Alumni News
In the Spotlight!! - Brian Clark
In the Gospel according to Matthew, the twenty third chapter and the twelfth verse, Jesus says to a crowd that had gathered to hear him teach, “But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (New Living Translation). Those words spoken by Jesus Christ describe this month’s Alumni Profilee: Mr. Brian Clark.
The alumni page will be quite lengthy if we attempted to list and expound upon all the accomplishments that this young man garnered thus far in his life, albeit he is yet to hit forty years old. Therefore, we will do our best to ensure that the key accomplishments are highlighted; so that the brothers can see the inspiration that Brian has become for so many.
Born and raised a Tivoli Gardens man, Brian earned a scholarship to Kingston College in 1978. The campus would not be the same, as many teachers realized that a gifted individual just walked through the gates at Elleston Road. He was not considered Rhode Scholar material as the Stephen Vascianies of the world, but the humble nature of the man denoted excellence on the horizon.
Immediately he jumped into the fray of the soccer program at the College, and found himself as a member of the Pepsi team in 1978. He played Pepsi for two years, and then moved on to the Colts level in 1981 through 1982. During his stint for playing Pepsi and Colts for Kingston College he also donned the orange and black for Tivoli Gardens in the Minor League competition.
After being on the Elleston Road for only two years, he became the youngest player in the history of the school (on record) to join the school’s chess team. He was so prolific at it that he became the best schoolboy chess player in the entire country. Many of us recall times when he had would be challengers, and Brian would make one move, go off and have a conversation with someone, only to return to see his opponent still stuck. After his opponent’s made several more moves, it was checkmate. He became known as one of the nerdiest footballers the school had known in years.
It was only a matter of time before the national chess team came calling, and he represented the nation in the game of chess throughout the entire Caribbean.
Despite the success in the game of chess, he was still considered a “midfield general”. He successfully ran the middle for the victorious 1985 Manning Cup and Oliver Shield teams. This dual role or academician and sportsman only served to strengthen an already steely resolve. While in sixth form his leadership skills were rewarded when he was named a school Prefect. With the entire buzz around him, we knew he would end up in “foreign”, and so he did.
Taking his soccer skills overseas, he landed at North Carolina State University where he competed in Division I soccer and helped to guide his team to the Final Four in 1988. His efforts did not go unnoticed as he was awarded a selection to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) First Team in 1989. However, despite his popularity on the campus of the university, he decided to settle down with his now current wife Joan Clark (formerly Ellis). In Brian’s mind, marriage was great, but the greatest thing to happen to him came when he turned over his life to Jesus Christ through baptism. Folks who thought he was humble before turning his life over to Christ, were not surprised by his nature after his acceptance of Christ.
In 1992, he returned to Jamaica and co-captained Tivoli Gardens to the Major League championships in 1993. He followed in the footsteps of his older brothers Dave and Delmonte to win at both the Manning Cup and Major League levels.
In 1999 he returned to the United States and finished his scholastic endeavors, and graduated with honors from North Carolina State University with a degree in Accounting. After leaving NCSU, he embarked on a career in banking and finance that saw his career taking him to the following banks; First Union, Wachovia, M&F Bank and North State Bank. His business acumen saw him rising to the level of Vice President within the banking sector in the state of North Carolina. It was out of his experience and expertise in the banking sector that prompted Brian to write his first book; “5 Laws of Credit for Your Personal Credit & Financial Freedom.” The book was so successful that it raced up the charts of his publisher’s tracking.
An offshoot of the book saw Brian establishing ABC Management Inc., and this past April, he rolled out the financial software tool that accompanies the book. He is President and CEO of ABC Management, Inc.
As mentioned in the opening paragraph, we could write quite a bit about the accomplishments of Brian, however, we will close here by mentioning some of his social interests. He is currently a licensed USSF Soccer Coach with Triangle Futbol Club in North Carolina. He has been a licensed coach since 2004. He enjoys family and friends, attending his house of worship (St. Paul AME), reading, soccer (especially coaching youth leagues), chess, golf, and business advisory services. He is married to Joan Ellis-Clarke and has three (3) daughters; Taneisha (who is currently attending North Carolina Central University), Nayasha and Jmeah. His only son Joshua is left to follow in the footsteps of daddy. That remains to be seen.
Brian is the quintessential example of a man who is on a mission. You know he is on a mission because he is quiet, humble, reserved, and purposeful. You can see the light of the Lord working in him, as people seek him out for advice all the time. His words of wisdom permeate every discussion he has with individuals, both young and old. Many of us who have linked up with him in recent years, give the respect and admiration that he has so deservedly earned. When each and every one of you get a chance, reach out and show Brian your appreciation of him holding the Purple flag high at bmw1clarke@nc.rr.com. For a young man born and raised in the inner city, he made it out all right, and for that we give God the glory for the life and witness of Mr. Clark. He is a true example of simply going about living your life, caring for others that you come across and remaining humble. He has truly been exalted because of his humble spirit.