As News 12 celebrates Black History Month, New York City has recognized five individuals for their work and dedication to their communities. One honoree from Brooklyn who is using his business to help Black and brown entrepreneurs grow and connect.  

Jeff Lindor describes himself as a “social impact entrepreneur” dedicated to enhancing the social and economic lives for people of color in New York City.  

His contributions led to him being named one of The New York City & Company’s Rising Stars of the Black Community.   

“As someone who is a proud New Yorker…it’s always honorable that New York City is acknowledging the work that I and my team are doing,” said Lindor, founder and CEO of The Gentleman’s Factory.  

Lindor’s The Gentleman Factory is a physical and digital space located on the seventh floor at 81 Willoughby Street. The place is an environment designed to enhance and connect Black and brown men through use of meeting rooms, podcasts, and other creative spaces.  

“You have to ask, where do men of color go for growth? To talk about fatherhood, to talk about business, to talk about relationships,” said Lindor. “Society does a great job at breaking us down but we need places that bring us up.” 

Lindor says his team has partnered with Bloc Power and the Mayor’s Office for Criminal Justice to establish The Skills Factory – an initiative made to educate young people of color on gun violence, skill development, and to create employment pipelines. He says there are plans to open a ladies’ factory in the near future.