2019 Advocacy Breakfast

Mark Brand is one of North America’s foremost social entrepreneurs. With eleven businesses under his belt, he is an example of a new form of leadership that encompasses good in every step. Determined to breathe new life into our struggling and disjointed communities through his work in social impact business, Brand shares his message on the importance of sustainable business models that make a difference, while also creating successful bottom lines. Five years ago, Brand took over Save On Meats, a Vancouver butcher and diner that has provided food security and access since 1957. In 2013, he created The Token Program, an alternate currency to feed those in need without a cash exchange. Since then, over 100,000 tokens have been redeemed, filling 100,000 empty stomachs, and creating interactions between those who have, and those in need. In addition, in partnership with his charity A Better Life Foundation, more than 1.8 million meals have left Save On’s doors to feed those who struggle. ABLF works with community agencies, marginalized individuals, and governments to create tangible waves of change. Along with managing the five companies under the MB Inc umbrella, Brand is a graduate of THNK, a Stanford fellow, A Professor of Innovation at USC, Executive Chef for Pope Francis’s Laudato Si Challenge, and an advisor to corporations and agencies working to make real change. It’s through his cooking, philanthropic efforts, systems design, and love for the community that he’s found a unique balance in business and purpose.