On October 26, 2022, Steven Scott Bradley was nominated to receive the Vanguard Award from the African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC).
After serving as the chairman for 13 years, he was honored for his service toward building a better space for African-American businesses. Not only was his aforementioned service honored on the Lincoln Financial Field, but the AACC was also able to raise $300,000. This money goes toward funding grants for small business owners.
During his time as chairman, Steven created a welcoming space where business owners were able to come together in support of each other. In the energy of collaboration, the AACC exists so that knowledge can be disseminated and used. He also still pushes for the AACC to continue to allow younger business owners to seek out mentorship from those senior to the world of business.
“Legacy building is a part of my DNA,” a statement Steven truly embodies. He continually gives nods to those who helped him along his way. Even recalling his first mentor, his calculus teacher, Ms.Mitchell, who recommended he attend to Fisk University. While at Fisk University, Steven sought to establish his identity outside of his family. His time at the HBCU stimulated Steven’s growth, as he was surrounded by many black scholars who wanted to achieve similar goals. His network grew even larger when he decided to study internationally at the London School of Economics. He was able to do just that while also becoming a first-generation college graduate. He graduated with a major in Mathematics and Economics.
After leaving Nashville, Steven decided to move to the Big Apple as he landed a job working on Wall Street. “I was on top of the world.” Steven expressed as he reminisced about his first job out of college.
“I had come a long way from working as a janitor at my church.”
He then traveled from New Jersey to Philadelphia as he built on his career. Eventually, landing at Watlington & Cooper, Inc., where he moved from the Vice President of Sales and Marketing to the President & CEO. After 15 years, Steven decided to create Bradley & Bradley Associates, his very own insurance company. “I always knew that I would be my own boss someday.”
After continuing to reach new heights with his own brokerage, 21 years later, Steven’s mind focused on building the next generation.
Throughout his career Steven understood the positive effects of community service and maintaining relationships. Spending well over 25 combined years participating on various boards, he made sure to become a positive face for his community.
It wasn’t closing a 5 million dollar mortgage as the chair of the trustee board for church or giving out two scholarships to deserving students through the Philadelphia Foundation that made him say, “Woah, I am making a difference.” Nor was it the 13 years he spent as chair of the African-American Chamber of Commerce creating a space for other minority business owners to offer support to each other.
It was one night as he exited an executive board meeting for WHYY, where a security guard praised him for his service. The security guard wanted to let him know that he could see the views of the board change with his influence. He has made sure to push for WHYY to continue to build new relationships within the community and not become reliant on the old ones.
Volunteering and making sure that you are making yourself available are Steven Bradley’s keystones to establishing no-pressure relationships. As a mentor, he makes sure he leaves open time on his schedule for those who want to grab a cup of coffee.
Like most of us, during the pandemic, Steven Bradley was condemned to the house for months forcing him to innovate his business practices. Not typically a tech-savvy individual, the blue crest of zoom protected his business and allowed him to continue to thrive. Steven doubled down on his principles, remained authentic, and made sure to show up every time.
Steven Bradley is a leader and mentor to many. His commitment to building his legacy and others has continued to propel businesses and communities.
