Drake Phifer brings an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep understanding of community to his work as a Small Business Consultant at Oakland Thrive. He works directly with entrepreneurs to help them develop strategies for growth. He helps owners navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and turn their goals into actionable next steps, connecting them with specialized resources when needed.
His career has taken him through Detroit’s cultural and community institutions, including the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, where he served as Director of Operations, and the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, where he served as Innovation and Outreach Officer. Across those roles, he built experience in organizational leadership, community engagement, and bringing people and resources together.
At Oakland Thrive, Drake also created and leads Fish Tank, a connection-focused informational exchange where entrepreneurs share ideas, learn from one another, and build relationships that can help their businesses grow.
In his spare time, Drake enjoys DJing, producing concerts, collecting art, and traveling.
(248)466-4551
phiferd@oaklandthrive.org