Julian Darden, Owner of 621 and Citizens Bank Vice President of Commercial Lending
Julian Darden is a native of Lansing, Michigan and a graduate of Waverly High School. In 1993, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.
Julian began his career in the banking industry with National City Bank/First of America where he served as a Community Lending Officer until 1999. In a relatively short time, Julian’s business acumen had put him in the forefront of the banking industry. His strong work ethics and leadership skills not only allowed him to advance expeditiously, but also secured his position with Citizens Bank as the Vice President of Commercial Lending.
Realizing that his dream was not to simply generate and manage millions of dollars for someone else, Julian’s entrepreneurial instincts took over in 2003 when he started his own company MJJJ, Inc. Through this company, he and his wife Juel acquired the 621 Martini Bar & Restaurant. With the Darden’s at the helm, 621 has become one of Lansing’s premiere Martini bars and nightspots. The success of the bar can be attributed Julian’s vision of running a successful business: do everything with a positive and professional attitude and achieve high quality in everything that you do.
In addition to his responsibilities as banker and an entrepreneur, Julian has always found time to give back to his community. Through his membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he was the past president and selected as “Kappa Man of The Year”, he is active in various public service projects. He also volunteers at J.W. Sexton High School as the Head Assistant Coach for the Boy’s Varsity Basketball Team.
Julian is a trailblazer for young African American men in the business world. He has no boundaries, and he will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the business world.
Julian and Juel are the proud parents of daughter Jordyne and son Mason.
