We are thrilled to welcome AJ Klenk as the newest member and Vice-Chair of the Mission 34 Board of Directors!

AJ is a wonderful human with a passion toward mental health and a life-purposed focused on giving back. AJ is the Founder of Catalyst Capital Partners, a multifamily development and investment company with $1B+ in active projects. AJ is also the Founder of Built on Hospitality, a NC-based Hospitality business with a focus on creative food and beverage concepts in the full-service and hotel management space throughout the Southeast, including the popular Goodyear House restaurant in NoDa. Prior to Catalyst, AJ built and exited Capstone Companies, what became the largest privately owned multifamily brokerage in the country. AJ is also on the Global Board for BuildOn, a nonprofit empowering young though service and building schools in underserved communities worldwide.

AJ brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a deep commitment to advancing mental health awareness and suicide prevention. As Mission 34 continues to grow, our Board plays a vital role in guiding strategy, building connections, and ensuring we reach even more young people with our message of hope. We are grateful to have AJ  the Mission 34 Family and we are already feeling the positive impact that his leadership brings.

Q: What brought you to Mission 34 and what inspired you to join the Mission 34 Board? A: I was inspired by the mission and passion behind Mission 34 — the way some things, like Mission 34, are  born from loss, yet use that experience as a catalyst to change lives for the better says a tremendous amount about the group’s history, leadership, core values and bright future!  Mental health is something that affects every family in some way, including my own, and I feel fortunate  to be part of an organization that is tackling that challenge head-on.

Q: What do you hope to contribute or see accomplished during your time on the Board? A: I intend to  help Mission 34 expand its reach, enabling more young people to better understand how they are not alone. Whether that’s through building connections, opening doors for partnerships, or supporting strategic growth, I want to play a role in ensuring this mission is sustainable for years to come.‍  It is an honor and a duty to give back and so I remain humbly open to any new assignments that come my way!

Fun Facts!

Hometown? I grew up in a small country town in southern Michigan, graduated from the University of Michigan and moved to Charlotte immediately after. I will always consider Michigan home, but having now lived in Charlotte nearly 20 years, this seems to be the ‘new home’!

Family Life? My wife Caitlin and I have two boys, Harrison (9) and Jackson (6). I met my wife Caitlin while we were both working and serving patients at the in-patient unit of Charlotte’s only locked-door Psychiatric Facility on Billingsly road. Caitlin was preparing for her Master of Social Work at UNC-Chapel Hill and I was helping others while paying the bills during the start-up phase of my businesses. My boys are growing into thriving, resilient, fun-loving leaders in their own lives and we all live on 20 acres in Mint Hill, along with my parents who live in a separate home on the property.

Favorite Charlotte Restaurant?‍ I had a vision to create a casual, unpretentious neighborhood meeting place in NoDa where all felt welcome and so I conceived of, developed and own The Goodyear House. I would still consider GYH my favorite in Charlotte!

Favorite Sport? Anything Michigan sports related. U of M football, basketball, and the Detroit Lions are a few of my favorite teams! I also enjoy coaching my kids sports teams whenever I have had the opportunity.

Favorite Cuisine? Anything my wife, Caitlin, makes! She is a phenomenal cook and I’m blessed to have her with me and in the kitchen! She makes some incredible healthy meals that help keep me on the right track!

What’s a book you recommend to everyone? The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz is a motivational guide that teaches how to build confidence, set ambitious goals, and achieve success by cultivating a mindset of expansive, positive thinking.

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