When you meet Corey Cleghorn—better known to many in Dallas as “Corey Clout”—you’ll likely see him in his signature Urban Specialists polo, black jeans, and Adidas sneakers. His look is simple but intentional. “I just want to keep the Urban Specialists logo in people’s faces,” he says. When he’s out of town, he swaps it for Stars, SMU, or Dallas Cowboys gear—always repping, always promoting. Cleghorn is on a constant mission: for his community, for his city, and for the culture. He’s become one of the most influential figures in Dallas’s music, entertainment, and community spaces.
Over the past 26 years, Cleghorn has been a driving force in shaping the city’s music and entertainment landscape. And for the last 16 years, he’s also built a reputation as a connector, brand strategist, and business mind. Through his company, World Clout Agency, he has helped brand, market, and elevate both for-profit and nonprofit organizations on a national scale.
When Corey is in town, you’ll likely catch him at either 1401 or 1409 Botham Jean Boulevard—headquarters for Urban Specialists and his event hub, Gold Standard Lounge. Both are located in the Southside on Lamar district, just one building apart. As the longest-tenured Urban Specialist outside of founder and CEO Antong Lucky, Cleghorn has played a critical role in evolving the organization from grassroots initiative to nationally recognized changemaker. Urban Specialists has recently made both national and local headlines for its Violence Interruption work in Dallas.
In an exclusive sit-down, Cleghorn shared what’s next: a major rebrand of his agency under the new name Gold Standard Brands Inc., a marketing platform and creative firm focused on elevating purpose-driven businesses and people. He’s also launching Mentoring Through Media, a platform that uses storytelling and career exposure to inspire youth.
From the streets to the boardroom, Corey “Clout” Cleghorn proves that purpose, branding, and mentorship aren’t separate paths—they’re all part of one unified mission. For entrepreneurs paying attention, his journey is a masterclass in what happens when passion meets purpose.
SD: Tell us about Gold Standard Brands.
CC: Gold Standard Brands is both a noun and a verb. The website will serve as a platform for consumer reviews and allow brands to connect with both consumers and influencers to grow awareness. On the “verb” side, our team will help build your brand through strategy and creative marketing—we’re still an agency at the core.
SD: What about “Clout”? The brand became a household name in Dallas.
CC: It’s funny—I’ll always be known as Clout. Some people even think that’s my last name! I’m not shutting down World Clout Agency; we’re just shifting our energy into launching Gold Standard Brands. It’s similar to when we transitioned from Clout Records to World Clout Agency. But this time, I don’t need to shut everything down for six months to build a new business model. I’ve already been running an agency; now we’re evolving into a platform too. We’ll also be collaborating with a lot of creatives, influencers, and talent on a range of projects for different clients.
SD: Speaking of Clout Records—you were one of the first in Dallas to land a major record label distribution deal. It looks like you’re stepping back into the music scene with Head Huncho Amir.
CC: I never really left the music business. I just shifted into doing more marketing and strategy for businesses when I transitioned from a label to an agency. I still operate as an agency, not a label. I’ve just become more visible now because we helped negotiate a record deal for Amir’s label, and I serve as a consultant. Amir is the boss—he owns his label, and he and his partners built an amazing team. He’s a humble star and a smart young businessman.
SD: With everything you and Antong do in the community—especially around violence prevention—is it tough to stay involved in the music industry?
CC: Not at all—especially with someone like Amir. Antong and I always loved the “New Dallas” movement and how it brought neighborhoods together. That’s true vision alignment. Amir has always shown love for the community—he gives his time and money back regularly. His star power actually helps us connect with the youth we work with at Urban Specialists.
SD: Tell us about Mentoring Through Media. Will you still be working with Urban Specialists?
CC: Absolutely. I’m an Urban Specialist for life. Bishop Omar and Antong Lucky are my best friends, and we all share the same vision. Antong and I will never let Bishop Omar’s legacy die. They are my “super mentors” and the reason I became one myself. Everything I do with Mentoring Through Media aligns with Urban Specialists.
We created Mentoring Through Media to highlight youth doing incredible work and to showcase career options that inspire young people to find their purpose. We host career panels that look like press conferences—fast-paced, informal Q&A sessions where youth ask professionals real questions. We also partner with mentors and organizations to share their stories and work with media networks to spotlight youth success and the people helping them achieve it.
SD: Any events or projects coming up? How can people connect with you?
CC: First off, I want to thank Southern Dallas Magazine for being a real staple in the community. I lived in Oak Cliff my whole life until just a few months ago, and this publication makes me proud. James is a great person—a true media mogul who always gives back and shares his wisdom. I hope we get to do a lot of events together.
We’re always working with Urban Specialists, so follow us on social media and at www.urbanspecialists.org. The full Gold Standard Brands website launches July 1st, but the demo page is live now.
I’m also excited to announce that we’re bringing back Music Industry Nights in Dallas—every first Thursday of the month. We’ll kick things off with a business mixer from 6–9 PM in partnership with the DFW Network Chamber, followed by Bizertainment, the ultimate music business and entertainment mixer from 9 PM to midnight at Gold Standard Lounge.
And yes—Gold Standard Lounge is available for event rentals, meetings, celebrations, you name it. You can always follow me on Instagram @cloutworld or find me on Facebook under Corey Cleghorn to stay updated on everything I’m involved in.
