Lex Pierre-Louis? Ever heard of him? No? Well, you’re not cool. You’re really not. As one of the leading branding and marketing influencers in the nation, and one of the foremost trendsetters in Miami, he’s sure to have started a trend you’re following, and he’s sure to have concocted a marketing campaign you were served.
The owner and CEO of Lex Promotions and Marketing Group can do without your recognition anyways. He’s got all the zeroes with the proper decimals and the signatures in all the right places on the huge checks he gets from the big brands he worked with. Black Enterprise, Legacy Magazine, and The Miami Herald have all recognized his power as an influencer, event marketer, and promoter.
Brands and companies come to him when they’re trying to reach out to young trendsetters. Public relations strategists run to him when they’re looking to target specific demographics. They especially seek him out when they’re looking for an expert who knows how to effectively maneuver non-traditional advertising tactics, and apply grassroots methods.
Kreyolicious: Words can make, can break people. When you were growing up, were you ever told that you would amount to nothing? That you’d never get anywhere?
When I was growing up, I was lucky to have the support from family and friends. My parents were a positive influence on me. But at the same time, I saw friends whose parents would insult them. That made me happy to have the parents that I have.
Kreyolicious: You’re an influencer, and your power as an influencer and trendsetter goes beyond Miami. Everyone has a start. How did you get your start?
I got my start at an early age, in high school and middle school. I started to deejay and promote my own parties. From there, I moved on to promoting music, and eventually brands that wanted to reach the college and high school demographic. I realized my power as an influencer when I was in college. Every time I would visit Florida Memorial University, students and deejays would be eager to ask me what were the new trends, so they could follow.
Kreyolicious: It’s not unusual for someone to start out really well in a field, make a splash, and then hit obstacles, and quit. What has kept you going?
I have a love and passion for what I do: marketing, branding, promotions. This is me when the lights are off. Even when I am out at a restaurant, my mind thinks of ways that something can be re-branded. So, my love for what I do is what keeps me going in tough times.
Kreyolicious: Would your parents have preferred for you to be a doctor? Or attorney, even, since you definitely have persuasive skills.
My parents did not support my career choice at all. They wanted me to finish my pharmaceutical program, but I chose to join the entrepreneurship world in the marketing field. Once I started my company, the only thing my parents were asking was, “Are you paying your taxes?” But, for years they had no interest in my company. That did not stop me. It actually pushed me to work harder.
Kreyolicious: Have you been to Haiti?
I travel to Haiti every December for http://www.christmasgivinginhaiti.org A non profit program that collects toys, clothes, and shoes in throughout the South Florida area and sends them to children and families in Haiti. Travels to Haiti annually organizing and managing multiple toy and clothing distribution. Most recently in April 2016, I took two trips to Haiti to learn more about orphanages, how they operate, and to volunteer my services. I visited New Hope for Haiti in Les Cayes, and Mission of Grace. Outside of visiting orphanages, I have so much fun seeing family, and joy ridding ATVs, and jet skis in Haiti.
Above: Lex Pierre-Louis poses with members of his street team for Zo’s Winter Groove, one of Miami’s signature events.
Kreyolicious: Can you give us an overview of what it’s like to run a company like Lex Promotions?
Running a company Like Lex Promotions and Marketing Group is a difficult task. Everyday, you have to follow up with clients, manage staff, and supervise current projects. In addition to you have to be creative with your team, to execute creative marketing campaigns for clients. Twelve-hour work days, weekly flights to different cities, and last minute request to make miracles happen are the norm.
Kreyolicious: What should we expect from you in the future? Your own record label, perhaps? A film production company?
While I have had a strong role in the music and entertainment industry in the past ten years, in the future I see myself more on the marketing/branding side. I love working with brands and companies like airlines, cell phone companies, restaurants, corporate brands, financial institutions and clothing lines that want to reach the Millenial or Caribbean demographics and have difficulty. That’s where Lex Promotions and Marketing Group comes in. We are that demographic, and understand what makes [it] move. I have also considered venturing into the tourism sector. Specifically, bringing more consumers to underserved markets like Haiti and introducing them to the beauty and richness of the country.
Lex with rap legend and Miami’s very own Trick Daddy.
Kreyolicious: “This book changed my life”, or “These books changed my thinking,” people sometimes say about books that have had immeasurable influence on their lives. What books have played a role in your growth?
It’s Your Business—JJ Ramberg, MusicMarketing-Mike King, Steve stoute The Tanning of America. I also visit Entrepreneur.com and blackenterprise.com daily. They have some amazing articles.
Kreyolicious: What’s your proudest moment?
It’s hard for me to say what my proudest moment is. I have [had] the opportunity to be part of some amazing projects…Over twenty Number One albums. Worked with major brands like Burger King, Beats By Dre, Dub Magazine, platinum selling artists, and introducing new liquor companies like Luc Belaire Rose. But I think that I am happy about the recent launch of my personal website lexpierrelouis.com in March [of this year].
Above: Lex at a gathering with an associate and rapper Rick Ross.
Kreyolicious: If you mentoring someone who wanted to go into publicity, marketing and promotions, what would you say to him or her to prepare him or her for that sector?
Stray True to your brand. You have to quickly identify what your bran is, and stay true to it.
LEX PROMOTIONS ON INSTAGRAM | CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH LEX HIMSELF!
This was another episode of Yap Mennen[They Ballin’]…in which…in which I—your girl Kreyolicious—profiles a baller in the community. Tune in next time.
