Meet David Paul | Neurosurgeon & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Paul and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Our brand, Bold and Gritty, actually represents a lifestyle – and it is that lifestyle that drives our success. From the small things that no one sees to the personal challenges and wins that create an indelible impression on the world around us – we show up intentionally, act with integrity, and use our voice to promote others. I am a neurosurgeon by trade, which requires a level of discipline and grit that is cultivated over time. It is not something you just wake up and do. That drive and mentality are at the core of our Brand – and we use our platform to both normalize the struggle and highlight people who are putting in the “extra” work to make a difference in the world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Bold and Gritty is a lifestyle brand that highlights Black coffee and Black culture. Coffee is the vehicle by which we tell amazing stories of people doing inspiring things, particularly Black men who have overcome tremendous odds to be successful in life. As a company, we’re striving every day to offer some of the best freshly roasted specialty coffee you’ll ever have – and to build an audience that is conscious about the conversations they have around that cup. By cultivating a community of Bold and Gritty individuals who fuel their lives on our coffee and continually engage with our content, we can continue to raise the bar of what is possible and inspire the next generation. “We tell people to follow their dreams, but you can only dream of what you can imagine, and, depending on where you come from, your imagination can be quite limited.” – Trevor Noah. In building our brand, we have come to recognize just how important these stories are and the relationships we are building along the way. Those relationships have opened doors and opportunities that we never would have imagined. And, without a sustained commitment to giving back to the community, we would not have the exposure we have today. Being Black and in Coffee presents its own set of unique challenges and we are grateful to a growing online community of Black coffee professionals that have embraced us and paved the way for the work we are doing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend is visiting from out of town, we would definitely have to stop by a few of our favorite local restaurants. There is the newly opened Bubby’s BBQ in Southwedge, an African American owned smokehouse that features the Dino Rib, a gigantic smoked beef rib that could honestly feed 2-3 people. McCann’s Local Meats is another Southwedge favorite. Owned by a CIA grad, McCann’s is a locally sourced whole animal butcher shop with amazing prepared food. Rochester has a vibrant museum scene. The Strong Museum of Play is a great afternoon adventure for kids and adults alike and the National Toy Hall of Fame resides within. Just across the way is the George Eastman Museum dedicated to the founder of the Kodak empire. Rochester is also filled with public art courtesy of Wall Therapy, and the surrounding areas offer bountiful opportunities for outdoor activities.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Father – Melvin Paul, the original Bold and Gritty man!

Website: www.boldandgritty.com
Instagram: @bold_gritty
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoldandGritty
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRQZJlQrQJ5rnpLFUc7RLww

Image Credits
Foster Memories, LLC; Carbon Stories, LLC