Built by operators, for operators
Thompson B. Ventures isn't just a name—it's a commitment to building businesses that matter.
Thompson B. Ventures was founded in 2020, but the journey started long before that. At 23 years old with no formal education, Brandon Thompson started managing businesses—not because it was the plan, but because he saw opportunities others missed.
Over 16 years, he's managed operations ranging from $300,000 to over $2 million in annual revenue across retail, hospitality, and service industries. Not just one business—multiple businesses, often simultaneously. Comics shops. Coffee houses. Retail operations. Real estate. Each one a lesson. Each one a battle.
The name "Thompson B. Ventures" draws inspiration from two fictional entrepreneurs who refused to settle for ordinary: Tony Stark and Reed Richards (the Baxter Building). Visionaries who built systems, solved problems, and pushed boundaries. But the "B" represents something more personal—Baxter, a companion who embodied loyalty, determination, and the courage to keep moving forward.
Today, Thompson B. Ventures operates as an Illinois S-corporation managing a diversified portfolio of businesses while providing strategic consulting and digital tools to other operators. We don't just advise—we operate. We don't just theorize—we execute.
Because the best business advice comes from people who've actually run businesses.
Real business experience beats theoretical knowledge every time. We trust people who've made payroll, not just PowerPoints.
Gut instinct has its place, but numbers don't lie. Every strategy should be backed by measurable results.
Perfection is the enemy of progress. Build, ship, learn, improve. Repeat. Overthinking kills more businesses than bad ideas.
Businesses under $5M are the backbone of the economy. They deserve tools and strategies that actually work for their scale.
Good systems let you work ON the business, not just IN it. Automation and process aren't optional—they're essential.
We'd rather tell you the truth and lose a client than lie and keep one. Your business success matters more than our revenue.
16+ years of real-world business management across multiple industries
Started managing businesses at 23 with no formal education. Learned through trial, error, and persistence. Retail operations, service businesses, and everything in between. Mistakes were made—and learned from.
Formalized the holding company structure. Began strategic portfolio management across multiple entities. Developed systems for multi-business operations and tax-efficient organization.
Navigated COVID-19 while operating Sullivan Taylor Coffee House. Managed through crisis, adapted operations, and survived when many didn't. Acquired and operated multiple businesses including Spellbound Stories (45% stake) and Cady's Tobacco (100% ownership).
Launched formal consulting services. Created digital products for business operators. Continued portfolio management while building tools and resources to help other entrepreneurs succeed. Active in community organizations including Macomb Food Co-op, McDonough County Historical Preservation Society, and Alzheimer's Association.
Not "is it elegant?" or "is it perfect?" If it solves the problem and generates results, it's good enough. We iterate from there.
Revenue vanity, profit sanity, cash flow reality. We prioritize what keeps the lights on and creates sustainable business models.
Fortune 500 strategies don't work for $500K businesses. We design solutions for the resources you actually have, not the ones you wish you had.
Theory is worthless without execution. We stay involved, we stay active, and we stay accountable to the businesses we operate and advise.
Years in Business
Revenue Managed
Active Businesses
Industries
Operator Owned
Started
Building businesses means building community
Board member supporting local, sustainable food systems and community-owned grocery access.
Preserving local history and supporting historic downtown Macomb development.
Supporting research, care, and support services for families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
"Thompson B. Ventures" draws inspiration from two fictional entrepreneurs who embodied innovation and determination: Tony Stark (Stark Industries) and Reed Richards (The Baxter Building). Visionaries who built systems, solved impossible problems, and refused to accept limitations.
But the "B" represents something more personal.
Baxter—a companion who embodied loyalty, persistence, and the courage to keep moving forward no matter what. The "B" is a reminder that business success isn't just about strategy and systems. It's about heart, determination, and showing up every day to build something that matters.
Whether you need consulting, tools, or just want to connect with another operator—we're here.