perseverer (purr-suh-vir-day)

Launched in April, 2007, Persévérer is a new designer brand creating fashionable, luxury goods that blend together classic style with urban undertones. This mixing of style and culture takes its wearer from in-office to in-scene and allows him or her to feel relaxed in either setting.

The creators behind Persévérer are committed to creating quality goods centered on expressing creativity in personal style whereby the wearer is on the cutting edge of fashion on his or her terms. The growing Persévérer product line includes footwear, luggage, eyewear, and other accessories.

Dennis J. Grant Jr. Chairmen/Creative Director

Dennis J. Grant Jr. has over four years of experience in retail management and corporate ownership. With that retail experience, Dennis has learned several stock-keeping unit systems, as well as several different inventory systems. Grant graduated from Michigan State University in 2005 receiving a Bachelors Degree in Business Management with a focus in Retail. In completion of his degree, Grant has worked in management for international retailer Urban Outfitters, and has done buying for Michigan based company Brick Citi, LLC.

Within this company, Grant serves as one of three components that determine whether or not this project is possible. He will be responsible for brand development and maintenance thereof. Within each task the business has presented, Grant has shown that he is the most talented and intuitive individuals at what he does. Grant handles a lot of the creative direction that the brand undergoes. An avid reader and observer of several different aspects of fashion and collecting, Grant definitely directs his energy and passion into seeing the brand exceed any set predictions. Grant also serves as consultant for all other departments of the business.

Grant represents the customer we have that enjoys their individual attributes and praises the differences they may possess from others around them. He represents this through his conversation, his portrayal of others, but more so from his appearance and his attire. We all represent different facets of the brand, Grant upholds the client who knows that they are “different,” this is what sets them aside and at a separate regard than the next individual. In knowing without doubt that their attributes set them above and beyond, their appearance solely reflects this without the use of words.

Jermaine Barnwell - Head Designer

Jermaine Barnwell is the creative force behind the brand. Having Jermaine contribute in such a way has made it possible for a host of things to occur. In our regard, Jermaine is the best designer ever, without any formal training. By designing products that are practical yet innovative, Barnwell has created a very successful system to work with. In addition to feeding off of ideas that are derived from other influences, as well as the others in the business, Barnwell provides a rejuvenating approach to the ever so copied pallet that has been overused as of late.

Barnwell is also a graduate of Michigan State University with a BFA in Studio Art emphasizing in Graphic Design and Photography. Barnwell plays by far the most vital role in creating the image that Persévérer exemplifies from not only design, but also the visual communication and conceptual point being made. Barnwell constantly researches design as a whole by attending conferences and contact with many designers and artists which influence his daily output.

Barnwell is the more conservative phase of the brand. More expressive through his art, than his outward appearance, Barnwell represents our customer that has grown into the ability of being comfortable with the symmetry of European fashion. This is honestly our most highly coveted customer with whom Barnwell represents because they don’t shy away from prices, but base it more so upon what they need, will they use it, and how it matches with their daily life. This customer is more need, comfort, and convenience oriented so if things are available and presented well, this customer is going to purchase and be happy with the product. Barnwell is also an example in the regard that one customer can be more than one type as Barnwell can also double as a more accessory oriented individual who will dress in a way where those accessories and minor details blatantly express.

Brandon Williamson CEO/Logistics

Brandon Williamson is a direct reflection of what the power and love of a deep influence can provide. From a very young age, Brandon was an admirer of innovation and individuality and as of late he has found a way to offer products in similar fields that have motivated his process along the years. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Williamson has gained a marketing background along with several years of banking experience working with companies such as Fifth Third Bank and AAA of Michigan. These attributes help in performing his responsibilities of running the day-to-day dealings of Persévérer and Pangea Subsidiaries respectively. Noticing that his talents extended creatively as far as influence opposed to creation thereof, he is able to influence the products created by his partners. Noted as the closer, Williamson along with his partners is noted and recognized as the “go to” individual within the businesses at hand. To go from wanting to wear the latest offerings to actually offering them is a feat that one couldn't dream, but is proven to be the peace (yes peace) that paved this said path.

Brandon represents the customer whose dress reflects their achievement, while at the same time isn’t boastful of their success. Everything that is displayed holds its own significance to the overall being that Williamson represents. This is the customer that will be around because we are an innovative company, but will stay with, and grow with our brand due to our quality and overall branded image.