ANTONIO GADSDEN
Antonio Gadsden is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience and a strong focus on empowering black-owned businesses and communities. As the owner of Marketing Genius Marketing, iShop Black Network, iShop Black Business Development Center, and Black Digital Ad Network in Jacksonville, FL, he has made significant contributions to the industry.
Throughout his career, Antonio has demonstrated a deep commitment to community engagement.
Starting in 1998, he established four successful urban clothing stores known as 904 Fashions, as well as an entertainment company called Real or Nothin. During this time, Antonio fostered a close bond with the community, organizing impactful events such as back-to-school drives and Christmas giveaways for the underserved.
Maintaining strong ties with his alma mater, William M. Raines High School, Antonio has consistently given back to the institution and received numerous acknowledgments for his efforts. In 2012, he launched BDAN (formerly ADTRONIX), a digital signage company tailored to serve black business owners and entrepreneurs, expanding its reach to Atlanta, Orlando, and serving over 2000 black business owners to date.
Simultaneously, Antonio founded the iShop Black Network and Marketing Genius Marketing in 2016, aiming to support and promote over 500 successful black-owned businesses across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Both the marketing agency and network continue to flourish, with Antonio’s vision of expanding their membership and nationwide reach by 2026 through the strategic utilization of technology. In 2022, Antonio’s dedication to fostering economic growth and empowering black entrepreneurs led him to establish the iShopBlack Business Development Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the heart of the black community in Jacksonville, FL. The center’s mission is to provide vital resources and connections to businesses, enabling them to achieve greater financial stability. Antonio’s extensive network and partnerships, both domestically and internationally, have proven invaluable in assisting other business owners.
Furthermore, the iShopBlack Business Development Center has embraced the Young Entrepreneurs Program (Y.E.P.), aiming to nurture and guide the next generation of aspiring business leaders. Antonio’s ultimate goal is to challenge
negative stereotypes prevalent within black communities, while simultaneously shaping their cultural identity towards a more inclusive society. His unwavering commitment and drive serve as a testament to his ongoing mission of effecting positive change.
Antonio Gadsden remains steadfast in his endeavors, continuously pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved. With his profound impact on black-owned businesses, communities, and his visionary approach to cultural transformation, he is poised to create a lasting legacy and inspire generations to come.
