January 2015 YBE Magazine

MAGAZINE Quarterly

NobleSol.Net

January 2015

YBE

Young Black Entrepreneur

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Brandon C. Banks Tim Birt Cassius F. Butts Dr. Kevin Dancy Jonathan Dudley Mr. Manny Fitness Dethra U. Giles James B Kynes Jr. Nakia Sanford Ptahchi Tamen Chavala Wilkerson

Johnny Clarkson

Rushia Brown

OKEEBA JUBALO

NEW YEAR, NEW START Behind The Velvet Ropes Finding Your Personal Barber The Amazing Balancing Act My Daddy The Entrepreneur

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The Cost of Culture BLACK...Is Your Brand The Men of Morehouse Unlocking The Power of The SBA

YBE

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”— Nelson Mandela

YBE

Yo u n g Bl a c k E n t re p re n e u r M a ga z i n e

January 2015

Quarterly

A No b le S o l Ar t G r o u p p u b l i c a t i o n .

January 2015 ISSUE 2 For advertising rates: Info@NobleSol.Net Publisher & Founder OKEEBA JUBALO Advertising Director Johnny Clarkson Director of Public Relations Rushia Brown Marketing Advisor Antonio Owens Creative Direction & Graphic Design NobleSol Art Group Contributing Writers OKEEBA JUBALO Kat Brown Noble Brown Rushia Brown Sol Brown Johnny Clarkson Tisha DeShields Dethra U. Giles Jon Goode James B Kynes Copy Editors Kat Brown Marcus Brown NobleSol Art Group P.O. Box 667 Decatur, GA 30031-0667 NobleSol.Net C o p y ri g h t

C

2 0 1 5 b y Noble S ol Art G roup. All rig ht s re se rve d

$$ BLACK...Is your brand.

OKEEBA JUBALO

Pg 6

$ Mr. Manny Fitness

Pg 10

$$ The Amazing Balancing Act Rushia Brown

Pg 13

$$ Artists We Love

Pg 20

$$ The Cost of Culture Dethra U. Giles

Pg 23

$$ Finding Your Personal Barber James B Kynes

Pg 24

$ Nakia Sanford

Pg 26

$$ You Are Not In Business Until You Are A Business OKEEBA JUBALO

Pg 29

$$ The Publisher’s Pick

Pg 30

$$ Unlocking The Power of The SBA Cassius F. Butts

Pg 36

$$ My Daddy The Entrepreneur Sol & Noble Brown

Pg 38

$ Chavala Wilkerson

Pg 40

$$ 3 Steps To Your 6 Pack Johnny Clarkson

Pg 42

$$ Behind The Velvet Ropes Johnny Clarkson

Pg 44

$$ Mobile Mogul

Pg 46

$ Dethra U. Giles

Pg 50

$ Ptahchi Tamen

Pg 54

$ Tim Birt

Pg 57

$ Jonathan Dudley

Pg 59

$ Brandon C. Banks

Pg 62

$ Dr. W. Kevin Dancy DDS, MS

Young Black Entrepreneur MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

$: Interview

01.2015

$$: Article/Contribution

YBE/

Pg 5

BLACK...Is your brand.

Publisher’s Letter This is our second issue, and during the process of securing interviews I met some incredible YBEs. There was a mixed bag of knowledge provided, and I am truly thankful for everyone’s contributions. However, there are two sides to every coin. Among the helpful and insightful YBE was the total and complete opposite.

I wouldn’t call them a new breed of YBE because honestly this type of YBE has always existed amongst us. This YBE does not wish to be seen as the archetype black entrepreneur. This breed of entrepreneur strives solely for the approval of their white peers.

It is noble and understandable for this breed of YBE to strive for the transcendence of his or her color so they can be seen only as a businessperson. However, this is also very delusional. You would have been disgusted if you could have seen their faces or heard their remarks about being interviewed for a magazine dedicated to the young, black entrepreneur. I’ve been around the block a few times, so I wasn’t totally surprised. I just found it funny that this breed of YBE is still alive and well.

It is important to understand that regardless of what you do, you will always be seen as a black man or black woman first. Money will not free you from being black in America.

Money will create a certain buffer from some of the harsh realities that we face as blacks, but it will not free you.

Some of you will say, “Look at Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and so on; their brands are bigger than color!” I hate to burst your bubble, but they are still black first and their brand second. Just look at any of the iconic black stars that fell from America’s grace. O.J Simpson, Darryl Strawberry, Marion Jones, Mike Vick, Tiger Woods, and most recently Bill Cosby; those people were reminded that they are black as soon as they got caught on the wrong side of the fence.

America will swiftly punish or kill the career of a white-friendly black brand as soon as something happens. Martha Stewart, Robert Downey Jr., Charlie Sheen, Paula Dean, and Nicolas Cage all have a bigger buffer from public scrutiny. They are white first and their brand second.

This delusional breed of young, black entrepreneur should realize that there is a great deal of pride in having brilliant talent witnessed by the world. There is no running from the fact that this young, black entrepreneur is black. It is still a black-owned business if he or she is the only black person in their company.

I am not apologetic for being a black man who started a magazine for black people. This magazine is a tool that will be used to showcase our brightest stars and help provide guidance for those who will be our next stars. I salute those of you who do see the value in what we are doing. Now let’s get back to work.

OKEEBA JUBALO Young Black Entrepreneur Magazine Publisher and Founding Editor OKEEBAJUBALO.com

YBE

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE/ Page 5

MR. MANNY FITNESS

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE/ Page 6

mrmannyfitness.com

Who are you?

My name is Manuel Clemente also known as Mr. Manny Fitness. I’m originally from New York City where I currently reside. I am a celebrity personal trainer with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Virginia Tech. I’ve been training for 6 years, and my client roster includes A-list actors, pro athletes, and entertainers. I own my own active wear clothing line called MF Apparel. I also create and sell custom healthy meal plans with the recipes included in my MF Foodies division. My app, Cayenne (Cayenne Health & Exercise) launches January 21st . This app will make monthly custom meals for a one-time fee of $0.99. This makes it the most affordable meal plan in the world. I am currently writing a novel about my life that will be finished in April.

What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?

I am in the fitness industry, and being a personal trainer was a natural fit. I grew up playing basketball, and later transitioned to a college football. I’ve always worked out, but at one point I stopped working out. My weight reached over 300 lbs. It was then I began to lead others to lose the weight with me. I lost 70 lbs. and my friends lost weight as well. The feeling of helping others change their lives and reach their goals was addicting. I’ve been training ever since.

Fitness How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?

To start my personal training business all I needed was $500 for the national training certification, $150 for personal trainer’s insurance, and $80 for the CPR certification. I paid for all of this by training people in the park. I started my clothing line with $3,000 that I made from training.

Starting my meal plan division didn’t cost me anything other than time and commitment. I started Cayenne Fitness with $60,000 I made from personal training, my clothing line, and MF Foodies meal plans. I grinded until I had enough for each step of the way so I wouldn’t owe anybody money.

How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?

My revenue continues to grow rapidly because of product quality. I create fun and innovative exercises as well as custom workout programs that are designed specifically for the individual. These workout programs result in a higher percentage of success because people feel special and understand that we are a team. If they succeed then we succeed.

In my other businesses I used the profits for marketing and other advancements of the company before I used a single dollar for personal use. I hired a CFO, an assistant, and certified nutritionists to help plan and execute my vision for the company.

Many businesses fail because people don’t want to lose money by hiring help. They would rather do everything themselves and spend money on frivolous things that have zero benefit for the company. Having the ability to put more money into a profitable, growing business gives me the advantage of implementing new ideas that help my company stay ahead of the competition.

What excites you about black business?

Black businesses are normally the underdog, which I don’t mind. I love the grind and beating the odds. It makes our success feel that much sweeter.

“Don’t help me, help the bear… if you see me fighting a bear, pour honey on me”. You better have that mentality when starting a black business.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 7

What is your biggest disappointment with black business?

We don’t support one another. Every other race supports one another except for us. We have the largest spending power, but we choose to spend money with everyone else but ourselves. The day we collectively support our own businesses will be the day a lot of things change for us in this country. More banks will be eager to lend money to start black businesses, which means more job opportunities in our own communities. Of course there would be more advancement from a political standpoint, but that’s an entirely different conversation.

Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?

My greatest learning experience has been failure. Each time I fail it makes me more determined to succeed.

Each failure is never a loss.

It is a lesson. The strong keep going in different directions until they find a solution. The weak give up.

Quitting is never an option.

I was incarcerated in federal prison for selling drugs and vowed I would be a success when I got out in 2006. In addition to being successful I also wanted to be a positive influence for others.

I wanted to show them that it’s never too late to turn your life around and eventually chase your dreams.

My biggest teacher these days is a friend of mine, Michael Strahan. I watch his progress and became motivated. The man is relentless and doesn’t take “No” for an answer. All his life people have said what he couldn’t do, and he keeps proving them wrong. I was getting a haircut one day when the entire barbershop said Michael wouldn’t be any good on daytime television. Now when I get my haircut the man is on every TV in the shop.

People’s actions teach me.

Anyone can talk about it, but few can do it.

YBE

Fitness

In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.

Expect greatness.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 8

Do you have the cash to build the Classic Car or Truck of your dreams, but you don’t have the time to manage the building process?

You handle the cash and we will handle the building process...it’s just that easy.

For more info email us at info@noblesol.net www.NobleSol.net

THE AMAZING BALANCIN G ACT Rushia Brown

rushiabrown.com Women have moved out of the shadows and into the forefront of the business world, and it appears there is no sign of slowing down. Over the last 17 years, women-owned businesses have increased dramatically. According to the State-Owned Business Report, commissioned by American Express, the rate of increase is a staggering 68% since 1997, with more than 9.1 million women-owned businesses operating in 2014, up from 8.6 million in 2013. This surging-growth, which has doubled in three years, has helped to generate nearly $1.5 trillion in revenues for women-owned businesses.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 10

“The report clearly shows that women are choosing the path of entrepreneurship at record rates,� said Randi Schochet, vice president of brand strategy at American Express, in a statement. 2015 promises to be an epic year based on recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

With all of this being said, the ability to balance duties as an entrepreneur, mother, wife, and whatever other titles that you may hold, is extremely challenging. Personal experience has shown me that there are often feelings of guilt and stress associated with dividing attention between work and family.

It is essential to adopt a mindset in which one understands how to be efficient, come to terms with choices, and be able to focus on priorities that are in the moment. Knowing that your role in the business world will directly benefit your family, build a strong work ethic in your children, afford opportunities for exposure and education, and allow you to leave a legacy that will live on long after you have left this earth needs to be your primary concern.

The key to attaining this ever-elusive balance, if it even exists, is knowing how to keep all the balls in the air and

taking advantage of every spare hand available. Start by using these tips: •Take Advantage of your Support Circle: Understand that it takes a village to raise a child.

Give your village a chance!

•Get and Stay Organized: Your work time is precious, so make sure all files (email and hard copy) and supplies are available and in your immediate reach.

•Have a Plan: Whether you use a paper organizer or a digital planner, make sure to have work and personal appointments on the same calendar, so you don’t overbook or double up.

•Understand “MOMpreneur” Hours: You don’t have traditional hours, so take advantage of time before the family wakes up, during naps, and even the wee hours of the night. Scheduling of appointments should be during the traditional work hours.

•Get a Jump Start: There are some things that you do EVERY DAY, so take a few minutes the night before to ensure your morning can run more smoothly: set out clothes, prepare lunches, clear your desk, set up the coffeepot before you turn in at night.

•Suzy Homemaker Who?: Let go of the need to ALWAYS bake brownies for their class and hand make costumes for the school play. Prioritize and the kids will appreciate your support at any level.

•Quality Time: Understand that there is a time and a place for multi-tasking. There is nothing worse than having your partner/child feel as if you aren’t paying attention because your eyes are glued to you smart phone.

•TAKE CARE OF YOU: Though this is the last key, this is the most important! Your schedule will be so busy that you will find it hard to squeeze in time for yourself. A Workout! A Bubble Bath! PRIORITIZE IT! You have to take care of yourself in order to take care of your family, your business and your home.

The hardest part to accept is that you can’t be EVERYTHING to EVERYONE all the time. There will be days when juggling will be difficult and one of the balls will drop…it’s to be expected.

The key is to not drop the same ball repeatedly. At the end of the day, however, you have to acknowledge all that you've accomplished. The fact that you did it and will do it again tomorrow means that you're on the right track.

“What other Mom-preneurs say.”

Acceptance: The most important thing I learned, and it was a HARD lesson, was acceptance.

Most entrepreneurs are just a smidge crazy. We are crazy enough to believe that we can control our own destiny through hard work, perseverance, planning, strategy, and all those fancy words they teach us in business school; we like and value control.

I had to accept that they do not care that the world sees me as the CEO of a company, they see their mom and I had to accept that, despite what the world tells me I should want, I love being their mom more than anything.

YBE Dethra U. Giles Your Faith / Divine Connection: CEO I know that if it wasn't for God, ExecuPrep I’m pretty sure I would have 2 children been curled up in a corner ready to be admitted to a crazy house.

LOL! It's truly through God's mercy and guidance that I’m able to balance my 'ORGANIZED CHAOS'!

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 11 Tisha DeShields CEO/Founder Original Belly Works 4 Children by Birth but 'mother to many'.

COMING SOON!

NOBLESOL.NET

OKEEBAJUBALO.COM

YBE

CULTURE

ARTISTS WE LOVE

We all have a favorite art form whether it be poems, paintings, photos, music or dance. The list goes on. Art comes in many uniquely distinguishable mediums, yet the artist is rarely recognized for who he or she truly is. Artists are entrepreneurs, and God forbid the artist be a black entrepreneur.

So much beauty created by our black artists surrounds our lives, but the jaded values placed on art creates a terrible existence marred by poverty for many artistic geniuses. Have you ever stopped to think that in reality these artists are business owners selling their souls to the public? Imagine waking up in a world where rent money, prescriptions, haircuts, and your child’s expenses are dependent on monetizing the expression of your most intimate thoughts and feelings.

Black Artists may be the most underrated, underappreciated, and underexposed group of entrepreneurs on the planet. We do not accept a black artist as a professional artist until he or she is rich and famous. How does an artist become rich without your support? Does anything short of gracing the covers of a highly regarded magazine or a billboard mean they are not true artists? If that is truly the case then let’s start there. The artists displayed in each issue of YBE are true entrepreneurs and artistically gifted beyond belief. We ask you to do more than just support by looking or listening to their art. True support for an artist means to purchase their work at the full price.

Anything short of that is not support. That said, how much do you really love the arts?

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 13

YBE M A U R I C E E VA N S FINE ARTIST MAURICEVANS.COM

YBE GRACE KISA VISUAL ARTIST GRACEKISA.COM

JON GOODE WRITER Jongoode.webs.com

Room With A View

by Jon Goode

But life will take turns you’d have never presumed.

YBE

As a boy, at the end of every summer his mother Would to take him from one store to another a week or so Before school resumed .

She’d buy him shoes a half a foot larger than they need be And purchase his pants a little bit bigger in the waist and inseam.

She kissed him on his head and said, You’re a growing boy and you’re going to need the extra room.

As a small child he could only assume That the plan was for him to be More than he knew imagined or could see; That she Had dreams of what her son would become That were as bright as the moon.

He started skipping school in junior high.

As a freshman he got high with the “cool” juniors and by His senior year he didn’t graduate.

He didn’t matriculate with his peers.

Instead he was in Juve afraid and unruly just trying to survive.

Now he stands on the corner most nights Listening to Wayne and Juve, Rocks in his socks, staring at the sky.

He squints his eyes as he tries to spy Those things his mother once knew; As he tries to imagine a future as bright as the moon.

In his soul he knows he’s not all that he could be.

With his back against the wall he’s not at all where he should be.

So he stares intently at the moon and imagines the things, Imagines the regality of the king that he would be.

So in reality, he wears t-shirts so large that they fall to his thighs Baseball caps and Starter hats all oversized And jeans so baggy and saggy they fall to the flo’ Because between you and me I think secretly He’s still leaving himself room to grow.

OKEEBA JUBALO ARTIST OKEEBAJUBALO.COM

YBE

“We take your children's lunches as seriously as you take their education.�

IAMJOHNNYCLARKSON.COM

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U. Dethra Giles

THE

execuprep.com

CO$T CULTURE

A bed, a shower and a TV: those are the main staples of any hotel/motel room. If this were true, why would someone pay $400.00 per night for the Ritz Carlton versus $40.00 per night for the Red Roof Inn? The answer is simple: Culture. Culture translates into the customer experience and people will pay top dollar for it. When patrons reside at the Ritz Carlton they are not paying for a bed, a shower and a TV, they are paying for the person that meets them at the car, calls them by name, and treats them as if they are the only guests in the luxury residence. Patrons don't second-guess how much they paid because the culture matches the price point. The question for you YBE is, "Does your culture match what you are asking your customers to pay?"

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE /Page 20

OF

Describe your company culture.

Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs cannot describe their company culture because they don't realize the importance of strategically developing a company culture until it is too late.

One great example is Tony Hsieh. You may not recognize the name Tony Hsieh, but you probably recognize the name Zappos. Hsieh is an initial investor, $1.6 million, and CEO of Zappos, which started as an online shoe store. What many don't know is before Zappos, Hsieh owned LinkExchange, which he sold for $265 million to Microsoft. According to Hsieh he sold LinkExchange because the culture had become one he did not like. He "focused on the culture too late." Hsieh sold his dream because his failure to focus on the culture had turned the dream into a nightmare.

Why is culture so important?

Think of your favorite establishment to visit, why do you like that establishment? You probably enjoy the culture; that thing that guides your entire experience while in the establishment.

The establishment may not be the best at their service or product but the culture makes you go back. Recently, a good friend spoke of his favorite restaurant.

He talked about the service and the ambiance to no end. When asked, "How is the food?" he responded, "Ah, it is OK." He was talking about his favorite eating establishment and, in his opinion, the food was only "Ok." What he, like most consumers, enjoyed was the culture he experienced while eating. This culture made him a regular customer and even made him feel good about paying top dollar for mediocre food. Why? Because a company's culture makes the price worth it.

Culture is not just about what the customers will pay; it is also about the type of people the entrepreneurs will hire. Do you want the leading sales person, the person who will do anything to make a sale and always brings in the numbers, or do you want a compassionate sales person, the person who educates the clients and makes sure their needs are met even if it means not making the big sale? Without identifying your company culture you may make the wrong hiring decision. Neither person is wrong by himself or herself but they may be wrong for your company. After hiring enough wrong people your dream will quickly become a nightmare.

Company culture is not just about how you feel, what your company looks like, or a slogan.

Culture is that fabric of the company. It determines what deals will be made, what partnerships will be formed, who will be hired, and how money will be spent. Culture is the essence of your company.

Not focusing on the culture could potentially repel those you want to attract and quickly turn your dream of entrepreneurship into a nightmare.

Next time we will talk about the next step in company strategy: going from identity to strategy!

YBE

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 21

YBE “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”— Maya Angelou

YBE

tips

Finding Your Personal Barber

James B Kynes Jr. @KingsofATL

The biggest complaints professional barbers and groomers often hear have to do with customers searching for the right barber for them as individuals. The level of consistency is important for those men striving to maintain a certain grooming level.

So how does one accomplish a consistent professional look? It’s simple. You must find a consistent barber. Consistency not only deals with how well the crown looks after it is completed; consistency encompasses professionalism, availability, and the overall ambiance placing you in the mind frame for proper grooming. So here are a few tips on finding the personal barber that is right for you.

1) Ask for referrals. When you see a person whose style is similar to yours, ask them for their barber.

2) When receiving a referral ask about the shop atmosphere.

3) Inquire about how their barber works. Is he a walk-in based or an appointment based barber? If you are busy and constantly on the go, it is beneficial to have a barber who works by appointments. It benefits everyone when time management is appreciated and taken into consideration.

4) The location of your personal barber has to work for you as well. Think about whether you want a barber close to your home or close to your work.

Take into consideration traffic and commute times.

Your most pressing individual concerns will ultimately dictate how much you are willing to sacrifice to find the right personal barber.

5) Barbers are like automobiles. Some may be more expensive than you can afford. You get what you pay for. Make sure you understand the price range of the prospective barbers that you are looking to employ. A barber who knows his value and understands consistency will not relent on his rate. In order to encourage business, the barber may incentivize by adding a complimentary service. However, that remains up to the individual barber.

As you continue to curate your professional image, consistency becomes the key. You will not see a level of consistency with your overall crown while you are chair hopping. Find a personal barber and stick with him. He will stick with you.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 23

nakiasanford.net

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 24

Nakia Sanford

Wealth Management Who are you?

Nakia Sanford I played professional basketball for 13 years in the WNBA and Internationally.

Born in Decatur, GA, I am a University of Kansas Alumni.

What is your industry? Why did this industry appeal to you?

Wealth management appeals to me. After retirement, I wanted to make good financial choices. What I found was a lack of information, and a plethora of misinformation.

Entrepreneurship in the financial services field presented an opportunity to educate myself and build a business. It has changed my life. It also gave me a new love and passion after basketball. Financial literacy is imperative to building wealth in our community. The predatory practices of many companies leaves us at a disadvantage when planning for retirement. This affects the legacy we are able to leave our families.

How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?

Building a business under the Primerica Financial Services model takes mostly sweat equity. You must be dedicated to achieving your licensing goals. They sponsor your licensing cost all the way through to your series 65.

I work out of a co-opted office which makes overhead relatively low. Actually, the majority of my business is done in my home office or in the homes of my clients. Marketing and travel expenses are the majority of my business expenses.

How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?

It has been a steady climb.

The path to six figures within Primerica is about 18 to 24 months. Franchise ownership and stock options are built into the system. It’s exciting to see your progress, income, and clientele grow through your own efforts.

What excites you about black business?

We have a little over a trillion dollars of buying power in the U.S. Harnessing that power to invest in our own economic community is exciting. Other cultures have mastered the art of investing in themselves. We can see evidence of this all over Atlanta and surrounding cities. It invigorates me when I see how much we are growing the power of our dollar. It inspires me to do my part.

YBE

What is your biggest disappointment with black business?

The lack of education.

Many times we are not providing good customer service, on time service delivery, and things of that nature. Bluntly speaking, “the brother give me a discount” syndrome is a problem as well. We will pay full price in another establishment, but don’t want to do the same in our own community. We must break this cycle and support each other equally when we spend our dollars.

Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?

My greatest learning experience has been my personal financial journey. I can now teach other people, and the idea of making even a small ripple in the wealth disparity in my community fires me up!

In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.

Return on Investment. If you sow and nurture your business with the right energy, keep your intent pure, and stay on track, you will reap the benefits of your work.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 25

YOU ARE NOT IN BUSINESS UNTIL YOU ARE A BUSINESS 01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 26

OKEEBA JUBALO okeebajubalo.com noblesol.net hnhcater.com

I can honestly say I have seen some of everything from our business community in Atlanta.

With so many black people concentrated in one area, it is impossible to free yourself from the poor business practices that have given birth to the negative stigma associated with blackowned businesses.

A few months ago, I was looking for a tree service company to remove a tree that was leaning on our home. One option was the local neighborhood lawn guy who serviced a number of our neighbors. I spoke with him about cutting the tree down. He had previously been hounding me about getting my business, and I thought this would be a chance to do some business with him.

Given my own familiarity with entrepreneurship, I always make it a point to ask business owners a few basic questions to gauge their place on the road of entrepreneurship. I asked this brother if he had a website. The answer was no. I asked for a business card. He didn’t have one. I then asked him how long he had been in this industry. He said over 5 years. I do understand that some of us struggle with technology, and so I was willing to give him a pass until my final question.

“Do you have a business license and insurance?” He looked at me hesitantly before saying “No, I am working on that.”

YBE

I was taken aback, but not totally surprised. Given what I have seen over the years, I found this to be disheartening, but not unheard of. This black man was operating a landscaping business around my neighborhood, but he wasn’t even legal. This brother tried to assure me that cutting the tree down would be easy, and yet he would charge the same rate as a licensed, insured specialist despite his lack of insurance. I had to ask him, “What makes you think that you can charge me the same price that a professional would charge if you are not a professional?”

He looked confused stating that he was a “professional”. I had to explain to him that “professionals” have all of their credentials in place to be able to secure contracts. This lack of proper paperwork and professional process dashed any chance of his employment to cut our grass let alone to remove the tree.

What would happen if the tree came crashing down on our home? What would happen if he got hurt or got killed during the process? His short-sightedness made it clear that he would never get my business.

So how does this story apply to you and what you do? It’s simple. You are either in business or you are not. Practicing a trade or a service doesn’t automatically give you the right to label yourself a professional. A professional has all of his or her credentials in place to be able to secure clients and retain their business.

The whole “fake it till you make it” mentality is a terrible approach to building a business.

Do you have your business license? Do you have the necessary insurance needed for your industry? Do you have a web-site? Do you have a business card? Do you have a business phone number? Do you have a bank account? Do you have an E.I.N. number? Can you receive credit card payments for your business? Do you have an email address for your business that is a link to your business? I do not mean a Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail or some other version of those companies. I mean you@your-business.com.

If you do not have these things you are simply not a business. It doesn’t mean that you can’t get them in the future, but you shouldn’t be calling yourself a professional until you do.

The whole “fake it till you make it” mentality is a terrible approach to building a business.

We all have to build upon our skills, but you need to focus on being a credible professional first. Becoming a master of your craft comes second. It doesn’t matter how great you are at your work. At some point your lack of credentials will fail you.

Make a list of all that you need to be a professional in your industry. Once this is done you must go and get everything on your list. I know that money may be an issue, but you must have your paperwork in order to be considered a business in the truest sense. Look in the mirror and ask yourself who you are.

Are you a fake or the real deal? If you are the real deal move accordingly. If you are a fake…keep doing what you do.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 27

THE PUBLISHER’S

PICK As a YBE it is important to have flexibility in your workout schedule and this chain has a great selection of equipment. The hours are great, 24-7-365 and the monthly rates are very affordable.

Snapfitness.com

This is worth the membership fee! Choose the right people for the right job...the first time. Vendors from this site actually care about their rankings and reviews. Good look!

Angieslist.com

After market wheels aren’t for everyone, but VOSSEN are hands down some of the nicest wheels out there.

The craftsmanship, style and quality will set you apart from the pack. If you are riding you should ride right.

Vossenwheels.com

This great restaurant is located in the City of Decatur, GA and has you covered from an intimate date night to a business lunch or dinner.

Black-owned and very beautiful, this is a YBE Magazine favorite.

Twistedsoulkitchenandbar.com

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 29

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF THE SBA

sba.gov

CASSIUS F. BUTTS 01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 30

His office sits in a downtown building on one of the many streets called Peachtree in the great city of Atlanta. Listening to Cassius Butts talk about his passion and purpose as the Region IV Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration evokes a feeling reminiscent of an elder statesman reflecting on the ideals of true public service. He speaks with tremendous pride about the SBA programs and the team he leads in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Following his appointment by President Obama in 2011, Cassius Butts has managed oversight of three record breaking years for SBA lending in Region IV awarding nearly $12 billion in SBA-backed loans to small businesses within his territory.

YBE spoke with Butts to unlock the promise and the power of this quiet government agency. For many, the SBA may seem like an urban legend if you have never met an entrepreneur who has benefited directly from its vast resources. That is the problem that Cassius Butts hopes to solve.

YBE

YBE: Cassius, is the SBA a public or a private institution, and how is it structured?

Cassius: The United States Small Business Administration is a public entity. It is a federal agency and part of the President's Council. The SBA is in a position to help people start and grow their business. We help in different forms which we call the three C’s. The C’s are access to capital which you need to start your business, contracting (the federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world) so we assist those who get involved in federal government contracting opportunities, and counseling as you start and grow your business. Counseling is needed because it helps to have someone to talk to you, to help you, and to guide you. This is especially important with business plans. We offer a form of mentoring.

The last one is what we consider D for disaster. You will see FEMA is the first agency to help a community get back on its feet in the event of a natural disaster.

The other agency among the first to respond alongside FEMA is the United States Small Business Administration. We're very proud of our role because we help the business community get back on its feet in times of turmoil.

A couple of years ago, the President promoted the United States Small Business Administration to part of the President's core operating Cabinet. They meet every week alongside other federal agencies to discuss the issues relating to small businesses. Over 98% of the economy runs off of small businesses.

YBE: Are there regional branches around the country? What is the scope and scale within each region?

Cassius: There are ten regions in the country. My jurisdiction covers Region IV, which encompasses Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Alabama.

This is actually the largest region in the country, and we have a lot of territory to cover.

Our respective regions have resource partners that help us realize our bottom line mission. These resource partners are in the form of our Small Business Development Centers, which are typically part of the university systems where they are located. There are Small Business Development Centers such as the ones at Georgia State, University of Georgia, and Kennesaw State University. We also have our Women Business Centers like the Edge Connection, which is located on the Kennesaw State University campus.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 31

YBE

We also have our SCORE partners. These partners are retired executives who help those looking to start a small business. Our SCORE chapters are really second to none. They mentor so we can better help small business owners realize their dreams.

There are several SCORE chapters located by state. If you go to SBA.gov and click on SCORE you can see those respective SCORE chapters that are closest to you. They are located throughout the entire country.

YBE: Is there a fee for the services provided by the SCORE centers or the Small Development Centers that are located on the college campuses?

Cassius: I like to tell people that this is not your mother or father's SBA. We do things a little bit differently today. There is no cost to utilize any of these services.

I like to say that it is paid through your taxes. Whenever there is an opportunity to service any of these small business initiatives, it's really paid for by your taxes. Whenever there is an opportunity to service any of these small business initiatives, there is usually no cost. You've already paid for it through your taxes, so we encourage a lot of people to take advantage of them.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 32

YBE: Let's talk about access to capital. If I understand correctly, the SBA does not directly fund small businesses. Can you talk a little bit about how the SBA supports the access to capital component of your mission?

Cassius: We actually do not give loans directly to the small businesses. At one point in time we did. What we do now is insure the loan. A financial institution must first give a loan to an aspiring or existing small business owner, and then we step in to insure up to 80- 90% of that loan. This insurance gives the financial institution a little bit more incentive to go out and take that risk. We are really supporting risk. That is the greenlight for financial institutions to give more loans, and give them out the right way.

We rely on the last C, which is one of my favorites, counseling. I have asked my district directors to make sure that we are counseling our aspiring and seasoned business owners about what type of loan to get. We help them with their business plan and let them know when more preparation is needed. We always try to be sure to let people know that working with us will get them to where they need to be eventually.

I'm proud to talk about that access to capital path. In the last four years we backed nearly $12 billion in loans to small business in Region IV. This has never been done before in history.

YBE: To dig into this a little deeper, a small business owner would approach the SBA prior to going to a lending institution? Is there an approval process that business owners undergo through the SBA prior to going to the bank? I was trying to get the sequence of events.

Cassius: We try to encourage our business owners or our aspiring business owners to come to us first to receive counsel. They can certainly go directly to the financial institution first if they would like. We have our preferred list of lenders located within our Georgia District Office. Anyone can come in and see who's on that list. Banks know coming to us first will result in potential clients who are serious, informed, and in a position to say, "I want to take the next step."

YBE: If the small business is approved by you, then does the SBA approach the bank on behalf of the business owner, or does the business owner approach the bank on their own with the backing of the SBA?

YBE: How long does that process take in your experience?

Cassius: If you have all your documents in place for the loan you are seeking it can take as little as 36 hours turnaround time for approval. The document checklist can be found on our website. The type of business is also a factor as with the construction industry where prompt bonding would be necessary. Thirty-six hours is unheard of these days.

There can even be a thirty-six hour turnaround time for approval of lines of credit. That's something that we're really proud of right now. We're not making people wait forever to hear whether they can be approved for a loan. We're very glad about that.

We have another process in place called SBA1 that just came out this year.

It's more or less like your QuickBooks or TurboTax. This program streamlines the SBA process with our financial institutions via an online medium. You no longer have to carry a bunch of physical documents back and forth. It's like TurboTax. When you do everything online, you just click, click, and click away. It's the same with the SBA now. This is something developing now, and it's going to continue to make getting the actual capital into the small business

owner's hands fluid and efficient.

YBE: What 3-5 core items should a small business owner have in place when initiating the process with the SBA? Cassius: They would want to make sure that they are credit worthy. The reason I say credit worthy is because of the understanding that there was an economic downturn some years ago, and we don't push folks away. We don't turn them away. We actually want that type of potential business owner. Some folks have lost their homes. We want to work with them because they're looking to bring jobs back to the economy. We don't want to deter anyone.

We want to welcome everyone.

If you can tell us as much as possible upfront it makes working together much easier. Having your tax returns for the last few years and everything you can show in the form of assets is beneficial to the process. Come in knowing that we're going to work with you.

Have an aspiring mindset. Be open to realizing your entrepreneurial dreams. That's what we're here for as corny and clichĂŠ as it may sound. It really is that simple.

YBE: What type of ongoing support, either in the form of mentoring or monitoring, is available when the SBA backs a loan?

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 33

Cassius: Almost three years ago, Vice President Biden and former Administrator Karen Mills came to the conclusion that more needed to be done to get loans into the hands of the small business community.

We took about four months to reach out to all of the major, minor, and other financial institutions, and talk about what we can do to support the lending initiative. There's been approximately $30 billion allocated to these financial institutions to support small business lending.

To your point, the banks are very familiar with our products and services. We met with them, and we've talked with them. Part of my role is to make sure that we are re-energizing those financial institutions, and giving them everything that they need to rely on our products and services. Our typical signature SBA loan is our 7A loan, which goes up to $5 million. We also have our 504 loan if you need a building for your business or franchise. A 504 loan would be issued in conjunction with a certified development company if the business is adding jobs to the economy.

We also have micro loans. Everyone doesn't need a million dollars. We have loans as low as $50,000 for those organizations or small businesses looking to get some cash to get started.

We cover the whole gamut.

Are you watching these businesses? Is there an evaluation phase once support has been given?

Cassius: One thing that we have in place is our 8A signature product. That's a 9-year training, development, and marketing initiative program at the SBA. One of the criteria for consideration is being an underserved market, a minority, or a woman. This nine-year program offers mentorship by an established organization or company. They will mentor you for nine years at no cost. That's the best part about it. To apply for our 8A program is a little bit strenuous, but it is certainly worth completing. Even if you are not looking to become 8A certified, our resource partners and our SCORE chapters can offer mentorship. You can work with them before, during, and after you get the loan.

As you and I know, it's not a matter of whether or not you will run into tough times. It's when. When that happens you can always come back to our resource partners, our Small Business Development Centers, our Women Business Centers, or even my staff at the SBA for help in any regard at no cost. We're very proud of that because we want people to realize that we're always here. We're always open, and there is no cost for coming back for the help you need.

Lastly, you can always stay connected with us via Twitter @SBASoutheast, SBA.gov, and sign up for our monthly newsletter, or visit our SBA District Office.

In the 2014 fiscal year the SBA approved 15,620 minority owned business loans totaling $6.5 billion.

Minority-owned businesses continue to account for about 28% of the agency’s overall lending and 12.9% of its microloans. Furthermore, the number of SBA loans to African Americans grew by roughly 36% from the previous year and 14% for Hispanics and women.

These statistics are not urban legend. It may simply be that not enough YBEs are accessing the resources of the SBA to realize their full business potential.

“The Urban Institute recently conducted a study that found that women and minority-owned businesses are three to five times more likely to be approved for an SBA-backed loan than a conventional loan.”

-SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet, www.sba.gov/content/sba-minority-business-roundtable-renew-partnership-expand-ou treach-minority-entreprene urs

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 34

January 2015

WE SHALL STAND BEFORE KINGS NOT OF OBSCURE MEN

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The Entrepreneur

My Daddy

I think my dad becoming an entrepreneur was one of the best things that could’ve have happened. I watched as he applied for jobs when no one would hire him. I thought maybe he gave off the wrong energy or just did something wrong. I was completely going in the opposite direction. My dad is a hard worker and he doesn’t give up easily. Those people were just too full of themselves to see that.

After he created Hearts and Hands everything turned around. He didn’t need to go asking for a job from someone.

Now people needed to come to him for one. He was able to do something that paid the bills, and still tied in things that he loved to do like business design and marketing. Although he goes through everyday challenges, my dad has not and will not stop going.

I love watching him put his mind to something and turn it into a reality. Other people say they want this or that and they expect it to just drop out of the sky without having to work for it. It makes me proud as a daughter to watch him work and put projects together.

Sol & Noble Brown My dad was able to make something from nothing. Even through the rough times he never put his head down or gave up. I always have looked up to him as a role model. He doesn’t let what people say or do get in the way of what he’s doing. I want to be able to work for myself when I get older just like him.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 36

I’ve been able to work with him as well. During the summer he makes food for summer camps. That was one of the easiest ways for me to make good money. It was a really good experience to see how things in the kitchen worked. I got paid according to the hours I worked and was able to make really good money.

I’m grateful for that because now I know that money doesn’t grown on trees. I know that I have to work for some of the things I want in life.

I miss my dad being able to come to my school events, but I don’t mind. Through his work he is making a way for us. I get invitations to parties or to go over to people’s houses, but I usually turn down the offer. With my dad working I wouldn’t be able to go. I miss hanging out at my friend’s houses, but it’s worth it. I’m glad I have my dad as someone to look up to. I’m proud that he really put his mind to all of this and stuck to it.

-Sol Brown I grew up watching my father strive to create a better life and environment for our family. I’ve watched every step that has gotten him to where he is today. I used to see the pain on his face because he couldn’t do what he wanted for us. My daddy went hours on end looking for jobs. I later found out that he could have even become a police officer. That was terrible for me to hear. Not knowing if he would come home or not would have been a nightmare.

This was when my dad began to understand that he didn’t have to work for someone else.

He realized that he could work for himself, and so did I. He never really was the type to work for someone else.

I was able to make money within my father’s business.

During the summer my sister and I helped with the summer camp catering. The work that I’ve done has taught me that if I really put my mind to something it can be achieved. I watched him build Hearts and Hands Catering Company from the ground up, and I know he can do the same with this magazine. I do believe that was the start of a great business being created.

I love my dad more than words can describe. He’s led me through trials and obstacles, and I know there are many more to come. He puts my needs before his own and has somehow given me more than what he had.

-Noble Brown

YBE

I used to wonder why nobody would hire him. He was so great at being my dad, and I was sure he would be great at anything else.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 37

CHAVALA WILKERSON nubiandesignsnaturalhair.com

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 38

Beauty

My name is Chavala Wilkerson. I am the owner of Nubian Designs Natural Hair Salon in North Charleston SC. I come from a family of entrepreneurs, and as a result being a business owner was always a goal of mine.

I am passionate about helping each person I encounter to reach his or her full potential. I am a master hair care/natural hair care specialist and opened my first salon in 2005.

What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?

The beauty industry was a great fit for me. I enjoy working with people and helping to educate individuals that share my passion for natural hair.

How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?

The initial investment was roughly $10,000. It also helped to have a network of people willing to donate services to bring my vision to fruition.

How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?

Revenue has steadily increased each year by on average 15-20% since the establishment of the business. Our staff continues to grow and we are looking forward to expansion in the near future. We use a combination of a software system and point-of-sale register to keep track of expenses, customer retention, and other key information. Collecting this information is necessary to successfully monitor growth, sales, and customer feedback.

What excites you about black business?

I am elated to see entrepreneurs using innovative techniques to keep their businesses flourishing in this rollercoaster economy.

What is your biggest disappointment with black business?

My biggest disappointment is the fear and incapability of using financial institutions and other resources that would help realize growth potential.

Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?

Life itself is the very best teacher. Furthermore, I have been blessed to be surrounded by individuals successful in various areas of life. These people have shared countless ideas, stories, and lessons with me.

In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.

Walk by faith; it moves mountains.

YBE

Who are you?

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 39

3 Steps To Your 6 Pack The abdominal muscles have maintained their prestige in our world for as long as we can remember. Ladies adore abs, guys obsess about them, and the media can not get enough of celebrity mid-sections. Despite decades of fitness journals, suppleBy Johnny Clarkson ments, and insane trendy exercise programs, the sculpting of the abdominal muscles remains elusive to the majority of our population. I believe this is because we focus too much on the quick, the easy, and the too good to be true.

I have identified 3 key elements to melt off the fat and regulate the water that molds the core into the trophy piece you desire.

Step 1 – “Run faster and shorter” Stop wasting your time with grueling 60-minute sessions of cardio. Instead, use this HIIT template to guarantee maximum heart rate, caloric burn, and athletic performance.

Warm up with 3-5 minutes worth of jogging.

Sprint for 60 seconds followed by 2 minutes of fast walking or jogging x 5-10 cycles.

Step 2 – “Lift as much as possible as fast as possible” High reps will definitely aid you in your pursuit to better definition, but low rep and high intensity/max effort will increase your muscle gain and vascularity.

Step 3 – “Drink water” First test yourself to see if you are carrying extra water around town with you. Pinch the skin on your abdominal area, pull it up, and then let it go. If you see it shake with a ripple effect, you are carrying water. To get rid of this unwanted lower ab concealer try these tips.

•Drink more water (I suggest at least 1 gallon per day).

•Sweat as much as possible. Try rubbing Abolene gel or Preparation H on your abdominals before doing cardio. It will help you release excess water.

•Maintain a high fiber diet (through veggies or even fiber powder supplement if needed).

By combining the above steps into a healthy lifestyle in addition to a proper diet you can be one of the elite members of the six pack club.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 40

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As a financial literacy coach I now educate others on how to win in the game of L.I.F.E. 95% of retirees are financially destitute by age 65 The average household has over $15,000 in credit card debt More than 2/3 of the United States live paycheck to paycheck As a leader in the financial services industry we help our clients plan and execute a game plan to win in L.I.F.E. GIVE US A CALL TO START YOUR PATH TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM TODAY

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01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 42

JOHNNY CLARKSON

Some grow up aspiring to be drafted by the best corporate teams like Band-Aid, Sprite, Hurley, or Converse. The rest of us trade sleep for a deeper understanding of the corporate titans like Johnson and Johnson, Coca Cola, and Nike. The distinction between the two groups is that one owns the other. The concept of ownership is very appealing, but the weight it carries can be the death of your entrepreneurial spark if not properly prepared for it. Not everyone is built to be an owner.

There are expenses and responsibilities never seen by employees even on the executive level. My first month as an entrepreneur was one of the worst experiences of my life, and the most pivotal point of my professional career.

As a corporate employee I excelled, and so I was rewarded generously. The cushion or “parachute� as I refer to it developed a financial immaturity that almost bankrupted my family. I never learned the importance of saving, budgeting, or controlling spending due to the abundance and ease of my income. I was really good at what I did, and began putting my enjoyment in front of my craft. I began buying 2-3 pairs of shoes per week. I ate at fine dining restaurants for lunch just because I could. I made a point to only stay at the finest hotels. I wasted hundreds of dollars per weekend for fun.

Then I was compelled to go after more. In a leap of faith I decided to become an entrepreneur. The immediate reality check was a lack of set pay periods and months without income. It was excruciating.

Y

At first it was only my pride in turmoil. I had numerous irons in the fire and limitless potential, but the lack of preparation left me in the constant crisis of catch up week to week. Each week it seemed like a new milestone was met, but I couldn’t enjoy any of it. Filling up my V8 was a balancing act because each week I had to decide who I wasn’t going to pay. I remember speaking to a friend of mine and saying, “Can you believe I only have 3 new watches now?” My priorities were so nonsensical that my first thought was that I was no longer able to keep up with my lavish lifestyle. The following month I had utility bills, late notices, and a full voicemail box because I simply stopped talking to the bill collectors. This was when my toughest fight began. That’s when I really questioned this entrepreneur calling. That’s when I said to myself “Hey, I just need a “JOB!” However, God had a different plan. Leadership of my generation required a purge of all the ridiculousness I had become accustomed to. I had to reposition my focus and remember how many people relied on me to make every day a good day. I started taking meetings all across town to promote myself. I started opening up lines of communications that were never burned, but just overlooked. My perseverance paid off, but it has not been an overnight success story.

When you are 100% responsible for every meal you eat, every expense in your life becomes magnified. There was a learning curve for me that I had to immediately erase. It pertained to my schedule. Sick days and leisure time became an expense. Off days no longer existed because once I clocked in as an entrepreneur, I never clocked out. This process is severely delayed as a parent, and almost impossible as a husband. The life of a young, black entrepreneur with a family is one spent on a balancing beam within a hurricane. You may not know when your next break is, when your next day off is, or even when your next pay day is.

All you know is that 24 hours a day, 7 days a week it is on you to make it happen. The most important lesson I learned through my personal transition was that employees never have compassion for their bosses. It’s not personal. Their minds are not wired to think in a way that takes into account how stressful being a boss is. They see your success as a goal in order to get benefits. Friends see your flexible schedule as you getting paid to do nothing. Your family becomes more acquainted with your annual revenue than they do with you as a person. These harsh, true facts are waiting for you along the road to success.

Push through them and you will have unlocked the door

B

to the upper room. In this room every office is a corner office, because you built the building that way. Every day is literally pay day because you have to generate revenue to survive. I love this life and wouldn’t trade it for anything. However, even to this day there are moments when I have to sit down to gain my composure. I have to remember why it is that I do what I do. It’s not for my wife, and it’s only partially for my kids. My steps today lead my bloodline in a new direction and raises the potential for our generational wealth tomorrow. For this reason I will give my life in this fight as a...Young Black Entrepreneur.

E

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 43

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01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 46

execuprep.com

Human Resources Consulting Who are you?

Author ~ Executive Coach ~ Keynote Speaker “The Entrepreneur’s HR Strategist” I am a keynote speaker, executive coach, and national trainer. As a national trainer my position includes leadership, organizational development, conflict resolution, and career development. I am also a founding partner and chief consultant with ExecuPrep LLC. ExecuPrep LLC is a performance management firm focused on training, coaching, and human resources consulting. I am dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial-minded people go beyond what they thought possible. I am also a speaker, facilitator, and author. Through these roles I have revolutionized how leaders grow their organizations and careers. I have developed customized HR strategies for reputable organizations such as the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Centers for Disease Control, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Salvation Army. I strive to motivate, empower, and celebrate my clients as they achieve their desired outcomes, whether it be through providing consultation to a billion-dollar organization or a small business. I have helped the masses become more efficient, effective, and focused through my book, “Unstuck: Discovering Career Limiting Actions,” in addition to written contributions for Today’s Financial Woman and iWorkwell publications.

It is the people. Now think of the places you hate: the restaurant you will never go to again, the store you have sworn off, or the auto body shop you have told your friends never to visit. Why? It is because of the people. Many small to mid-sized businesses fail because of the belief that they are in the business of widgets, burgers, or clothes. In reality they are in the business of people. People create a culture, and the culture is what customers pay money to experience. I help companies create a culture by improving their processes and people. What keeps me going are the emails that say, “Revenues are up by 40%, thank you for helping us do this.” “My business would be dead without you. You saved my life”; or my favorite, “I am living my dream life.

Thank you.” I get a tingly feeling every time I look at the decrease in the unemployment numbers because my clients hire people. They turn around and help the economy after I have helped them. That is why this appeals to me. That is why I do this.

How much money did it take to start your business, and what funding sources did you access?

I started my business as what I like to call a “side-gig.” It was something I did when I had clients willing to front the bill for my services, travel, lodging, etc. I started my business full time with about $10,000.00. This was money I saved from my side work. I would not recommend someone start with this little capital, but I have not been known to abide by the rules.

YBE In addition to offering consulting services, I have served as an adjunct faculty member at several academic institutions nationwide including Georgia State University and Miami Dade Community College. I also serve as a faculty member for Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses and the Tory Burch Foundation. I believe every day is another opportunity to make clients more efficient, more effective, and more focused so they can be more profitable and fulfilled.

What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?

Human Resources Consulting: Companies fail because of people. Think of your favorite restaurant, hotel, or grocery store. Why do you like that place?

How has your revenue/staff grown over time, and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?

The nature of my business does not require that I keep a large number of employees. Most of the people that work with ExecuPrep are consultants.

They are not the traditional, hourly employees.

They are contracted when there is an assignment and their expertise will benefit the client(s). However, I have consultants ranging from attorneys to engineers. These consultants are assigned based on the client’s needs. Having great consultants has also boosted revenues. A client is willing to pay the premium with the certainty coming to me will result in a consultant with the highest level of credentials and credibility in their industry. People will pay to have things done right the first time.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 47

Human Resources Consulting What excites you about black business?

The potential excites me. We have yet to truly tap into the potential of black businesses. Black people have done a great job of going after political power.

That was our focus in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. “Get political power” was the motto. This was a great move for us, and we have had some major accomplishments politically. The crowning jewel was accomplishing what many thought to be impossible: electing a black president. However, I would like to see the same intense focus placed on our economic power. This would be growing small black businesses with the power and revenue to hire, grow, build, and change communities in addition to supporting political candidates. If we take the same focus applied to the Civil Rights Movement to start an economic movement it would be history changing.

The untapped potential would surprise us all.

What is your biggest disappointment with black business?

One day I was sitting with a friend and she looked at a picture of a product. While looking at that product she said, “My brother thought of this 5 years ago YBE and here it is. This guy is making millions off an idea my brother already had. My brother was ahead of his time.” My response to her was, “No, your brother was ahead of his money.” Her brother did not have the revenue to market his product to his target market. He didn't have the resources to get the latest icon to wear his product so the world would see it and say, “I must have that product too.” He didn’t know how to get his product made in an economic way that lowered his costs and raised his profits so he could expand into Africa, Europe, and Asia. He was ahead of his money. My biggest disappointment is the lack of capital in the black community for small businesses. Other businesses are born as healthy babies with the working parts and necessary pieces needed to have a fighting chance at survival. However, many black business begin on life support in the neo-natal new business unit.

They don’t have enough money to handle a bad month, barely enough to get the first quarter’s bills paid, and no real financial backing. The average business takes 3-5 years to turn a profit.

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That essentially means a business owner needs capital to sustain them during that time. If there is no capital to sustain the startup period the likelihood of that business owner leaving the business and going back into the workforce increases significantly.

I am disappointed that many black businesses are ahead of their money.

Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?

All money is not good money. You hear that phrase and mostly associate it with some illegal or unethical activity. I had to learn quickly that this phrase applies to the type of client you take on as well.

Early on in my company there was a client, and everything about this client said “STAY AWAY.”. It was like the scary scene in the horror story where the entire scenario says “run!”, but the character still walks glossy eyed towards the man with the hockey mask and chainsaw. Everything about this client screamed “run”. Even my trusted advisors briefed on the situation said “run”, but the money looked good. They were top dollar earners and they needed ExecuPrep. I was enticed by their ability to pay and took them on despite the warning signs. The experience was less than desirable, and ended poorly for both sides.

That situation was one of the most valuable situations any enterprise could ask for. It made me stop and assess what I really meant by target market.

Before that experience I identified my target market in terms of company revenue, company size, number of employees, years in business, and other typical measures. Now I also define my target market by the people. I have clear measures for the type of people ExecuPrep will accept as clients. We accept people who respect others, value the contributions of everyone on the team, and want to grow and change. Furthermore, we look for people who genuinely have a desire to do better and be better.

These kind of people find value in taking responsibility and working toward resolution.

In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.

Expect the impossible.

PATRICKTCOOPER.COM

PTAHCHI TAMEN

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Becomink.com

MASTER TATTOO ARTIST

What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?

I am currently the owner and master tattoo artist at BEcomINK Tattoo Asylum, which has been open for about 3 1/2 years now. I was heavily influenced by Tupac Shakur, who was the 1st black man I'd ever seen with tattoos. From then on I got on board to become a tattoo artist.

How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?

It took me about $5,000 to start up, but not all at once.

I bought what I needed as I grew and added on to what I already had. I didn’t have partners or loans. All I had was plenty of faith in God and Self. All the funding came as I grew and added.

As the old saying goes," Start small and grow large as everything in nature does."

How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?

It has grown considerably given my beginning. On my own I have gone from

tattooing in a sterile environment in a flea market to opening my own store front tattoo parlor in Atlanta. The main system of management that BEcomINK uses is the mastermind principle; which utilizes other people's talents toward one common goal for the whole.

YBE

Who are you?

I AM THAT I AM! Also known as Ptahchi Tamen, Artist of Life. I hail from South Carolina, but now reside in the good ol' city of Atlanta in Georgia.

What excites you about black business?

What excites me about black business is the awakening we are experiencing in this day and time. To see our people doing for self and creating jobs for the community is exciting.

What is your biggest disappointment with black business?

My biggest disappointment with black business is the competitive mind state that eventually produces hate for one another.

Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?

I would have to say that the Holy Spirit has been my greatest teacher. Throughout my life it has taught me about the nature of things.

In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.

As a man thinketh in his heart, so shall he be. Thanks for having me brother.

Salute!

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“Money and success don't change people; they merely amplify what is already there..”— Will Smith

YBE

MEN THE

OREHOUSE

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TIM BIRT

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTING Who Are You? I am the youngest of six children. I was born in my father’s car outside the doors of Grady Memorial Hospital. I can only remember one birthday party I had with my parents . It was good, but my parents eventually separated and childhood became rough. My mother raised me in a government housing project in Atlanta called Perry Homes. My mother taught me the love of family and taking care of the family circle. I learned the most important things in life are the people closest to you. The value of caring for others and giving back to those in need was instilled in me at her home. She also taught me to have a work ethic. My first business was launched at the age of 9 in Perry Homes. I would knock on neighbors’ doors and take out their trash for 25 cents early Saturday mornings while other kids were eating and watching cartoons. I would then walk a distance to the local grocery store and carry the shoppers’ bags to the car for 50 cents or more.

At age 10, I partnered with an older gentleman named J.W who had had a stroke leaving him paralyzed on his left side. We would give people rides to their homes, and I carried their groceries.

My cut was 50 cents.

My mother died when I was 11 years old. My whole world changed. Bitterness toward God and depression set in. My older sister and I decided after just a few months that we no longer wanted to live with my father even though we were technically minors. He told me never to call him for anything. My aunt raised me, and I survived my teenage years.

I had my first child at age 21. I married my first love and we grew our family.

My family has changed and grown with my aspirations.

I understood that being successful in life is great, but sharing that success with others enriches you. I have mentored many and given support by volunteering. I am a former P.T.A. President at C.W. Hill Elementary School for 2 years while my sons attended the school. I am also a former chair of the Metro Regional Youth Detention Center. I continue to give back as my mother taught me.

What is your industry and why did it appeal to you?

I am in commercial and residential contracting which include renovations, facility maintenance, and management. My oldest brother Frank was a paint contractor and taught me at the age of 21 the skill and business of painting.

How much money did it take to start your business and what funding source did you access?

I had less than $500.00. I learned early on how to negotiate for the cost of supplies (i.e., brushes, rollers) with clients. My family circle funded me.

How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what system have you put in place to manage that growth?

I went from being a solo painter to negotiating deals with H.J. Russell. My first major contract was a project with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA. It was over 60 million dollars. I stayed with independent sub-contractors as I picked up other projects. I paid people according to their production.

What excites you about black business?

It’s our history, and all we had to do to assure our survival. In today’s world we have the ability to look back and study the insurmountable odds of those who made it in business during the worst of times.

That DNA is alive and well in black business owners today.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 55

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTING

January 2015

YBE

What is your biggest disappointment with black businesses?

Often times we see black business owners going at it alone and not seeing the potential benefits of partnerships, mentorships, and having a strong network.

Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?

My greatest learning experience has been betrayal. I have learned more from betrayal than any mentor could teach me. The lesson I learned was that when you are the owner you have to know it. It is your purpose, ability, and gift to continue regardless of what is happening. You must believe in yourself when no one else will. Nobody else sees your value. I call this being passionate about your purpose.

In one word or brief phrase tell a young entrepreneur what to expect.

Expect storms, disappointment, and rejection. These are the most important qualities of a business model that produces successful entrepreneurs.

These traits prepare you to know who you are, to know your gift, and to know your value in spite of adversity.

Never stop, never give up, and never quit. Give back and help develop other entrepreneurs.

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JONATHAN DUDLEY newyorklife.com

INSURANCE

What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?

I have been in the insurance industry since 2002 working as a claims manager on the property and casualty auto side. I now work for New York Life as an independent agent helping families and business owners plan for the future. I am also part owner in a real estate investing business that would like to revitalize certain areas of the city.

How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?

My New York Life position is close to that of a franchisee and that cost varies. I would say I have paid about $1000 since the beginning of my employment.

The real estate investing company took about $2000 of my savings to start.

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How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?

My New York Life business has been very good to me. I have made more money than I originally thought possible in a 4-month time frame. So far we have one real estate investing deal that we have completed by applying a buy and hold strategy. We feel we got an outstanding deal by purchasing in a non-peak month like December. We look to continue growing our business.

Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?

My greatest learning experience has been choosing between money and relocation. I’ve had to decide between having a job with a larger salary and staying close to my family and home base. Staying in Atlanta has been a bigger blessing than I originally anticipated.

In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.

Achievement.

YBE

Who are you?

My name is Jonathan Dudley and I am a native of Atlanta, GA. I attended Morehouse College, and have a degree in Economics.

Most of my friends call me "Jon". I am one of three children born to Jonathan and Dorothy Dudley, and a loyal Falcons, Hawks, and Braves fan!

What excites you about black business?

The ability to help others in both industries/businesses and an unlimited earning potential!

What is your biggest disappointment with black business?

The types of businesses we typically have and the quality of service delivered.

BRANDON C. BANKS

Morehouse.edu 01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 59

NON-PROFIT

What is your industry and why did this industry appeal to you?

The non-profit industry appeals to me because the fundamental foundation is doing something greater than yourself. It's about giving back and leaving a strong legacy that material possessions cannot provide.

How much money did it take to start your business and what funding sources did you access?

We had $1,900 in the operating budget when I first became President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Morehouse College Alumni Association. We also had an event that was going to cost more than $2,000 dollars in less than 3 weeks. My first objective in leadership was to relieve the chapter of the financial burden it cost to operate. Not only were we able to successfully complete that event, but we began the course of changing the fundraising model for the chapter. We started raising money for more cause related initiatives as opposed to the traditional act of giving solely because it's the right thing to do.

Over the course of 4 years our executive board was able to turn $1,900 into an annual operating budget of about $60,000 primarily through charitable donations.

01.2015 / NEW YEAR, NEW START / YBE / Page 60

YBE

Who are you?

I am a social conduit on a mission to connect the world. I have been referred to as an executive bridge builder. My life’s journey has uniquely prepared me to connect people and organizations. I have led over 5,000 living alumni spanning eight decades as President Emeritus of the Atlanta Chapter of The Morehouse Alumni Association. My success in bridging communities has been well documented in media publications around Atlanta ranging from print, television, and radio. I continue to pursue my passion for inspiring others by speaking on topics pertaining to leadership, marketing, image branding, and the art of networking. I was recently elected National Vice President of the Morehouse College Alumni Association.

How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what systems have you put in place to manage that growth?

We changed the model of giving by using cause-related initiatives. We began to use social media to better spread the word and eliminate geographical barriers.

We implemented technology into every one of our events and gatherings by making sure we were able to process donations regardless of the location.

We started a fundraising initiative called “Honoring Our Fathers� during my tenure. This event takes place the Saturday morning before Father's day at the Commerce Club in Atlanta, GA. The design of the program has a dual purpose. As an all male organization we felt it was important to honor the accomplishments that men make every day in the areas of fatherhood, mentorship, and service within the community. This program also served as a funding source for our "Fill the Gap" Scholarship which supports students at Morehouse College. This scholarship is designed for students who have completed their academic coursework and still face financial hardship.

We were able to net $6,000 in the first year, and this past year we were able to gross over $40,000.

NON-PROFIT

What is your biggest disappointment with black business?

The biggest disappointment is the idea that helping another start up their business will somehow negatively impact your own efforts. Experience has been my greatest teacher. I was the youngest president ever elected in the Atlanta Chapter of the Morehouse College Alumni Association at just 28 years of age. It was a tremendous honor that previous leaders in the chapter and seasoned professionals felt comfortable turning the reigns over to me given the amount of leadership experience I possessed at the time

YBE

What excites you about black business?

The most exciting parts about black business to me are communal support and prosperity. In order for black businesses to thrive in this country we need the support of our own community. From there we can begin to expand.

Who was your greatest teacher or what was your greatest learning experience?

I learned not to be overly critical of my successes and how to measure my mistakes. Experience is truly the greatest teacher.

In one word or brief phrase, tell a new YBE what to expect.

Never forget to count the small wins as you push for the bigger goal.

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Dr. W. KEVIN DANCY DDS,MS

DENTISTRY

What is your industry and why did it appeal to you?

My industry is healthcare, and dentistry specifically. I have always been interested in the field because it gives me the opportunity to care for people and their families. To be honest my field isn’t the most well-liked profession. Therefore, I am committed to making sure my patients have good experiences when they enter my office.

How has your revenue/staff grown over time and what system have you put in place to manage that growth?

Over the past decade revenue has increased significantly. We have been blessed to grow at a very consistent rate from the number of patients to the number of employees. We have recently upgraded our dental software to handle our multi-specialty practice; this makes for a much better experience.

What excites you about black business?

I’ve been excited to see black businesses flourish because I was born and raised in a black community that provided the opportunity to witness the growth around me. It is fulfilling to see us support each other in our own community. Working, living, and understanding my duty to the next generation within my community keeps me grounded and able to serve.

What is your biggest disappointment with black businesses?

My biggest disappointment with black business is the operational component of the business being minimized due to the mindset of the owners. It also frustrates me when the patrons of the business seem to bring much more negativity into the business as a result of the community in which it is located.

Who was your greatest teacher or what has been your greatest learning experience?

My profession is in healthcare; that means taking care of people. It is imperative that one is passionate about the well-being of the patients when treating them. In my field one must love people first. My parents and grandparents loved people. Seeing and experiencing that at an early age taught me many things. Those experiences taught me how to best take care of the patients I serve.

In one word or brief phrase tell a young entrepreneur what to expect.

Only expect to succeed through prayer, hard/smart work, and perseverance.

YBE

Who Are You? I am an Atlanta native, and I have always been passionate about serving the community in which I was raised. After graduating from Morehouse College (BS), Meharry Medical College – School of Dentistry (DDS), and the University of Michigan (MS), I returned back to beautiful Southwest Atlanta to begin practicing. I have been home practicing for 12 years, and it’s been a very rewarding experience.

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I CAN’T BREATHE NOW THAT I STARTED MY OWN BUSINESS.

NobleSol ART GROUP

NobleSol.net

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