Honoring Milo Brown: Still Showing Us The Keys To A Successful Business
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While doing research for this column, I ran across a LinkedIn article titled Black Business Boom's Tips for a Successful Black-Owned Business. In a nutshell, the article emphasized the keys to a successful Black business, including building a strong business plan, identifying and targeting a specific customer base, and building a network of supportive individuals and organizations. Next year marks 100 years since Milo Brown opened his funeral business in Grand Rapids, reminding us of his remarkable legacy and entrepreneurial journey. Newspaper articles and interviews from Milo himself indicate that he understood what the keys to success were very early on. According to the article, the first key to success is having a plan, and Mr. Brown certainly exemplified this principle. While working as a waiter at the Pantlind Hotel, he diligently saved his earnings to pursue his dream of attending Worsham College of Embalming in Chicago, now known as Worsham College of Mortuary Science. In 1921, he enrolled in the college, and by 1922, he had graduated at the top of his class. His exceptional performance in college can be attributed to his intellect, meticulous planning and unwavering determination to succeed.
After graduating from college, Milo Brown entered a partnership with a fellow mortician in Chicago, Bentley Cyrus, where he further honed his craft. However, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and armed with the knowledge gained from his education and experiences, Milo eventually decided to return to Grand Rapids and he established his own business.
In 1925, Milo's vision came to fruition as he opened his funeral service business at 25 Sycamore Street here in Grand Rapids. Almost immediately, the name "Brown Funeral Home" began to appear in newspaper obituaries, signifying Milo's pivotal role as the caretaker of deceased loved ones in this community. His early success and enduring presence in the industry stands as a testament to Milo Milton Brown's foresight and strategic planning. It is evident that Brown's Funeral Home has stood the test of time because Milo Brown had not just a vision, but a well-crafted plan for success.
The LinkedIn article also highlighted the significance of identifying and targeting a specific customer base and Milo Brown's story shows that he clearly understood this. As the first Black mortician in Michigan, outside of Detroit, he recognized the importance of building trust and meeting the unique needs of the Black community. He strategically tailored his services to cater to their preferences, cultural and economic sensitivities. For example, very early on, he offered prepayment options and extended credit to those facing financial challenges in arranging funerals for their loved ones. This commitment to serving his community not only solidified Milo's standing as a trusted provider of funeral services but also underscored his deep-rooted connection to and understanding of his customers.
In addition to building a strong business plan and understanding his customer base, Milo Brown recognized the importance of cultivating a network of supportive individuals and organizations—a key aspect highlighted in the LinkedIn. Milo's active engagement in the community exemplified his commitment to this principle. As a charter member of the Grand Rapids Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Milo demonstrated his dedication to advocating for the community, civil rights and social justice. For example, every Black church in the community had those Brown's Funeral Home church fans. His knowledge and involvement in the AME Church and later True Light Baptist Church further underscored his deep-rooted ties to the community and his commitment to uplifting others.
Moreover, Milo's influence extended beyond the realm of his funeral home business. He ran for public office as early as 1931 but he did receive a large portion of the Black vote. He strategized with Attorney Floyd Skinner and others on how to get people out to vote as one of the founding members of the Grand Rapids Branch of the Progressive Voter's League. Also, together with Skinner and fellow attorney John Shackleford, he founded the Club Indigo Night Club in the mid-1930s, providing a vibrant social venue for the community. In 1936, Milo was the promoter responsible for bringing Louis Armstrong, the King of Swing, to Grand Rapids, which also showcased his ability to leverage his connections for cultural enrichment.
Until his death in 1986, Milo Brown remained actively involved in numerous organizations and initiatives, including the Grand Rapids Urban League, where he served tirelessly from 1952 to 1953. His multifaceted contributions to the community underscored his belief in the importance of building networks of support and collaboration—an enduring testament to his legacy as a visionary leader and community organizer.
Brown's Funeral Home continues to thrive to this day, a testament to the solid foundation laid by Milo M. Brown nearly a century ago. His foresight, business acumen, and deep-rooted connection to the Grand Rapids community have ensured the enduring success of this establishment. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Milo M. Brown has a prestigious GIANT Award in his name, a fitting tribute to his monumental impact on both business and community. Aspiring entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from Milo M. Brown's remarkable journey, recognizing that success is not solely measured by financial gains but also by the enduring impact one leaves on their community.
Sophia Brewer (M.L.I.S.) is Collection Development and Serials Librarian, Grand Rapids Community College; Co-President of the Greater Grand Rapids History Council; member of the Grand Rapids Study Club and serves on the Grand Rapids Public Library, Board of Library Commissioners (Elected 2016-2021). She is a former Head of Programs, Grand Rapids Public Library and former Branch Manager, Madison Square Branch, Grand Rapids Public Library Congresswoman
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