In what some are calling “a groundbreaking act of entrepreneurial enthusiasm”, and others, well… something else entirely, a group of white male business owners in Fairville, Ohio, has announced plans to form their own Association of White Male Entrepreneurs (AWME). The inspiration? None other than the wildly successful Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs (ABWE), which has been revolutionizing the local economy with its initiatives, mentorship programs, and community-driven projects.
“Honestly, the ABWE has been a beacon of solidarity and success,” said Brad “BizGuru” McKenzie, self-appointed president of the AWME. “Their unity, shared identity, and commitment to helping each other thrive? It’s genius. Then I thought about it and I was like, “hey, why hasn’t anyone thought of creating the same thing for WHITE GUYS? I knew I had to jump at the opportunity before someone else beat me to it.”
Brad McKenzie"...why hasn't anyone thought of creating the same thing for WHITE GUYS?"
The ABWE, founded five years ago by local entrepreneur and bakery owner Janelle Harris, has helped over 300 Black women start or expand their businesses. The group emphasizes networking, mentorship, and resource-sharing, and has earned accolades for its work fostering equity in business ownership.
But it was the ABWE’s annual “Sisters in Success” conference, a rousing celebration of Black women’s achievements, that really struck a chord with McKenzie and his crew. “Watching them on stage, celebrating their shared identity, their culture—it was beautiful,” he said. “I was like, ‘Yo, I want to be a part of something like that!’ But I looked everywhere and couldn’t find any clubs with just white men. I was like, OMFG, I have to be the first in history.”
Backlash? There’s No Backlash.
When asked if they foresaw any backlash to their idea, McKenzie said, “At first we did get some questions about how white someone needs to be, and whether transgenders are ok. And I was like, ‘yo, as long as you have one white parent, or leaning towards being a man, you’re good‘. I’m a “the glass is half full” kind of guy. I’m not going to look at someone with only one white parent or a make-believe penis and say, ‘the glass is half empty.'”
Not Everyone Is on Board
Not everyone in Fairville is sharing the AWME’s excitement. “Are they serious?” asked Maria Gutierrez, owner of a local florist shop. “How are they looking at an organization created to empower historically excluded people and saying, ‘Yeah, let’s do that for ourselves’? The lack of awareness is… impressive.”
Janelle Harris, founder of the ABWE, took a more measured tone. “I suppose imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” she said. “But our organization exists to address systemic barriers. They might want to consider… well, that they’re not exactly facing the same barriers. They hold their damned meetings at a country club with no black members.”
Launch Party: An Event for the Ages
The AWME plans to host an official public launch next month with an event titled “Recognizing White Male Achievement,” featuring a keynote speech by McKenzie, live music by a yacht rock cover band, and a raffle for locally grown organic greens. So far, the club has attracted 15 men, many of whom were drawn by rumors of networking opportunities and complimentary artisanal IPA tastings.
McKenzie also announced plans for the AWME to “give back” by launching a GoFundMe campaign to build a private sauna at the country club, which he described as “an inclusive space where white dudes can talk business, vibes, and, like, inner peace.”
When asked for her thoughts on the AWME’s upcoming event, Harris had a bemused response: “Did you say Brad McKenzie started the club? Yeah, I know Brad. He sells grass to my uncle. I think that club may just be a way for Brad and others to promote their… business.”
