Toby Brown: Entrepreneur, Investor, and Purpose-Driven Leader

In this empowering episode of Voices of OKC, Jed sits down with Toby Brown, Founder and CEO of The Brown Group, whose portfolio spans real estate, fitness, spirits, automotive, banking, private lending, and more. Toby’s journey is a powerful example of discipline, faith, and transformation.

Raised in Arkansas before moving to Oklahoma, Toby shares how he went from an eight year corporate job to discovering real estate and how one commission check changed the direction of his life. He explains the principles behind building long term wealth, including buying distressed homes, leveraging assets, reinvesting into new verticals, and staying committed to growth.

Toby also talks about the importance of mentorship and exposure, recalling his early experiences seeking guidance and vowing to become the kind of mentor he never had. His authenticity, leadership style, and people first mindset have made him a respected voice in Oklahoma City and a powerful example for young entrepreneurs.

One of the most impactful parts of this episode is Toby’s vulnerable story of hitting rock bottom at nineteen, dropping out of college, getting involved with the wrong crowd, and feeling lost. A former referee and friend, James Booth, stepped in when no one else did and helped redirect Toby’s life. From there, Toby rebuilt himself through education, hard work, and a renewed commitment to purpose, eventually earning his associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees while working multiple jobs.

Today, Toby invests back into the next generation. Through leadership classes at City Center, he has inspired students to launch businesses, build confidence, and see a future far bigger than their circumstances. This conversation is full of wisdom, honesty, and practical steps for anyone navigating purpose, business, or personal growth.

• Toby’s journey from Arkansas to Oklahoma City
• Leaving corporate America to become an entrepreneur
• Building wealth through real estate and strategic leverage
• Why authenticity and people skills matter in business
• How mentorship and exposure change young lives
• Toby’s lowest moment at age nineteen and the mentor who helped redirect his future
• Rebuilding his life through education, discipline, and faith
• Why discomfort is essential for growth and purpose

“You do not go from success to success. You go from failure to success.”
“The comfort zone is where dreams go to die.”
“God has a promise for you, but you cannot reach the promise without the process.”