SpecialityModerator

Lawyer and EntrepreneurA social entrepreneur who describes himself as a “lawpreneur”, which he describes as, “one who engages in working adroitly in both disciplines of law and business”. Robert seeks to utilize his experience of over 30 years in law, business management, franchising, M&A, venture capital, and diversity equity and inclusion consulting both domestically and internationally to develop strategies to close the racial wealth gap. Mr. Johnson is the founder and Managing Partner of the Solomon Group LLC, a Social Impact Management consulting and law firm that provides business management, social impact advisory and legal services and private equity for minority and women entrepreneurs throughout the Diaspora. In addition, Robert is also General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Emergent Ethos, an investment firm dedicated to transforming the world through strategic impact investments in sustainable technologies. He serves as President of one of Emergent Ethos portfolio companies, Purple Flower Farms. Purple Flower Farms, LLC is an Organic Hemp cultivation and preprocessing company, whose mission is to use the amazing hemp plant to make the environment and community better than we found it. Robert also previously served as the Chief Equity Officer for Bezos Academy and was responsible for leading equity strategy for Jeff Bezos, when Jeff sought to create free Montessori inspired preschools in underserved communities across the country. Robert was also formerly the Chief Economic Inclusion Officer and General Counsel for the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. In this role he was responsible for the management of the organizations Economic Empowerment Institute. The Economic Empowerment Institute included the Financial Inclusion Institute, the Innovation and Technology Institute, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), StreetWise and the Workforce Development Department. Prior to becoming A lawpreneur, Robert was the Franchise Relations Officer and Ombudsman for McDonald’s Corporation’s Central Division. He was responsible for being an advocate for the McDonald’s System and providing leadership to strengthen the relationship between McDonald’s and its franchisees. He was also responsible for resolving conflicts between the Company and its franchisees and represented the Black McDonald's Owner Operators Association. Mr. Johnson is an expert in corporate law, social enterprise law, franchising and venture capital. Mr. Johnson has provided advice and counsel to senior leaders on economic development both internationally and domestically. Mr. Johnson received his Juris Doctorate for the University of Illinois College of law anddual Bachelor of Science degrees in Economics and Business Administration, and Sociology and Anthropology from Knox College.