J Alexander Martin

J.Alexander Martin was born in Hollis Queens New York. He developed a desire for fashion at a young age. In those days, young people in New York defined their urban culture through fashion. Not only did he develop a knack for looking great, but pursued fashion as an entrepreneur. Armed with an evoked confidence, motivated for survival and with a clear sense of direction, he navigated the streets of New York, resisted peer pressure and enticement of pleasurable lifestyles to stay the course and made something for himself; business.

Martin served in the United States Navy during Desert Storm and later attended Fashion Institute of Technology. He co-founded an empire built on originality, urban influence, and the changing tapestry of the music industry. He soared to the upper stratum when his business empire grew into iconic brand; FUBU “For Us by Us” serving as the co-founder and Vice President. He also founded a non-profit organization and a consulting firm.

Martin is talented with innate ability to predict future trends in fashion. He has been credited as an Icon and influencer responsible for the inclusion of urban culture and fashion expressions in the mainstream clothing industry. Armed with industry’s creative knowledge and fashion influence, Martin and his business partners, Daymond John, Keith Perrin and Carlton Brown, propelled FUBU into a fusion of music, urban lifestyle and a cultural expression company. FUBU garnered endorsements, admiration and support of notable figures like LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, and TLC making FUBU a phenomenon. The company’s focus expanded to include a multitude of fashionable sportswear and other related casual apparel. Upcoming clothing lines include, luxury menswear, accessories, suits, tuxedos, dress shirts, and outerwear. FUBU’s niche urban-based products became a global success reporting more than $6B in sales throughout the life of the brand.

Martin serves as the President of the New York State Black Chamber of Commerce, an organization designed to empower, educate and promote social responsibility & economic development.

Most recently, Martin has launched a new streaming platform that will deliver culturally relevant and diverse content. For Us By Us Network — the same moniker behind the billion dollar fashion brand has launched as a subscription digital streaming channel. Martin co-founded For Us By Us Network with Roberto “Rush” Evans, a creative executive who has been behind such hits as the “Love and Hip Hop” franchise. The network will be rooted in authentic and raw content around topics, people and trends related to hip-hop culture and lifestyle, and the programming will be distinctly targeted to an African American audience.

Martin is an honorary member of the historical Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, has been honored with prestigious awards for his contributions to the fashion industry and business management. Ernst & Young named Martin Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003. He was awarded the Crain’s Business of 40 Under 40 in 2002. Martin was awarded the recipient of the Essence Achievement by FUBU Collection in 2004. And in 2016, he was awarded, Fashion Icon of the Year Award by Rev. Jesse Jackson of the Rainbow Push Coalition. FUBU business partners were awarded the Asper Award for Global Entrepreneurship from Brandeis University.

He is the author of two books “Money Makes Me Crazy: How I Squandered Millions of Dollars Building the FUBU Empire” and “Building An Empire: Your Portable Business Consultant."

J.Alexander Martin is available in partnership with Collective Speakers.