A Little Background
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, from the age of 5 … two very different places that helped shape me early on. I attended Howard University for undergraduate school and later earned my graduate degree from the University of South Carolina. I’m also a proud father of four (Miles-Elon, Maya-USC, Amaya-App State, and Kelsy-Elon) and watching them grow into successful, grounded adults has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
A Competitive Spirit
I spent over 25 years in corporate America working in sales and marketing with brands like Duracell, Clorox, Newell, Del Monte Pet, and TTi Floorcare. As a competitive athlete through college, I’ve always had a drive to win, and sales gave me the perfect outlet for that energy. It taught me how to compete, how to connect, and how to understand people—skills that still serve me today. In many ways, the customers I worked with then are the same people we serve now, just in a more personal setting.
Perspective, Purpose, and Community
My grandparents raised me, and their influence still guides how I move through life. They taught me the importance of hard work, treating people with dignity, and giving back whenever you can. Those lessons have carried through every chapter—from earning my MBA while working full-time and raising a family, to building a business today. I’ve lived in this area since 2005, and what keeps me here is the people and the sense of community.
Lessons Not Losses
Life has its share of challenges, but I’ve come to see them not as losses, but as lessons. Faith has always been a foundation for me and so has the mindset of continuing to compete. I just try to win more than I lose. I believe success comes down to three things: perspective, patience, and persistence. Those traits build wisdom, grace, and grit. If I could give my younger self advice, it would be simple: live with grace. Give it to yourself, extend it to others, and understand that life isn’t always neat, but it’s always teaching you something.
Photo credits to Chelsea Bren of Chelsea Bren Photo + Design.
