I’m really glad to see multicultural haircare industry pioneer Cornell McBride Sr., CEO and founder of McBride Research Laboratory, supplier of the highly successful Design Essentials Salon System, announce last Thursday that the new president of the family-owned, multimillion-dollar business is … his son: Cornell McBride Jr. There’s no sellout in Decatur, Georgia, of an African-American-owned company to a large multinational or a private-equity firm.
And the move—I’m happy to report—was per the long-term plan developed for the manufacturer by McBride Sr. “As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Design Essentials brand, I think about all of the relationships that were created and cultivated as we built this company—and it has truly been a collective family effort,” he explains. “From the beginning, I envisioned a company that I could grow with my family, and over time it has been an honor to see all of my children join the management team and help expand the McBride legacy. It is a tremendous pleasure to now pass the torch to Cornell McBride Jr.”
For those who don’t follow the multicultural sector of the professional beauty biz, today MRL; its line of 40-plus premium haircare products with a natural balance of organic ingredients, vitamins and proteins; and its educational program have an impressive presence globally. Recently, the company provided the style team for the second season of SUNDAY BEST, a gospel singing-competition TV show on BET.
McBride Jr. has served the company for 18 years. In his previous position as general manager, he has led day-to-day operations and strategic direction. Under his guidance, MRL expanded into international markets, including the Caribbean, France, Portugal and Amsterdam.
“I have worked for my father’s businesses in one capacity or another since I was 8 years old,” says McBride Jr. “It is a blessing to have a father, a mentor and a role model, and I have big footsteps to fill as I seek to measure up to his character. We are not the only father-and-son team at McBride Research Laboratory. Many of our distributors have also built family companies, and that’s what it is all about: creating a legacy and setting an example for your children to follow.”
See you next Wednesday,
Marc
