“I used to work for American Appliance, where I first thought of starting my own appliance business. Afterward, I became a correctional officer for Camden County Correction because I wanted to get pension. At this time, I still wanted to run my own business; but I was not sure what type of business I wanted to go into. Soon I started my own Real Estate business where I was buying houses. However, I was still working as a correctional officer while doing this because I was using my salary to buy the houses. When I started fixing the houses, people were complimenting me and telling me how beautiful they looked. This inspired me to start up a construction business. In order to make it easier for me to be financially secure, I used my Real Estate money to fund my business and my entrepreneurial journey took off from here.” 

 

Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-hah!” moments? How did the program help you? 

 

“The support from the students, teachers, and staff was valuable and really beneficial. Everyone was easy to talk to and everyone invested interest in me, which was really comforting. At LAEDA everybody has a genuine interest in my success and I feel blessed that I was involved in this program. I have confidence I can always connect to LAEDA and talk to them anytime I need them. In addition to the support, I take LAEDA seminars because they are helpful and I gain a lot of valuable knowledge, while being able to meet new people. I believe if I don’t grow, my business doesn’t grow.” 

 

 

“It was in the year of 2012 when I started my own construction business. I had a negative situation that opened up my eyes, which eventually turned into a positive for me. Never giving up is the key. In order to learn and grow, it is important to be around like-minded people so that way you can be successful.”

 

Could you tell me a little about where your business is today? 

 

“My business is doing well. I have four full time employees and a project manager. I run two different teams: Government contracts (Camden Housing Improving program, which I have been doing since 2013), and Rehab Housing (I rehab my own properties and my investors properties).  My business is successful and running. I make sure to give my clients a really good quality job and I don’t rush.” 

 

 

“Just stay focused and positive, it is not easy, this is hard. But if it’s something in your heart that you really want to accomplish, focus and keep up the positive mind. Do your heart’s desire, don’t quit.”