A proud graduate of Bowie State University, Brian Kelley is making waves as a serial entrepreneur with his sports management company High-Level Sports Management, Mid-Atlantic Basketball Classic tournament, and luxury wine brand Imperial94. Rooted in community and family legacy, his journey reflects the rich traditions of HBCUs and the entrepreneurial spirit they nurture.
Growing up in Prince George’s County, Kelley was inspired by family members who attended BSU, including his grandmother and Aunt Tiva, an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated member. During childhood visits to campus, Kelley envisioned his collegiate journey at Bowie State. After transferring from Norfolk State University, he graduated alongside his Aunt Diamond, marking a unique moment that underscored his family’s Bowie State legacy.
“My journey at Bowie State gave me the foundation to grow as an entrepreneur in ways I didn’t
initially expect,” Kelley said. His time on the basketball team instilled leadership, resilience, and accountability values—qualities he consistently applies to his business ventures. One of his most memorable memories, winning the 2017 CIAA Basketball Championship, reminds him of the unity and dedication required to succeed.
High-Level Sports Management
Shortly after earning his degree in 2017, Kelley founded High-Level Sports Management and organized the first Mid-Atlantic Basketball Classic. This premier showcase event has since grown into a staple for young athletes in the DMV area. “My goal is to create opportunities that inspire growth, whether it’s through empowering young athletes, fostering community engagement, or providing a platform for talent to shine,” he explained.
Imperial94
In 2019, Kelley expanded his entrepreneurial reach with Imperial94, a luxury wine brand that reflects sophistication and success. “Though we are considered a luxury wine
our goal is to make every consumer feel luxurious or like royalty,” he stated, revealing the inspiration behind custom poetry on each bottle’s label that reads “When thinking of wine, we want you to feel like royalty because that’s what you’re meant to be. Our wine is a true love story, like a bottle of poetry. Except this isn’t a story about us. It’s about you. Stay Imperial.”
However, Kelley’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t without its hurdles. He had to navigate lengthy regulations and zoning challenges while launching Imperial94. Patience became his guiding principle during this process. Before making announcements, he learned to ‘start in silence’ and trusted the process to lay a solid foundation for long-term success.
His late father, Brian Jackson Bryant, motivates him daily. “What would Big B do?” is a mantra he recalls as he navigates the complexities of entrepreneurship.
Kelley encourages fellow aspiring entrepreneurs to always put their best foot forward. “Impressions last forever, don’t be afraid to be yourself but remember somebody is always watching you & maybe even looking up to you with dreams and aspirations of being like you one day. Stay Imperial,” he advised.
As he continues to build his legacy through sports and wine, Kelley remains dedicated to positively impacting his community—one successful venture at a time.
