Louis Upkins

Louis Upkins, Jr., a resident of Franklin, TN, leads a fulfilling life as a husband and father, living with his wife, Charita, and their children, Caleb and Zoé. He is an entrepreneur with a significant background in branding and marketing, dedicating his career to transforming concepts into reality. Upkins' professional journey includes collaborations with prominent figures and organizations such as Oprah, Starbucks, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Leadership Sports, a firm he established to bridge the gap between professional athletes and the corporate sector.

His vast client list spans various industries and includes notable personalities and entities such as Israel and New Breed, The Olympic Games, Darrell Waltrip, Luther Vandross, UPS, Cracker Barrel, Brian McKnight, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Mary Mary, Boyz II Men, Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, O'Charley’s, Burger King, Staffmark, McDonalds, The Athletes Foot, Dental Bliss, Feed the Children, and many Hollywood celebrities. Upkins has also made significant contributions to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and serves on the advisory boards of this institution and 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee.

Upkins has left his mark on the entertainment industry by contributing to the movie soundtracks for "The Bodyguard" and "Waiting to Exhale." Furthermore, he has been involved in national projects such as working with Grammy Award-winning artist BeBe Winans on the theme song for Oprah's show and coordinating an exclusive deal involving Oprah, BeBe Winans, and Starbucks for the distribution of the holiday album "My Christmas Prayer" (Hidden Beach). His merchandise and branding initiatives have been recognized in major publications like Time, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and People.

Recognized for his strategic vision and marketing expertise, Upkins excels in creating and fostering strategic alliances and partnerships that benefit all parties involved. He is a highly sought-after speaker on topics such as leadership development, balancing work and home life, building integrity, and family protection. His keynote programs address these crucial areas, aiming to mentor and inspire through his extensive experience and personal insights.

In 2007, Upkins co-chaired the Luis Palau Nashville Cityfest, a major event that drew nearly 100,000 attendees and involved collaboration with NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip. This event underscored his ability to lead and execute large-scale community engagements successfully. Through his myriad endeavors and commitments, Louis Upkins, Jr. continues to influence various sectors profoundly, proving his dedication to both professional excellence and community service.