to establish genuine connections with my consumers. This approach enabled them to view me as a relatable figure they could admire. Once I captured their attention, I recognized the opportunity to engage them further and provide the guidance necessary to enhance their circumstances and quality of life,” adds Simon.

Across Maryland, BTST maintains four facilities, each adhering to the same brand standards while harmonizing with the unique character of its community.

"In some of our rural areas," Simon notes, "we have shiplap walls, it's more true to that environment because it makes the clients feel comfortable when they come in."

Chris The ‘Multipreneur’

Simon's holistic approach to community empowerment doesn't stop at mental health services. His ventures in real estate development also reflect his commitment to enhancing the lives of those around him. By providing affordable housing options and creating vibrant community spaces, Simon continues to leave an indelible mark on neighborhoods across the country.

When asked about being labeled a ‘multipreneur’, Simon humbly acknowledged the title, emphasizing his focus on creating businesses that not only thrive financially but also serve a greater purpose in uplifting communities.

"I don't think about myself in this grand way of being a 'multipreneur.' I just create businesses that fill a void, something that I would want to patronize," he explained. “The whole ecosystem is about creating opportunities for overlaps and businesses to work together,” expressed Simon.

In the case of Selfish Beauty Spa, established in partnership with wife, Janeen Simon, and partners Jameel McClain, Keisha McClain and Kelley Daily — the concept of Selfish Beauty rings true. The spa offers women an opportunity to prioritize themselves. Beyond merely focusing on outward beauty, Selfish has created a sanctuary where women can find solace. By integrating behavioral and mental health group sessions, they provide a supportive environment for women to unwind and seek emotional wellness while indulging in pampering treatments.

Collaborations & Partnerships

Strategic partnerships have been instrumental in BTST's mission. Collaborations with influential figures like Taraji P. Henson, organizations like the Ravens and the Recording Academy, and Earn Your Leisure have helped BTST propel crucial conversations about mental health onto national platforms.

Simon reflects on a significant milestone for BTST, recalling the partnership with Henson to host the first Black Mental Health Conference in Washington, DC. "We went to Congress with Taraji and talked about the suicide rates in the African-American community and how they're growing at such alarming rates. We wouldn't have been able to go get on Capitol Hill to have the same conversation without an pillar in the community like Taraji supporting our efforts,” Simon explains.

His recent partnership with Hayden Hurst of the Baltimore Ravens has led them to embark on a school tour, discussing the importance of mental wellness in the competitive world of student athletics.

At a recent panel discussion during Earn Your Leisure: InvestFest, Simon and business partner McCray participated in a panel focusing on mental health, alongside celebrity influencers David Banner and Shanti Dias.

Introducing Coding To Harlem Park

In Harlem Park, Chris Simon's initiatives have transformed communities, providing vital resources and opportunities where they were previously lacking. Recognizing the need for educational enrichment, coding classes were introduced at Harlem Park Elementary.

Eric Brown, an IT professional, collaborated with Simon, BTST Cares executive director Jan Peters and Principal Jackson of Harlem Park Elementary to offer robotics classes to students, granting them access to the kind of knowledge typically available at elite private schools.

Simon and his team collaborated to introduce mental health providers as well at Harlem Park Elementary , fostering an environment where students, teachers and families could better comprehend each other's emotions, behaviors and thoughts.

Additionally, Simon facilitated the establishment of food gardens at the school, promoting sustainability and healthy living. These initiatives are especially significant given the challenges faced by the community, including underfunded schools, violence and drug-related issues.

Simon shares, "There's violence that takes place there and drugs in the community. By offering coding classes, I aim to bridge the gap between underserved communities and the opportunities available to their more privileged counterparts. The biggest thing I've learned is exposure. If you create exposure for someone, they know that it's available now."

Through these programs, Simon is empowering the youth with the tools and resources to pursue diverse career paths and achieve their full potential.

Private Equity Partners

BTST recently disclosed an investment from Webster Equity Partners, aimed at fostering the company's future expansion. This collaboration with the long-standing proprietors, Simon and Jada McCray, signifies a strategic move towards growth. Simon elaborates, stating, "This allows us to build upon the natural success we've achieved over the years, while also establishing a broader platform via denovo through organic growth, acquisitions, and partnerships with other reputable providers. In doing so, we aim to better address and respond to the mental health crisis within our communities.’

Hospitality World

With a diverse skill set spanning business and social work, Simon has ventured into the world of hospitality, redefining the dining experience. Inspired by his travels and a desire for inclusivity, Simon saw an opportunity to fill a void in Baltimore's culinary scene. His restaurants, including the acclaimed BLK Swan and Prim & Proper, offer not just exceptional cuisine but also an immersive atmosphere where music, ambiance and culture converge.

Chef Saon, a celebrated figure at BLK Swan, has navigated a non-traditional path in the culinary world. Reflecting on the early days of his career, Saon shared, "I worked behind the scenes, and my contributions often went unrecognized, with the owners receiving credit for my work and achievements.”

Despite being the sole Black chef at many restaurants for years, Saon was not often in the spotlight. Simon changed that by offering Saon an opportunity to partner up and step into a more prominent role.

Sonjie DeCaires, CEO of Sonje Productions, collaborates closely with Simon and his team on various events. She shared her thoughts on the grand opening of their newest restaurant Prim & Proper, a joint venture with the Outkrowd group and Clark Hospitality.

"Harbor East has long been favored by patrons of all backgrounds, yet it lacked diversity in business ownership. However, this paradigm has changed with the arrival of BLK Swan and Prim & Proper, offering an urban and elevated dining experience that injects a fresh energy into the area, fulfilling a consumer need that was previously unmet." expresses DeCaires.

Teamwork Efforts

Reflecting on his journey, Simon emphasizes the importance of collaboration and lifting others as he climbs. "There's a proverb that says if you want to go fast, go alone. If you wanna go far, go together.” Simon underscores the value of teamwork, recognizing that collective effort enables greater achievements. He emphasizes that his efforts aren't merely altruistic; they're mutually beneficial, with each individual contributing value to the collective endeavor.

Central to Simon's success is his collaborative spirit and commitment to lifting others as he climbs. Whether through mentorship, partnerships or strategic alliances, he seeks to empower those around him, recognizing that collective achievement far outweighs individual success.

From fostering emerging talent in the culinary world to championing diversity in the workplace, Simon's impact is felt across multiple verticals.

Tiffany Megginson, the founder of Elaborate Designs, initially pursued a career at BMW but harbored aspirations of venturing into interior design. During a visit to BMW for vehicle servicing, Megginson and Simon engaged in conversation about a 10k square foot space he was developing, inviting her to collaborate. The project not only provided her with an opportunity to work alongside Simon but also offered exposure that significantly boosted her business.

Similarly, Kid Balloon, a local Baltimore artist, received grants from Simon and his company to expand his art platform and raise his profile. Balloon has contributed to various projects with Simon, including art therapy murals at Harlem Park Elementary, the foyer wall at BLK Swan, the artwork in Prim & Proper, as well as a BLK Lives Matter mural.

As Simon's story unfolds, one thing remains clear: his entrepreneurial endeavors are driven not only by financial success but by a deep-seated desire to uplift and empower communities. With BTST leading the charge, Simon is proving that true success lies in making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.