From Investment Rock Star to Entrepreneurial Philanthropist
Demond Martin ’97 and WellWithAll’s pledge of $300M over the next decade for health equity in Black and Brown communities.
Written By Jenny Matz
Cover Photo By Amy Hart
In the bustling landscape of entrepreneurship, where fortunes are made and lost, Demond Martin ’97 stands out as a beacon of change. Hailed as a rock star in the investment world with decades of experience investing in the consumer sector, Martin has also poured his time into philanthropy. He has now embarked on a new journey—one fueled by a passionate commitment to well-being and health equity.
At the helm of WellWithAll, a purpose-led health and wellness brand, Martin has a goal of generating a staggering $300 million over 10 years to bridge health gaps in Black, Brown and underserved communities. But his story is not just about dollars and cents; it’s a testament to resilience, compassion and the transformative power of purpose.
WellWithAll: More Than a Business Venture, it’s a Movement
Founded on the principles of inclusive capitalism, WellWithAll transcends mere profit-making endeavors to embody a vision of holistic health and wellness empowerment. Health inequity is disproportionately affecting marginalized communities throughout the country. In the United States, Black Americans face markedly higher mortality rates due to health issues like strokes, diabetes and heart disease compared to white Americans. Black and Brown youth are grappling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation at increasing rates.
For Martin, the visionary force behind WellWithAll, the brand symbolizes a fusion of entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility.
Within months of launching, the company has already taken strides towards its philanthropic goals, donating $150,000 to organizations in Charlotte, Chicago and Boston, to drive sustainable, community-centered solutions to address health inequities. The brand has garnered support from the likes of notable leaders such as Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Don Cheadle and more.
WellWithAll launched with two product collections, both inspired by the wellness everyone deserves. With heart health disproportionately impacting communities of color, the first collection was Good Numbers — condition specific supplements that support — blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
The second collection Better Daily focused on everyday wellness — aimed to support simple daily commitments to a healthier lifestyle with multivitamins, Vitamins D3 and K2, omega-3 fatty acids and sleep. Future supplements will address gut health, brain health and more.
WellWithAll operates not only as a provider of premium products but also as a catalyst for transformative change. Through innovative approaches and strategic partnerships, the brand endeavors to inspire, educate and mobilize communities towards collective action. Central to their mission is the belief that everyone needs an advocate, fostering important conversations about health and wellness while uplifting and supporting one another.
At the core of WellWithAll’s ethos is the concept of “community.” Recognizing the significance of collective effort, the brand emphasizes the importance of connectivity. Customers, partners and ambassadors all play pivotal roles in this journey, connecting and sharing experiences.
Education and support are also integral components of WellWithAll’s initiatives. By providing health and wellness information through various channels such as events, social media platforms and their blog, the brand aims to empower individuals with knowledge and resources. This proactive approach not only grows awareness but also facilitates access to essential health resources, thereby dismantling systemic barriers and championing equitable health outcomes for all.
A Personal Journey, a Shared Vision
The genesis of WellWithAll can be traced back to a deeply personal experience in Martin’s own life — a profound mental health crisis within his family. Martin recognized that he was able to get his loved one help because he had resources — but without those, things could have been drastically different.
With reflection, empathy and innovation, Martin and longtime friend Carmichael Roberts teamed up to put their values and vision into action. Connected through parallel journeys from humble beginnings, to successful careers, both knew firsthand how devastating the destructive legacies of health inequity and medical mistrust can be in communities of color. This is the reason WellWithAll exists.
Their shared vision laid the foundation for a transformative journey — combining advocacy and activism, capitalism and philanthropy, product and community. Martin and Roberts embarked on a mission to harness the power of entrepreneurship for social good. WellWithAll was founded as an “economic engine” for driving positive social impact and change.
Read more about how these visionary founders put their values into action.
HEAL Academy (Health, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership):
With our partners at the Dimock Center in Boston, Massachusetts, WellWithAll developed a six-week program for Black and Brown teens and young adults. From learning how to take blood pressure, to being able to initiate conversations about mental health, these young people are now health ambassadors in their own communities.
Rooted in Resilience + Powering The Future
As a first-generation student, Martin enrolling at UNC Charlotte was a pivotal chapter in his life, offering not only an education but a platform for leadership. Through programs like the University Transitions Opportunities Program and the mentorship of key figures in the University’s leadership, including former chancellor Dr. Jim Woodward and Dr. Herman Thomas.
It was during his time at UNC Charlotte that Martin also met his future wife, Kia Martin ’98, with whom he shares a life dedicated to faith and service. Their shared values and commitment to social justice became the cornerstone of their relationship.
Now residing in Boston, Massachusetts, with their two children, their union enriched Martin’s life and played a crucial role in shaping his philanthropic commitment.
Demond and Kia Martin
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Belk College of Business, Martin embarked on a career path that would lead him to the White House, where he served as assistant to White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles. Post-White House, he pursued an MBA from Harvard Business School, laying the groundwork for a successful career in investment management.
Throughout his journey, Martin remained deeply connected to UNC Charlotte, where his philanthropic endeavors have left a lasting impact. Initiatives like the Martin Scholars Program reflect his commitment to nurturing academic excellence and fostering leadership among underrepresented youth. Martin envisions a future where succeeding generations of leaders confront societal challenges collaboratively, fostering a culture of collective action and progress.
Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Martin received the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumnus award in 2010 and the Distinguished Alumnus award in 2021. The Popp Martin Student Union, named after him and fellow student leader Karen Popp ’80 in 2016, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy on campus, symbolizing his impact on shaping the university’s vibrant community.
“The reason why I tell my story is for you. You need to know right now that where you start is not where you finish.”
Martin receiving an honorary Doctor of Public Service Degree in May 2023.
In May 2023, UNC Charlotte bestowed upon Martin the honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, the University’s highest accolade, affirming his profound influence and dedication to public service. Martin’s journey transcends personal achievements; it embodies a legacy of dedication, inspiration and enduring impact for generations to come. His steadfast commitment reflects a profound belief in shaping society’s collective destiny by empowering the next wave of Charlotte leaders.
Lasting Legacy
Beyond the realm of business, Martin is committed to societal well-being that extends to a broader landscape. Together with his wife Kia, they champion initiatives aimed at addressing systemic injustices and promoting equitable opportunities.Their philanthropic legacy extends to supporting The Embrace, the Boston memorial to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, as well as the Black Scholars Initiative program at Berklee College of Music. In health care, their contributions to the Tonia Taylor Fund for Health Equity at Dana Farber Cancer Institute showcase a dedication to addressing health disparities. He also serves as a board member on the Obama Foundation.
Demond Martin’s journey — from investment rock star to philanthropic entrepreneur — serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of purpose-driven endeavors. As WellWithAll takes center stage in the fight against health inequities, Martin’s unwavering commitment to positive social change resonates as a call to action. Together with his team, he stands poised to drive meaningful progress and create lasting impact in communities across the globe. Theirs is a legacy defined not by wealth or accolades but by the countless lives touched and transformed by their vision of a healthier, more equitable world.
RELATED ARTICLES
Excellence in Leadership awards
Sifting through history
Communities pushing for change
FROM INVESTMENT ROCK STAR to Entrepreneurial Philanthropist
Demond Martin ’97 and WellWithAll’s pledge of $300M over the next decade for health equity in Black and Brown communities.
Written By Jenny Matz
Cover Photo By Amy Hart
In the bustling landscape of entrepreneurship, where fortunes are made and lost, Demond Martin ’97 stands out as a beacon of change. Hailed as a rock star in the investment world with decades of experience investing in the consumer sector, Martin has also poured his time into philanthropy. He has now embarked on a new journey—one fueled by a passionate commitment to well-being and health equity.
At the helm of WellWithAll, a purpose-led health and wellness brand, Martin has a goal of generating a staggering $300 million over 10 years to bridge health gaps in Black, Brown and underserved communities. But his story is not just about dollars and cents; it’s a testament to resilience, compassion and the transformative power of purpose.
WellWithAll: More Than a Business Venture, it’s a Movement
Founded on the principles of inclusive capitalism, WellWithAll transcends mere profit-making endeavors to embody a vision of holistic health and wellness empowerment. Health inequity is disproportionately affecting marginalized communities throughout the country. In the United States, Black Americans face markedly higher mortality rates due to health issues like strokes, diabetes and heart disease compared to white Americans. Black and Brown youth are grappling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation at increasing rates.
For Martin, the visionary force behind WellWithAll, the brand symbolizes a fusion of entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility.
Within months of launching, the company has already taken strides towards its philanthropic goals, donating $150,000 to organizations in Charlotte, Chicago and Boston, to drive sustainable, community-centered solutions to address health inequities. The brand has garnered support from the likes of notable leaders such as Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Don Cheadle and more.
WellWithAll launched with two product collections, both inspired by the wellness everyone deserves. With heart health disproportionately impacting communities of color, the first collection was Good Numbers — condition specific supplements that support — blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
The second collection Better Daily focused on everyday wellness — aimed to support simple daily commitments to a healthier lifestyle with multivitamins, Vitamins D3 and K2, omega-3 fatty acids and sleep. Future supplements will address gut health, brain health and more.
WellWithAll operates not only as a provider of premium products but also as a catalyst for transformative change. Through innovative approaches and strategic partnerships, the brand endeavors to inspire, educate and mobilize communities towards collective action. Central to their mission is the belief that everyone needs an advocate, fostering important conversations about health and wellness while uplifting and supporting one another.
At the core of WellWithAll’s ethos is the concept of “community.” Recognizing the significance of collective effort, the brand emphasizes the importance of connectivity. Customers, partners and ambassadors all play pivotal roles in this journey, connecting and sharing experiences.
Education and support are also integral components of WellWithAll’s initiatives. By providing health and wellness information through various channels such as events, social media platforms and their blog, the brand aims to empower individuals with knowledge and resources. This proactive approach not only grows awareness but also facilitates access to essential health resources, thereby dismantling systemic barriers and championing equitable health outcomes for all.
A Personal Journey, a Shared Vision
The genesis of WellWithAll can be traced back to a deeply personal experience in Martin’s own life — a profound mental health crisis within his family. Martin recognized that he was able to get his loved one help because he had resources — but without those, things could have been drastically different.
With reflection, empathy and innovation, Martin and longtime friend Carmichael Roberts teamed up to put their values and vision into action. Connected through parallel journeys from humble beginnings, to successful careers, both knew firsthand how devastating the destructive legacies of health inequity and medical mistrust can be in communities of color. This is the reason WellWithAll exists.
Their shared vision laid the foundation for a transformative journey — combining advocacy and activism, capitalism and philanthropy, product and community. Martin and Roberts embarked on a mission to harness the power of entrepreneurship for social good. WellWithAll was founded as an “economic engine” for driving positive social impact and change.
Read more about how these visionary founders put their values into action.
HEAL Academy (Health, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership):
With our partners at the Dimock Center in Boston, Massachusetts, WellWithAll developed a six-week program for Black and Brown teens and young adults. From learning how to take blood pressure, to being able to initiate conversations about mental health, these young people are now health ambassadors in their own communities.
Rooted in Resilience + Powering The Future
As a first-generation student, Martin enrolling at UNC Charlotte was a pivotal chapter in his life, offering not only an education but a platform for leadership. Through programs like the University Transitions Opportunities Program and the mentorship of key figures in the University’s leadership, including former chancellor Dr. Jim Woodward and Dr. Herman Thomas.
It was during his time at UNC Charlotte that Martin also met his future wife, Kia Martin ’98, with whom he shares a life dedicated to faith and service. Their shared values and commitment to social justice became the cornerstone of their relationship.
Now residing in Boston, Massachusetts, with their two children, their union enriched Martin’s life and played a crucial role in shaping his philanthropic commitment.
Demond and Kia Martin
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Belk College of Business, Martin embarked on a career path that would lead him to the White House, where he served as assistant to White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles. Post-White House, he pursued an MBA from Harvard Business School, laying the groundwork for a successful career in investment management.
Throughout his journey, Martin remained deeply connected to UNC Charlotte, where his philanthropic endeavors have left a lasting impact. Initiatives like the Martin Scholars Program reflect his commitment to nurturing academic excellence and fostering leadership among underrepresented youth. Martin envisions a future where succeeding generations of leaders confront societal challenges collaboratively, fostering a culture of collective action and progress.
Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Martin received the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumnus award in 2010 and the Distinguished Alumnus award in 2021. The Popp Martin Student Union, named after him and fellow student leader Karen Popp ’80 in 2016, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy on campus, symbolizing his impact on shaping the university’s vibrant community.
“The reason why I tell my story is for you. You need to know right now that where you start is not where you finish.”
Martin receiving an honorary Doctor of Public Service Degree in May 2023.
In May 2023, UNC Charlotte bestowed upon Martin the honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, the University’s highest accolade, affirming his profound influence and dedication to public service. Martin’s journey transcends personal achievements; it embodies a legacy of dedication, inspiration and enduring impact for generations to come. His steadfast commitment reflects a profound belief in shaping society’s collective destiny by empowering the next wave of Charlotte leaders.
Lasting Legacy
Beyond the realm of business, Martin is committed to societal well-being that extends to a broader landscape. Together with his wife Kia, they champion initiatives aimed at addressing systemic injustices and promoting equitable opportunities.Their philanthropic legacy extends to supporting The Embrace, the Boston memorial to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, as well as the Black Scholars Initiative program at Berklee College of Music. In health care, their contributions to the Tonia Taylor Fund for Health Equity at Dana Farber Cancer Institute showcase a dedication to addressing health disparities. He also serves as a board member on the Obama Foundation.
Demond Martin’s journey — from investment rock star to philanthropic entrepreneur — serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of purpose-driven endeavors. As WellWithAll takes center stage in the fight against health inequities, Martin’s unwavering commitment to positive social change resonates as a call to action. Together with his team, he stands poised to drive meaningful progress and create lasting impact in communities across the globe. Theirs is a legacy defined not by wealth or accolades but by the countless lives touched and transformed by their vision of a healthier, more equitable world.