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M/A Business: Q&A with
Founder & CEO of The Gentlemen's Factory, Jeff Lindor
Manhattan Avenue | January 15, 2026
Jeff Lindor has built The Gentlemen’s Factory as more than a platform - it is a blueprint for modern leadership and community-driven impact. As founder, Lindor operates at the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and purpose, redefining what it means to build scalable ecosystems rooted in mentorship, access, and long-term value. In an era where leadership is being reimagined, his work signals a shift toward intentional, people-first models that extend far beyond traditional business structures.
Photographer: Simi Vijay
Q&A
Q: You describe yourself as a community builder - what inspired you to take on this role and how has your upbringing or personal experiences shaped your approach?
A: ​I was born in Haiti and raised in a low-income housing development in Coney Island, Brooklyn - an experience that shaped how I see the world and my role in it. I grew up surrounded by brilliant, resilient people who had immense potential, but lacked access to the resources, networks, and opportunities that could help them thrive. I witnessed firsthand how systemic inequality can stifle greatness, and that reality planted the seed for the work I do today. My professional journey began in banking, then shifted to healthcare, and later government. As I advanced in my career, I started to notice a troubling pattern - the higher I climbed, the fewer people I saw who looked like me. I often felt isolated as a Black professional navigating spaces where we were rarely represented or supported. That disconnect compelled me to take action. I realised that if the table isn’t built for us, we must build our own - and that’s exactly what led me to create Gentlemen’s Factory.
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Q: What’s the most meaningful connection or story you’ve witnessed or been a part of from the community you’ve built?
A: One of the most meaningful things I’ve witnessed through Gentlemen’s Factory is the way strangers come together and quickly evolve into collaborators, investors, and lifelong friends. It’s truly powerful. I’ve seen members start businesses together, invest in each other’s companies, and support one another both professionally and personally. One story that stands out is a member who got married - and his best man was someone he met at Gentlemen’s Factory. That relationship was formed right in our space. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when Black men are placed in environments intentionally designed for us to thrive. When we’re given the space, support, and community, we don’t just succeed - we build together, grow together, and transform each other’s lives.
Q: What’s your definition of success and how do you interpret that definition through “ The Gentlemen’s Factory”?
A: To me, success is when someone is able to fully maximise their potential and live a life not driven by fear, but guided by opportunity, love, purpose, and community. It’s about being free - free to dream, to build, and to thrive in environments that support your growth. At Gentlemen’s Factory, we embody that definition. We’ve created a space where Black and Brown men are empowered to pursue their goals without limitations - where they are seen, supported, and surrounded by others who believe in their greatness. Success here isn’t just measured by titles or income, but by the ability to live authentically, build legacy, and lift others as you rise.
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Q: What do members gain being a part of “The Gentlemen’s Factory” and do you have a certain approach bringing new members in?​
A: Members of Gentlemen’s Factory gain far more than just access to a space - they gain access to a powerful ecosystem. It’s a brotherhood rooted in shared values, ambition, and support. Our members walk away with new business opportunities, meaningful connections, mentorship, investment partnerships, and most importantly, a sense of belonging. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or creative, this is a space where your identity and aspirations are affirmed and elevated. When it comes to bringing in new members, we’re very intentional. We’re not just looking for résumés - we’re looking for alignment. Our approach is rooted in curation: we seek out individuals who are not only accomplished, but also committed to growth and community. We create environments where iron sharpens iron, and that only works when everyone in the room is there to build, collaborate, and uplift.
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Q: What were some of the biggest hurdles and successes in growing “ The Gentlemen’s Factory” into what it is today? And what did you learn in the process?
A: One of the biggest hurdles in building Gentlemen’s Factory was creating something that hadn’t really existed before—a space exclusively designed to empower Black and Brown men socially, professionally, and economically. When you're building something new, you're often met with skepticism. People didn’t always understand the vision at first, and securing funding, resources, and even trust took time. I had to learn to stay rooted in purpose, even when the path wasn’t clear. But those challenges made the successes even more meaningful. Watching Gentlemen’s Factory evolve from an idea into a thriving community with hundreds of members, partnerships with major institutions, and measurable impact - that’s been incredibly rewarding. Seeing members start businesses, raise capital, grow professionally, and build lifelong relationships within this space is proof that the model works. What I’ve learned is that when your mission is bigger than you, resilience becomes non-negotiable. I’ve learned the power of community, the importance of consistency, and that impact takes time - but it’s always worth it. Most of all, I’ve learned that when we create spaces where we’re allowed to dream and build together, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.​​​​​​
