Bryce A. Fisher

Managing Partner

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Bryce Fisher is a Co-founder and Partner of The Black Phoenix Group (“Black Phoenix” or the “Firm”). Prior to co-founding the Firm, Bryce was a principal and managing director at KPS Capital Partners, LP, a private equity firm with over $21.6 billion in assets under management. 

Before joining KPS, Bryce was a managing director in the industrial investment banking group of Bank of America (“BofA”). During the past 15 years, Bryce has led several highly complex corporate transactions across a multitude of industries. He is an expert in the manufacturing, distribution, and transportation sectors. 

Bryce is an unabashed believer in the power of economic opportunity in America. He formed Black Phoenix to translate his passion into extending those blessings to all communities, especially those that have been marginalized historically. Bryce is adamant in his conviction that growing profitable businesses in low- and moderate-income communities is a force multiplier for community rejuvenation. 

Prior to business school, Bryce was an NFL football player with the Buffalo Bills, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and Tennessee Titans. Bryce played over 100 games (starting over 50). Bryce played in Superbowl XL where the Seattle Seahawks lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game that will live in infamy. Concurrent with Bryce’s NFL career, he served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air National Guard. Bryce serves on the Chicago Urban League and Cancer Pathways board, a Seattle-based cancer support network. He resides in the Chicagoland area with his wife, children, and dog Gotham.

Bryce received his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth and his BS from the U.S. Air Force Academy. 

Mark A. Pickett

Operating Partner

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Mark Pickett, a Co-founder and Partner at The Black Phoenix Group (“Black Phoenix” or the “Firm”), brings a wealth of experience from his roles in global companies such as MSC Industrial, Emaar, Staples, Sears, BP, JP Morgan Chase, and KPMG. Known for his prowess in digital enablement and growth strategies, Mark’s work across Nigeria, Brazil, Canada, the UAE, Australia, and New Zealand has given him a unique global market insight.

Mark's passion for driving profitable growth and innovation led him to co-found The Black Phoenix Group. The firm embodies Mark's long-held vision for durable growth and operational excellence.

Mark’s professional journey began in the infantry officer in the US Marine Corps as a Captain and combat veteran (Somalia), where he developed resilience and leadership. He further showcased his entrepreneurial spirit as the founder of Nail Your Mortgage, successfully exiting to JP Morgan Chase. Mark served as a Subject Matter Expert for the Dodd-Frank Act, reflecting his deep understanding of financial regulations and policy-making.

Dedicated to community service, Mark has been a volunteer firefighter. He has steered strategic initiatives at the Taproot Foundation, guided startups at Women Innovate Mobile, and served on advisory boards for the Smithsonian Institution, Bookwallah Organization, and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. His mentorship at the Founder Institute underscores his commitment to nurturing business talent.

Mark and his wife of 23 years, Angela, reside in the Chicagoland area.  They have three children: Lauren, a junior at The Ohio State University; Josh, an incoming freshman at the University of Denver; and Isabella, aged 12. Their family life is enriched by their two dogs, Nala and Nova.

Mark's academic background includes a BA from the College of Wooster, a Master's from George Washington University, and advanced studies in computer science and finance & operations management from the University of Chicago and DePaul University, respectively.