Chris Wilson, an Entrepreneurship Fellow in the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business, was named a 2016 Influential Marylander by the Daily Record in the newspaper’s “Freestyle” category. A resident of Baltimore City, Wilson is the owner and founder of the Barclay Investment Corporation, a multi-service social enterprise specializing in residential and commercial contracting work. He transferred to UB after earning his associates degree from Anne Arundel Community College.

“I’m humbled to be considered an Influential Marylander,” Wilson said. “My motivation stems from helping underemployed men and women in Baltimore find ways to better their lives through full employment. I’m just getting started and proud to be part of Baltimore’s comeback story.”

Each year, the Daily Record’s editors evaluate Marylanders in categories of civic leadership, communications, finance, education, healthcare, law, philanthropy, real estate, technology and general business. The “Freestyle” category included influential Marylanders who do not fit neatly into other categories. Special consideration is given for nominees in terms of their influence, prominence, contributions to industry, stature within industry and community involvement.

In 2014, Wilson was a winner in the Merrick School’s inaugural Attman Competitive Business Prize. Wilson cited his Barclay company (one of three companies he was running at the time of the competition) to the competition’s judges, who pointed to its mission and philosophy in awarding Wilson a top prize of $2,500 in cash and $8,500 in donated professional services, amenities and labor. Barclay interacts with local workforce professionals and social service providers to connect unemployed Baltimore City residents with commercial and residential clients who are in need of a range of building services.

Wilson, who also owns and operates House of DaVinci, a high-end furniture restoration firm, is working on a book titled “The Master Plan” portraying his life’s journey. The book will be published by Putnam Publishing.

Visit Wilson's website.