OUR FOUNDER

Ryan Wilson, the co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot, is a visionary entrepreneur and recognized thought leader. His transformative approach at The Gathering Spot has redefined the art of networking, making the club a vibrant hub for collaboration, connections, and experiences. Ryan’s work as a community builder and his dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity have established him as a distinguished figure in the world of business and community engagement.

At the age of 24, Ryan and his business partner successfully raised capital to launch The Gathering Spot in Atlanta. The company quickly grew, becoming a home for creatives, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. More than a club, TGS is
best understood as a movement, hosting culturally significant events, making meaningful connections, and fostering groundbreaking ideas. Ryan’s strategic vision propelled the club’s physical expansion to Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, and further growth with membership communities in New York City, Detroit, Charlotte, Houston, and Chicago.

In 2022, The Gathering Spot’s acquisition by a fintech company was recognized as one of the most influential deals of the year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and generated a meaningful return for TGS’s investors. As a testament to their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, Ryan and his co-founder made a bold move in late 2023 by reacquiring The Gathering Spot, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to and belief in the mission of TGS.

Ryan’s accomplishments have been recognized extensively. He was named the Small Business Person of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, listed among the 40 under Forty honorees, and the 100 Most Powerful Leaders. He was celebrated by Goldman Sachs as one of the Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, and he has been consistently recognized among Georgia’s 500 Most Powerful Leaders by Georgia Trend. The Mayor of Atlanta awarded him the Phoenix Award, the city’s highest honor; and in 2023, he was honored as the Philanthropic Leader of Tomorrow by the Association for Fundraising Professionals. Ryan has also been named one of the country’s most influential African-Americans in The Root 100 and the Ebony Power 100.

Ryan’s expertise has made him a sought-after speaker and moderator. He has been featured in notable national publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Forbes, Inc., The New York Times, Revolt, Black Enterprise, Bloomberg
Businessweek, The Huffington Post, and USA Today. His work has led to several keynote presentations for various companies including Goldman Sachs, Delta, Google, Meta, Ford Motor Company, and Nike. He has also delivered keynote presentations at some of the nation’s most prestigious universities including Georgetown University Law Center, the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth University, and The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

A native of Atlanta, Ryan is an active participant in several Atlanta civic and community organizations. He proudly serves on the boards of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Usher’s New Look, The Woodruff Arts Center, The Atlanta Business League, The Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Invest Atlanta’s Foundation, and has previously served on the boards of Hands on Atlanta and Peace Preparatory Academy. He is a member of the Atlanta Chapter of the 100 Black Men and the Atlanta Rotary Club.

Ryan graduated from Georgetown University and Georgetown University Law Center, where he proudly serves on the Board of Regents. He currently resides happily in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and two children.