Meet Brandan Lee | Media Company Owner & Brand Developer

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

Hi Brandan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It all really came from a place of necessity and vision.

I’ve always had that HUSSLE mindset. Not just the word—but the action behind it. The idea that if I wanted to create a life for myself and my family, I couldn’t wait around for opportunity—I had to build it.

At the time, I was already doing work behind the scenes—designing for people, creating content, running marketing strategies for other businesses. I had done corporate work, social media campaigns, interviewed small business owners for NEXT Insurance, and worked with big brands like Summit Capital Partners and R&R Tire Express. But what hit me was this: I was building empires for other people. And I knew deep down I had something unique to say, a perspective that deserved its own platform.

So I launched Born 2 HUSSLE Media—not just as a media company, but as a movement. I wanted to create a space that told real stories from real hustlers: athletes, creatives, business owners, barbers, kids chasing dreams. The kind of stories that don’t make headlines but move culture.

From managing BigBtheBarber’s viral content to organizing large-scale events like Michiana Grill Fest. I’ve always led with the idea that we can create impact with what we have. That’s why I always say:

A HUSSLER IS IDENTIFIED WHEN THEY MAKE A WAY OUT OF NOTHING AND STILL MANAGE TO PREVAIL THROUGH THE OBSTACLES SET AGAINST THEM.

That mindset built my business.

Starting my own brand wasn’t just about making money—it was about making legacy. I wanted to prove that you can start from zero, with just vision and drive, and still make noise in the world. And now I get to help others do the same—through storytelling, digital products, social media strategy, and service-based leadership.

What should our readers know about your business?
Born 2 HUSSLE Media is more than just a media company. It’s a movement built on grit, vision, and storytelling. We specialize in creative content, social media marketing, docuseries production, and event branding—but at the core, we highlight real people with real stories. The underdogs. The overlooked. The ones who are out here hustling every day to make something out of nothing.

What sets us apart is the depth and authenticity of our work. I’m not chasing trends—I’m capturing truth. Whether we’re producing a 4-part docuseries, managing viral content for BigBtheBarber, branding new ABA basketball teams in the Midwest, or coordinating 100+ vendors and entertainers for Michiana Grill Fest—everything we do comes from a place of purpose.

We don’t just “post.” We build narratives that resonate with people, that shift culture, that make people feel seen.

And the truth? It wasn’t easy. I started with zero dollars, no formal degree, just an idea and an insane amount of belief. I was designing logos in my bedroom. Shooting videos on borrowed cameras. Teaching myself graphic design, social strategy, copywriting, videography—everything. There were nights I wanted to quit. Days where people overlooked me, or worse—used my ideas without giving credit. But I kept pushing. I built while working multiple jobs. I took on clients that couldn’t pay upfront because I believed in the value of showing up.

My biggest lesson? Consistency beats talent when talent doesn’t show up.

There’s a formula I live by:

Hard work + consistency + pure HUSSLE = undeniable results.

And now, I’m proud to say my brand is starting to make waves. We’ve helped creators grow, businesses stand out, and events come alive. We’ve created platforms where Black and brown entrepreneurs feel represented. We’ve helped barbers go viral, restaurants get foot traffic, and small-town talent get global recognition.

And most of all—I did it my way. With my voice. My vision. My values.

What I want the world to know about Born 2 HUSSLE Media is this:
We’re not just building a company. We’re building a blueprint. One that proves you can start from zero and grow something meaningful, powerful, and profitable—without selling your soul or faking who you are.

My brand speaks to the dreamers who don’t have the perfect setup. The ones who were underestimated. The ones who are tired of being boxed in. I want them to know: you were born to HUSSLE—and everything you want is possible if you just keep going.

This is only the beginning.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
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?

If my best friend came to South Bend for a week, we’d be moving with purpose and flavor every day. This city might fly under the radar—but when you know the right spots, it hits different.

We’d start at Howard Park—especially in the summer. Great energy, food trucks, live music, and right by the river. From there, we’re hitting East Race Waterway, perfect for a walk, photos, or just soaking in the vibe.

For food, we’re doing it right:
• Frankie’s BBQ for some of the best ribs and pulled pork you’ll ever taste.
• Linden Grill for wings and burgers with that hometown flavor.
• Chivos Pizza for that crispy crust, loaded topping combo.
• And we have to stop at La Rosita Ice Cream—a local favorite that’s always a hit.

For a more upscale night, we’d reserve a table at Cascade Restaurant—perfect vibe, excellent service, and a full-circle downtown view.

And of course, Notre Dame is a must. Whether it’s a stadium tour or just walking campus, it’s iconic.

Now, I’d definitely bring them to check out South Bend’s new ABA team, the South Bend Bisons—which I’m proud to say B2H Media is part-owner of. Our first game is October 25th vs the Chicago Knights, held at the legendary old Clay High School gym. It’s more than basketball—it’s legacy in motion.

And before they leave, I’d take them by Hero’s Camp—a sacred space in the city where young men are mentored through faith, discipline, and community. It’s not a tourist spot. It’s a cornerstone.

South Bend is more than people think—it’s a city full of hustlers, heart, and hidden gems.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, there are a few key people who helped shape the foundation of my journey—people who either inspired me early on, gave me a shot when I needed it, or opened a door I didn’t even know I was standing in front of. And if I’ve learned anything on this path, it’s that nobody truly hustles alone.

First up—Brandon Reed of Cartoon Connect.

Brandon was the spark. I remember watching his wild, funny skits online—this man was literally sitting in bathtubs full of cereal, just being himself, doing outrageous stuff and making people laugh. He was one of the first creators I saw doing it in real-time, building a digital platform off creativity. And the crazy part? I didn’t even know at first that he lived right down the street from me.

Eventually, we linked up and collaborated when he launched a new concept called “Cotton Mouf.” That’s when things really took off. One of our most viral skits was “How kids be when they get a haircut”—a barbershop-style series that exploded across meme pages and social platforms. That entire series ended up racking up over 50 million views across reposts.

One of our biggest moments? Snoop Dogg reposted our skit to his official IG page back in December 2024. That was a full-circle moment—a reminder that something we made in a small room, just being creative and authentic, could touch the world. That collab taught me the power of storytelling, relatability, and just starting where you are.

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Next, I’ve got to give love to Dr. Barry Behar, CEO of Summit Capital Partners.

Working for his companies changed my view on leadership. Through my role as a social media strategist and eventually becoming one of the mar-key brand developers, I helped manage digital marketing across 11 RNR Tire Express stores, and indirectly supported operations for Rent-A-Center and Twin Peaks franchises under his umbrella.

Even though I never worked directly under Dr. Behar, I had the chance to meet him several times at store grand openings and major events. What stood out was how he treated everyone—top to bottom. He’d treat his employees to a full feast the night before an event, buying three of everything on the menu and sitting at the head of the table like a modern-day king making sure everyone got a taste. That gesture showed me what real leadership looked like: respect, generosity, and unity.

And I’ll always be grateful to his daughter, Adele Behar, who was our marketing director. She believed in my work even when I was just figuring it out. When budget cuts forced them to let me go, I stayed solid. Six months later, she called me back. Said my work ethic was unmatched. That second round, I helped lead community activations, grew our social reach, and earned a raise in under 60 days. I did all of that—without a degree. That experience taught me that skill, consistency, and integrity can speak louder than any diploma.

It also inspired me to one day build a business culture like that—where people feel seen and valued.

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And lastly, Luke and Hope Zeller.

Man… this one’s special.

Through a connection from Kirby Whiticare, who was South Bend’s Athletic Director at the time, I got the opportunity to spend a week in Bloomington, Indiana with NBA vet Luke Zeller and his wife Hope. Luke played at Notre Dame and later in the NBA for teams like the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs. He’s also the big brother of NBA players Cody Zeller (now with the New Orleans Pelicans) and Tyler Zeller.

I was invited into their home like family. Every day started early at the gym and ended with dinner at their table—family-style, full of grace, gratitude, and conversation. Hope would cook for us and welcome us like we’d been part of the family for years. Luke took time to pour into me—not just on basketball, but on faith, leadership, and entrepreneurship through his company Distinction.

That week changed something in me. It made me realize success doesn’t mean becoming cold or distant. It means becoming more generous, more rooted, more impactful. That was one of the few moments I got to sit in the room and feel what legacy looks like up close. And it was humbling.

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To sum it up—I’m here because of the people who saw something in me, encouraged me, or let me watch their journey up close. Whether it was Brandon making cereal-skits go viral, Dr. Behar creating a blueprint for business with heart, or Luke and Hope showing me the power of servant leadership—I’ll never forget those moments.

I carry those stories with me every time I build, create, or lead.

Because someday, I want to be that person for someone else.

Instagram: @thehusslemedia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/192MWWj6CR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thehusslemedia?si=iCnaWzYobKdLRhD_

Other: TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@thehusslemedia1?_t=ZP-8xt7nR110BC&_r=1