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BE Modern Man is an integrative program that honors the essence, image, and accomplishments of today’s man of color. With features of today’s leaders, executives, creatives, students, politicians, entrepreneurs, professionals, and agents of change—these men share the common thread of creating a new normal while setting the bar in tech, art, philanthropy, business, and beyond. The BE Modern Man is making a positive impact, his way, and has a story to tell.
BE MODERN MAN MARTEZ L. PRINCE
Age: 32
Profession: Entrepreneurial Pharmacist and Philanthropist
One Word That Describes You: Innovative
Social Media: Instagram: @drmartezprince | Twitter: @drmartezprince | Facebook: facebook.com/drmartezprince
Website: www.DrMartezPrince.com
What does being one of the BE Modern Man 100 Honorees mean to you?
Being a BE Modern Man 100 Honoree means a great deal to me. I grew up reading Black Enterprise and seeing some of the most talented and brilliant individuals featured in this magazine were always inspirational. Although, while reading the magazine, I never once thought I would actually do something worthy of being featured on this platform. This is a true testament that sometimes you are unaware of your true capabilities.
What is your “Extraordinary Impact?”
My extraordinary impact can be captured in my ability to bring the profession to the people through community involvement. I’m changing the face of pharmacy to one that people can relate to. I’ve stepped from behind the pharmacy counter and into the community to bring education, inspiration, and hope for an overall healthier community.
What are you doing as a BEMM to help support black male achievement now or in the future?
In efforts to support black male achievement, I have taken a few individuals under mentorship. My goal is to help shape their dreams and build the future they’ve envisioned. I try my best to expose them to the network and resources I’ve obtained over the years. I also support black male achievement through the community outreach pillar of my nonprofit the Premier Foundation. This year we granted $6,000 in scholarships and I encourage our black males to seek access to those funds.
What are some examples of how you have turned struggle into success?
One of my biggest struggles was working in retail pharmacy for a big company and being limited in my ability to make an impact in the community. I saw so many people walk in and out of the pharmacy and not really understand their health and well-being. Due to company metrics, it was impossible to spend adequate time teaching the patient what they needed to empower themselves. I had a great salary with benefits but I knew more was required of me. So my struggle was, do I choose to stay in my comfort zone, where life is easy, but I had the feeling of being unfulfilled, or do I go into the unknown territory of entrepreneurship where I could possibly make a difference and impact the lives of those I served. My struggle turned into a success because although many doubt that success could be obtained in pharmacy outside the big box.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
An important quality I look for in my relationships with others is adaptability. Life is ever changing and I think it’s important to have individuals who are able to adapt to those changes and excel.
(Photo Credit: Goliatha Worldwide)
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
I’m currently working on completing the curriculum for my pharmacy startup academy. This online academy will teach others in the pharmacy profession how to create a career without boundaries. My goal is to help other pharmacists own their own pharmacy so they can impact the lives of patients they serve through education and innovation.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I will have to say the best advice I’ve ever received came through a poem called “If” by Rudyard Kipling. In summation, the poem tells you to dream, but don’t get consumed by dreams. It also tells you that in life you will encounter triumphs and disasters but in both instances stay calm, stay humble, and take risk. I feel like if you can do all that “Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it. And—which is more—you’ll be a man, my son!”
What advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
If you have the right team around you, the right tools, the right technology, enough self-belief, and determination, then anything is possible.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
I usually write and sketch out everything I want to talk about, cover or do; I do this so I don’t leave a meeting feeling like I didn’t convey my ideas the right way. Once I have all my notes, I try my best to be aware of current events, in case random conversation comes up; I want to be able to participate in it. Finally, right before I walk into a meeting, I always say a quick prayer.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation?
On vacation, I usually unwind by sleeping in a little and living off the scheduled life. I love to catch up on podcasts in between swimming, sightseeing, and lots of excursions. If I had a super stressful quarter or half I may choose a tropical Island vacation over a destination on a different continent. Tropical vacations are usually a little more relaxed and refreshing.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
If I could travel and stay anywhere in the world I would island hop in French Polynesia, visiting multiple private islands via a private yacht… that’s life!
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @BEModernMan and join the conversation using #BEModernMan.
Come celebrate the BE Modern Man 100 Men of Distinction at the 2nd Annual Black Men XCEL, Aug. 29–Sept. 2, 2018, at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
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