RYAN WILSON

Ryan Wilson, the Co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot, is a respected entrepreneur and recognized thought leader. His transformative approach to building The Gathering Spot has made it a vibrant hub for collaboration, connections, and experiences. Ryan’s work as a community builder and his dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity have established him as a distinguished figure in business and community engagement.

 

At 24, Ryan and his business partner raised the initial capital to launch The Gathering Spot in Atlanta in 2016, which has since secured over $30 million in funding. The company quickly grew, becoming a home for creatives, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. More than a club, TGS is best understood as a movement, hosting culturally significant events, facilitating meaningful connections, and fostering groundbreaking ideas. Under Ryan’s strategic leadership, the brand expanded to four physical locations: The Gathering Spot Atlanta, Retreat by The Gathering Spot (Atlanta), Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, along with membership communities in New York City, Detroit, Charlotte, Houston, and Chicago.

 

In 2022, The Gathering Spot’s acquisition by a fintech company was recognized as one of the most influential deals of the year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. As a testament to their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, Ryan and his co-founder reacquired The Gathering Spot in late 2023, reaffirming their commitment to its mission and future.

 

The Gathering Spot has received national recognition, including being named one of Inc. Magazine’s 2025 Best Companies for Doing Social Good. Retreat by The Gathering Spot was also listed by Modern Luxury as one of the five best clubs in Atlanta.

 

Ryan’s accomplishments have been recognized extensively. He was named Small Business Person of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, listed among the 40 Under Forty honorees and 100 Most Powerful Leaders, and celebrated by Goldman Sachs as one of the Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs. He has been consistently recognized among Georgia’s 500 Most Powerful Leaders by Georgia Trend. The Mayor of Atlanta awarded him the Phoenix Award, the city’s highest honor, and in 2023, he was honored as the Philanthropic Leader of Tomorrow by the Association for Fundraising Professionals. He has also been named to The Root 100 and Ebony Power 100 as one of the country’s most influential African Americans.

 

Beyond his business accomplishments, Ryan is a dedicated advocate for economic empowerment and civic engagement. He served as a leader in the Economic Freedom Talks, a national initiative under Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, where he addressed 75,000 people on the importance of small business support and equity. He has also been a featured speaker for BET’s national voting program. In 2024, Ryan served as one of the co-chairs for Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ successful re-election campaign. His impact has also been recognized by Georgetown University, where he received the Marcia G. Cooke Award, honoring alumni who have made a significant impact within 15 years of graduation.

 

A sought-after speaker and moderator, Ryan has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., The New York Times, Black Enterprise, and Bloomberg Businessweek. He has delivered keynote presentations for Goldman Sachs, Delta, Google, Meta, Ford Motor Company, Nike, White & Case, Coca-Cola, and at top universities including the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth University, The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In 2025, Ryan was the subject of a published business school case study on influencer marketing in higher education, developed by Kennesaw State University and Ivey Business School, highlighting his innovative partnership with an MBA program to engage new audiences and increase enrollment.

 

A native of Atlanta, Ryan is deeply involved in civic and community organizations. He serves on the boards of The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Goodwill of North Georgia, The Woodruff Arts Center, The Carter Center, The Atlanta Business League, The Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce, The Fox Theater, and Usher’s New Look. He is also a member of the Atlanta Chapter of the 100 Black Men and the Atlanta Rotary Club. In 2025, Ryan was selected as a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2026.

 

Ryan graduated from Georgetown University and Georgetown University Law Center, where he serves on the Board of Regents. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and two children.