Turning Data into the Art of Business Growth| Germar Reed

Your work sits at the intersection of data, strategy, and impact. For a creative audience that may not live in spreadsheets, how would you describe what you do—and why it matters? 
What I do is an art in itself a process of transforming raw data into something that tells a story, that empowers action. At District Analyst, we don’t just analyze numbers, we help businesses see the unseen. For creatives, whether in the arts, entertainment, or other fields, this process is not about spreadsheets it’s about understanding patterns, opportunities, and hidden potential. Imagine it like preparing for a performance. Just as an artist practices relentlessly to perfect their craft, businesses must use data to refine their approach, ensuring that each step they take is purposeful, aligned, and primed for success. Data, when understood and applied thoughtfully, can be the brushstroke that elevates a vision from concept to reality. It gives organizations the clarity to not only meet their goals but to transcend them, thriving in an ever-changing world.

District Analyst is your brainchild. What inspired you to build a consultancy rooted in helping founders and small businesses make smarter, data-driven moves—especially in communities that often get overlooked?
District Analyst was born from a vision to bridge the gap between data and the entrepreneurs who need it most. Founders, especially those from underrepresented communities, often lack access to structured, actionable data that can guide their decisions. I saw firsthand how many brilliant minds struggled to translate data into meaningful strategy. My purpose with District Analyst was clear: to create a space where data becomes a trusted resource, an ally, in the pursuit of growth. It's not just about reflecting on the past; it’s about using data to shape a brighter future. We empower these businesses to improve operations, engage customers more deeply, and make smarter choices that don’t just survive but thrive.

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You’re a man of numbers, but you’re also a father who’s poured into your daughters’ artistic journeys. How has raising young artists shaped your perspective as a business leader?
Raising my daughters, particularly my 7-year-old, a student at the Jones-Haywood Dance Academy in Washington, D.C. has profoundly shaped my approach to leadership. The Academy, a pillar for Black dancers, instills not only discipline and hard work but also a deep sense of purpose and resilience. These are the same qualities that I value in business leadership. Just as my daughter hones her skills through practice, precision, and resilience, businesses, too, must cultivate the discipline to refine their strategies, push past challenges, and ultimately achieve excellence. In both the dance studio and the boardroom, there is a harmony between creativity and discipline. This balance is vital, it ensures that as we innovate and explore new possibilities, we remain grounded in our ultimate goals. 

There’s often a perceived divide between the arts and analytics. Do you see creative thinking as essential to problem-solving in your line of work?
Without a doubt. Creative thinking is the lifeblood of the work we do at District Analyst. Data analytics might seem cold and technical at first glance, but it’s the creativity behind the numbers that unlocks true innovation. We don’t just analyze data, we interpret it, translate it into actionable insights, and use it to drive change. Whether we’re optimizing operations, predicting market shifts, or uncovering hidden opportunities, creative thinking allows us to approach problems from fresh angles. Just as an artist sees beyond the blank canvas to imagine something new, we, too, must see beyond the surface of the data to uncover its deeper meaning, its potential to drive progress.

Your daughters are finding their voices through the arts. In what ways do you support that, and how has it deepened your appreciation for creative expression?
Supporting my daughters in their artistic journeys, particularly at the Jones-Haywood Dance Academy, has shown me the transformative power of the arts. It’s not just about perfecting technique, it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. What impresses me most is the Academy’s emphasis on discipline and consistency. These values, paired with the freedom to express oneself, are not only key to mastering an art form but to excelling in any field, including business. Watching my daughters grow in their artistic expressions has reinforced my belief that creative freedom fosters growth, and that true success is born from the union of passion, dedication, and discipline. These lessons transcend the dance floor, they shape how we approach every aspect of life.

Legacy is clearly important to you—not just professionally, but personally. How are you intentionally building legacy for your family, and for your community?
Legacy, to me, is not just something we leave behind, it’s something we actively build, day by day. Personally, I focus on passing down the values of discipline, creativity, and resilience to my daughters. Through their artistic journeys, I want them to understand that their dedication to their craft will open doors and build opportunities, both in the arts and beyond. Professionally, through District Analyst, I aim to leave a legacy of empowerment, helping businesses, particularly those in underserved communities, understand the true value of data. By providing them with the tools to make smarter, more sustainable decisions, I’m creating a foundation for future growth and success, one that will benefit not only the businesses themselves but the communities they touch.

You’ve worked in high-stakes corporate spaces and now lead your own venture. What have those two worlds taught you about innovation, ownership, and sustainability?
The corporate world taught me the importance of structure, scalability, and managing complexity. But leading my own venture has shown me the true power of ownership. It’s not just about being in charge, it’s about being responsible for the direction you take, the values you uphold, and the impact you create. In business, innovation isn’t merely about disruption, it’s about making thoughtful, strategic decisions that create lasting value. Ownership allows for innovation to flourish because it fosters a deep sense of responsibility and accountability. And sustainability? It’s not just about profit, it’s about ensuring that the work we do creates a positive, lasting impact that outlives the business itself.

At Urban Arts, we’re always asking how creativity shows up in unexpected places. Where does creativity live in your world of business intelligence?
Creativity is the thread that weaves through everything we do at District Analyst. Business intelligence isn’t just about interpreting data, it’s about telling a story. By applying creative thinking, we uncover insights that transform data into actionable strategies. We find new ways to optimize operations, predict trends, and unlock untapped opportunities. Just as an artist finds new meaning in a blank canvas, we find new possibilities in the numbers. Creativity allows us to reimagine what’s possible, turning raw data into a powerful narrative that drives progress.

Many Black entrepreneurs are creating brilliance with limited resources. What advice do you have for creatives or founders trying to scale their vision without compromising their values?
I would advise them to see data as a valuable asset, something that can provide clarity and direction, even with limited resources. Focus on what you already have and use it strategically. Build strong relationships, form alliances, and leverage community partnerships to expand your reach. Don’t be afraid to take risks, but ensure that your values remain the guiding force behind every decision. The data will help you refine your path, but it’s your vision, grounded in your core values, that will carry you forward.

As someone committed to both economic mobility and cultural awareness, how do you see data, business, and the arts working together to shape a more equitable future?
Data, business, and the arts each play a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable future. Data provides the insights that drive smarter, more inclusive decision-making, while business turns these insights into action, creating opportunities for growth. The arts, with their ability to reflect and shape culture, offer the emotional intelligence and cultural awareness that ground these decisions in the realities of people’s lives. By weaving these elements together data’s objectivity, business’s strategy, and the arts’ cultural relevance we can create solutions that not only drive economic mobility but also foster a more inclusive, equitable world.

What does success look like for you now—as an entrepreneur, a father, and a man building something bigger than himself?
Success for me is about making a lasting impact, both personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur, success is about building a consultancy that empowers businesses to leverage data as a strategic asset, enabling them to grow sustainably. As a father, success is about instilling in my daughters the values of discipline, creativity, and resilience, ensuring they grow into strong, capable individuals. Ultimately, success is about building something bigger than myself a legacy of empowerment, creativity, and positive change that will continue to impact the world long after I’m gone.