Picán, the product of a creative entrepreneur’s vision.
Michael LeBlanc possesses a creative, entrepreneurial spirit that has guided him through prosperous business ventures throughout his life.
Michael’s latest endeavor, “Picán,” captures his vision of sharing the African-American, Southern cultural experience through food, beverage, art and music — the tastes, scents, sights, sounds, textures of the South — a dream this New Orleans native has carried with him for decades.
Michael was among the first African-Americans to graduate from Duke University, earned an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and went on to become the first African-American corporate officer at Polaroid. His remarkable 26-year career with Polaroid allowed him to travel the globe. He lived in Hong Kong for four years while running Polaroid’s Asian operations and left as the highest-ranking African-American in the company’s history. As president of Polaroid Asia Pacific, a territory encompassing 12 countries, Michael worked closely with Polaroid’s American and European divisions and was instrumental in achieving Polaroid’s tremendous financial growth of the mid-90’s.
Eager to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, Michael then co-founded Brothers Brewing Company in Oakland, California, producing critically acclaimed beers as the first African-American brewing company in the country.
Picán is not only Michael’s latest business venture but a labor of love that brings together a lifetime of business acumen and the genuine passion to share with Bay Area diners the warmth, creativity and distinct cultural milieu that has shaped, sustained and inspired him throughout his remarkable life.