Phil Cooley: 'Vice' Dubs Detroiter One Of Their Most Interesting Men In America In 'Jefes' Series (VIDEO)

WATCH: Is Phil Cooley One Of The 'Most Interesting Men In America'?

What with his involvement in Slow's Bar B Q, Ponyride and the Roosevelt Park Conservancy, it's easy to see why Phil Cooley is a bit of a hometown hero in Detroit. But does a barbecue restuarant and some community projects make him one of the most interesting men in America?

The folks over at VICE certainly seems to think so, interviewing him for the first installment of their video series "Jefes," about men that are "the toppest of top dogs, the headest of honchos, the bosses of bosses." The culture site has delved into Detroit before, skewering journalists' take on the city in a frequently cited article from 2009, "Something, Something, Something, Detroit."

While the newest video skims the surface of Cooley's story and doesn't stray far from the same oft-hyped Corktown spots, it does have some charming tidbits for locals, including Cooley's answer to why he quit modeling:

"There was very little substance to that career ... I wanted to make a difference and to not be a clothing hanger anymore," he said. "So I decided to come back to Detroit."

Cooley also explained the reason behind his involvement in Corktown:

"We always felt that in order to have a healthy, long-term sustainable buisness we need a healthy community surrounding us," he said. "So I was able to then use the monies we made from Slows ... to hopefully help others in the community. We started working in public spaces, helping other small businesses get open, just because I could."

Watch the video above to see VICE's take on the Detroit revitalization story, get some hints about the secretive pop-up dinner fundraiser Clandestine, and hear what Cooley is up to next. One thing we know for certain: he'll be continuing the conversation in New York at the above-ground High Line park, talking at a Detroit-themed event about revived public spaces.

Individuals and organizations making a difference in Detroit:

Student Mentor Partners

Detroit Impact 2011

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