In 2011, Brendon Green (@Starforcehh), the creator and storyteller behind Starforce, was inspired by Anthony Bourdain‘s unique voice on TV.
The late Parts Unknown host was not only a chef who traveled the world, but also a cultural connector, a truth-seeker, and a master of using storytelling to connect people and places. BG found Bourdain’s style to be more than just entertaining; it was a blueprint.
Building a Show With Purpose
BG decided to study the reasons why Bourdain’s storytelling resonated with him, rather than trying to copy him. Bourdain’s approach combined authenticity, vulnerability, and curiosity to create a sense of being present in every moment.
BG endeavored to apply these same principles to his own vision, which was not centered around food, but instead on culture, entrepreneurship, and the lived experiences of everyday people striving for extraordinary goals.
In the early 2010s, he worked on conceptualizing a show that combined documentary-style insight with the energy of modern entrepreneurial culture. He aimed to highlight stories that mainstream media often overlooked: creatives, innovators, builders, and dreamers from communities that deserved a spotlight. This framework became the foundation for the series he eventually envisioned. It was an ambitious, storytelling-driven project informed by Bourdain’s ethos but distinctly rooted in BG’s world.
A Chance Meeting With Uncle Dom Detore
It is common knowledge among creators that the proper connection at the right time can transform everything. Meeting Uncle Dom Detore, a well-connected figure with deep ties to business, culture, and entertainment networks, led to BG’s turning point.
Detore instantly recognized the potential in BG’s concept, and he appreciated the authenticity of his creative approach. Detore believed that the project had potential after hearing BG’s vision to explore human stories with honesty and depth. He thought that it needed the right champion more than anything else.
Pitching the Framework to Daymond John
BG was fortunate enough to have a pitch meeting with Daymond John (@TheSharkDaymond), the business mogul, investor, and founder of FUBU, through Detore’s support and network. BG saw this as a culmination of his work since 2011, not just a business pitch.
He presented Daymond John with a show concept based on authenticity, cultural storytelling, and a Bourdain-style perspective tailored for the next generation. The pitch was emphasized:
- Real voices from diverse backgrounds
- Entrepreneurial journeys filled with struggle, hustle, and heart
- Cultural exploration through innovation rather than cuisine
- A storytelling approach that embraced honesty, grit, and humanity
The meeting was not just a confirmation of BG’s long-term efforts, but also a sign of his vision’s arrival on a significant stage.
A Journey Still Unfolding
What began in 2011 as admiration for Anthony Bourdain turned into a decade-long commitment to building a meaningful, impact-driven media concept. BG’s journey exemplifies the power of persistence, creativity, and knowing the stories you want to tell, from inspiration to connection.
Brendon Green’s journey is still unfolding, but it’s evident that he’s not just creating a show; he’s building a movement. He’s building a storytelling legacy that is influenced by one of the greats, but is all his own.