2021 COMMUNITY HERO
Businessman Cory Crawford is the owner of Burns Original BBQ and co-founder of the lifestyle brand, BossLife World. His strategic mind matched with his passion for business and the community have allowed Cory to be highly successful in multiple endeavors.
Hailing from the historic Fifth Ward neighborhood in Houston, Texas, Cory always had a desire to be successful and he knew early on that he wanted to be a business owner. Growing up he worked at his family’s business, Burns Original BBQ located in the Acres Homes area on the Northwest side of town. After finishing at Northside High School, he became the first person in his family to graduate from college, earning his business degree from Sam Houston State University in 2004. Once he returned to Houston after college, Cory revived his grandfather’s business and became the owner of Burns BBQ. The hard work of Cory and his family have transformed the restaurant into a well-known establishment with an international presence thanks to segments on the Food Network and Travel Channel, with the late Anthony Bourdain.
Along with running Burns BBQ, Cory is one of four co-founders of the BossLife World brand. While still in college, he met rapper Slim Thug and his BossLife team through mutual friends. The group forged a bond over their business savvy, and they shared common goals of wanting to empower their community. The members went on to create BossLife World, an entity that comprises BossLife Construction, a nonprofit organization called the BossLife Foundation, a clothing line, and a line of craft beer. Today, BossLife World has created jobs and provided scholarships and training to high school students. The group has also built and remodeled 11 affordable homes for families in Acres Homes dealing with hardships, and they continue to be a proud pillar of economic development to the city of Houston. They have successfully hosted a scholarship gala for six years, named the BossLife Ball, which has featured Tillman Fertitta, Lisa Raye, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Floyd Mayweather, and other notable public figures. The organization also builds and remodels homes for families facing adversity, and in September 2018 they gave away a home to a family affected by Hurricane Harvey. Additionally, the members host an annual toy drive for the community. In his day-to-day role, Cory is responsible for developing ideas and visuals that effectively communicate the company’s message of ownership and being your own boss.
Looking to the future, Cory is steadfast about accomplishing his goals, both personally and professionally, while continuing to uplift those around him. As a dedicated husband and father of two boys, his mission is to create a legacy that empowers his family for generations to come. After retiring from his businesses at the age of 45, Cory plans to create his own bank where he can implement tools for financial literacy within his community.
Cory Crawford
Owner of Burns Original BBQ
8307 De Priest St.
Houston, TX 77088
www.burnsoriginalbbq.com
corycrawford22@yahoo.com
