Our Founder
Roland Parrish
Roland Parrish was born in Hammond, Indiana, attended Purdue University on academic and athletic scholarships, and has gone on to become a very successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the CEO and owner of Parrish Restaurants, LTD, owning 21 McDonald’s in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas area. He is also the 2nd largest African American owned McDonald’s Franchisee in the country.
Parrish is frequently featured in Black Enterprise Magazine and stays on their list of top 100 black-owned businesses in the country (currently number 52). He has won numerous awards and has been recognized for countless honors but the accolades are not just because of his entrepreneurship. Many are because of his philanthropic efforts in his community, around the country and around the globe!
Parrish is passionate about helping children and to instill in them the importance of higher education. His goal is for young people to capitalize on all opportunities presented to them, and where the opportunities are few, he wants to create more for them.
Vice President
Jade Parrish–Marks
Jade Parrish-Marks is a highly accomplished commercial real estate professional in the DFW metroplex. The DFW native is an expert in the people business and uses her diverse professional background, passion for relationships, and intimate knowledge of corporate culture to best serve her clients.
Jade is a proud alumna of Purdue University (BS) & Southern Methodist University (MBA). After completing a ten-year career as a Strategic Human Resources Business Partner, she transitioned into Corporate Real Estate. Her corporate experience includes Amazon, Fossil and CBRE. Throughout her career, she has focused heavily on building relationships, maintaining trust within her client groups, and serving as a dependable partner for decision-makers.
Jade is passionate about giving back and making an impact on underinvested communities. She has served as the Chair of CBRE’s Dallas Thrive Fund Committee and as an Irma Rangel College Bound Mentor (YWPN). She is a member of The Village Giving Circle and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She currently serves as Vice President of Parrish Charitable Foundation.
Executive Director of Content
Ro Parrish
Ro Parrish combines his experiences from his formative years with an inquisitive thirst for knowledge. Upon graduating from DeSoto High School and The University of North Texas, he pursued his passion in the sports / music / entertainment industry spanning the last several decades. While he is best known as an elite communicator and a trusted media personality, Ro has also expanded his repertoire into the real estate space as well. Professional highlights include sharing the screen with multiple hall of famers on national networks and capturing an Emmy Award for broadcasting as a TV host. Plus, a storied DJ career that included performing live on television, at festivals in front of thousands, and as the opening act for Beyoncé. Personal pinnacles include being a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, being inducted into the DeSoto High School Hall of Fame and becoming a father to his daughter Jordan. All on the heels of uniquely understanding the entrepreneur’s journey, having grown up in a family involved in the franchise world. Now, taking a step back from the career he previously occupied, he is emersed himself into generating content and creating awareness for the Parrish Charitable Foundation.
Public Relations & Marketing Consultant
Rodney Baker
Rodney Baker is an accomplished business entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Hot Rod Connects (HRC), a concierge-booking agency that specializes in offering high-end services for businesses and entertainers. Services provided by the agency include (but are not limited to) conferences, galas, speaking engagements, concerts, fund development and entertainment services. Through Hot Rod Connects, he works directly with Texas Trust CU Theatre, American Airlines Center, AT&T Stadium, Dickies Arena and several other venues to provide VIP Suite services for high-end clients. He has partnered with well-established groups, executives, celebrities, and corporations in the past couple of years to provide the total experience in service-concierge.
Rodney has a vast amount of experience in business partnerships. He currently serves as a Marketing Consultant for Dallas businessman Roland Parrish, who is the founder of the Parrish Charitable Foundation and President & CEO of Parrish Restaurants, owning over 20 McDonald’s in North Texas. In his current position as a marketing consultant, he collaborates with Mr. Parrish to sponsor and host numerous events, including the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame, Annual Roland Parrish Celebrity Golf Tournament, Annual Parrish Invitational Battle of the Bands, and the new Roland Parrish Park. Other collaborations include: MLB Texas Rangers Internship program for minorities, education competitions, & Roland Parrish Scholarship Debate tournament, and booking special guest speaking opportunities. He can be reached at hotrodconnects@gmail.com
