d-mars.com Business Journal 127

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Business Journal

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March 2018

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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127th Edition

Turner Chevrolet: Building a Legacy of Community & Customer Service Robert Turner, Owner and General Manager Turner Chevrolet Crosby with his son Robbie (Sales, Turner Chevrolet)

14-23

INSIDE

04

Houston Minority-Owned Small Business Wins Multi-Year Multimillion Dollar Contract

15-22

2018 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs

06

Greater Houston Black Chamber Welcomes New President and CEO

March 2018 | 3

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

d-mars.com is proud to share the success stories of African American businesses and civic and community leaders. We know that success does not always come easy and it is not always measured in money. How have you helped your fellow entrepreneur? Have you supported your locally-owned African American business? Have you donated to a nonprofit that is working in our underserved communities?

Questions to think about and actions to take.

This month’s cover story highlights Mr. Robert Turner, Owner and General Manager of Turner Chevrolet of

Behind the Journal

COO & Managing Editor Kimberly Floyd

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tiffany Black PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

04

our services

04 Business 04 Houston Minority-Owned Small Business Wins Multi-Year Multimillion Dollar Contract 05 “Reach Back to Push Forward” 06 Greater Houston Black Chamber Welcomes New President and CEO 24 In his book “No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline”, Brian Tracy outlined seven ways to make other people feel important:

08 Education 08 TSU breaks ground on a new Library Learning Center 08 4 Ways to improve reading skills at home 27 Texas Southern Debate Team wins international competition

10

10 Entrepreneur 10 Africa On My Back Unites With Mentoring Organizations to Host Black Panther Pre-Screening 12-13 Cover Story

Project Coordinator Antoniece Portis

15-22 2018 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs

DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Noel Pinnock Keyana Pratt Alexis Wagner Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Linda Lindsay Adriana Morales d-mars.com News Provider

– Sam Walton

contents

Publisher & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr.

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

The goal as a company is to have customer service that is not just the best, but legendary.

Crosby. At Turner Chevrolet, community and customer service are words they take very seriously. Growing up in Marshall, Texas, Turner’s parents instilled the tenets of hard work and “having your own.”

That entrepreneurial spirit was cultivated in Turner and his journey is one of growth and success. We are certain his parents would be proud of the legacy he has created.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work.

Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

25 Community 25 Step Up for Under-served Girls in Our Community

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4 | March 2018 Business

Houston Minority-Owned Small Business Wins Multi-Year Multimillion Dollar Contract

By Alexis Wagner News Provider

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fter a hard-fought battle with stiff competition, Houston minority-owned small business, Decision Information Resources, Inc. (DIR), has won a $16 million dollar contract to provide data collection, analysis, and performance measurement support to the National Office of Job Corps in the US Department of Labor.

They only had five days to bid on the Job Corps contract, so in typical DIR nature, the DIR team prepared and submitted a substantial proposal to put themselves in the running for the deal.

On June 29, 2017, Dr. Russell H. Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer of DIR, was on vacation in Florida when Job Corps called to let him know that DIR won the contract over the incumbent contract holder. But the celebration and excitement soon came to a standstill when the incumbent protested DIR’s victory, resulting in a stop work order. When the protest was overturned, the persistent incumbent found another way to protest the contract again, forcing another stop work order. Dr. Jackson engaged lawyers to handle the protest, and submitted a strong rebuttal providing evidence that the protest held no real weight.

Nearly six months later, the incumbent withdrew their protest and DIR was finally able to celebrate their triumph with no interruptions at the start of this year.

“After working so many years with the Job Corps program, we were pleased to have a chance to do work that would allow us to share feedback with the program from their participants to help improve the performance of Job Corps. From a business perspective, this new contract will also allow us to hire up to 50 additional people in our call center. So, it was very gratifying that our proposal and prior work were strongly endorsed by the Department of Labor. We are now able to get on with the business of helping improve the Job Corps program and expanding our Houston operations” Dr. Jackson said.

The same traits that won DIR their multimillion

Dr. Russell H. Jackson

Dr. Sylvia R. Epps

dollar contract are the ones that Dr. Jackson possessed when he started the company; faith and perseverance.

“God has favored us, we are blessed,” Dr. Jackson said when looking back on the company’s success throughout the years.

DIR started in 1984 with Dr. Jackson’s first proposal being written in the evenings and on the weekends when he was not on his day job. The proposal was submitted to Texas Department of Community Affairs, Training and Employment Division to conduct the Evaluation of the Texas Older Worker Demonstration Projects.

“I was going up against several large businesses from my living room,” Dr. Jackson said. “Just me and my computer working late nights.”

Needless to say, Dr. Jackson won his first contract despite the odds and started R&L Research and Evaluation, Inc., which has successfully transitioned to DIR today.

DIR’s Executive Vice President, Dr. Sylvia Epps, attributes a notable amount of DIR’s success to all of the

relationships that they have made and kept throughout the years. The newly won award expands DIR’s 25 year working relationship with the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Office of Job Corps.

DIR’s commitment to creating and maintaining relationships extends to their staff. A number of DIR’s employees have been with the company for over a decade, and they are looking to expand their talented team to meet the needs of the Job Corps contract. Up to 50 English and Spanish speaking interviewers are being hired now for positions in their call center.

The period of performance for the Job Corps contract is up to 5 years, during which DIR will conduct over 60,000 telephone surveys per year with former Job Corp graduates and participants from their Houston based call center. There is no doubt in Dr. Epps’ mind that together, their new and seasoned staff will meet and exceed expectations on the Job Corps project.

“Part of what makes us so successful is our ability to recognize talent, maintain talent, and cultivate relationships,” Dr. Epps said.

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March 2018 | 5 Business

“Reach Back to Push Forward”

By Noel Pinnock Contributing Writer

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n 1766, the world was introduced to the word “rec-i-proci-ty”. Reciprocity has known synonyms such as cooperation, exchange, mutuality or interchange. The short definition can be summed up in two words, “giving back.” In my contribution this month, the emphasis has been placed on the essentials of giving back. I am a strong advocate of reciprocity and it is incumbent upon everyone to understand that there is true value in helping others and giving back. In fact, many of you who will read this article are able to read because someone in your past (home, school, etc.) decided to reach out and help you. He or she took the time to teach the rudiments of discerning the alphabet, interpreting symbols, and reading for understanding and comprehension. It was not long before you mastered it and could understand the most complicated literature. Some of us decided that it was simply enough to learn the skill while others chose to pursue a career at helping others begin their reading journey. We call refer to those individuals as teachers.

People oftentimes approach me after I give a speech or present a training session and ask me do I minister or preach at a church. I am always flattered; however, my typical response is two-fold and centered on the two types of ministers in the world, ministers by profession and influence. In either case, we are all ministers. Likewise, we are all teachers because we have an influence (positive or negative) on everyone we come in contact with on a moment-bymoment basis. Susan Skog once wrote: “There’s a deep wave of grassroots giving back sweeping the country.

A surge of people across all age groups is volunteering like never before. But giving back doesn’t mean that you don’t get anything in return. Helping others reach for Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

a new day rejuvenates us in ways that another margarita-soaked vacation, more stuff, a fatter resume, or a supersized house can’t begin to. We want to feel useful. We want to find meaning.

We want to feel this alive and on fire with possibility.”

Here are three simple ways you can give back from finding your true calling to boosting your overall sense of joy: 1. Join a prayer group – prayer is an essential component of our existences as well as our destiny. Intercessory prayer has been the bedrock of our salvation and our country’s freedom, so why not fall on bended knees for someone else (in season and out of season).

Do not just say I am going to pray for Brother John Doe or Sister Jan Doe… take the time to pray without delay. In these uncertain times, we need to say more than God bless you!

2. Iron up – some people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could, so reach out and help another person attain a career goal or objective.

King Solomon once wrote, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (KJV) 3. Be creative - maybe you have a relative who is interested in a certain academic area, rather than just getting them a bathrobe or slippers, get them information and possibly tickets to a speaker that is coming to town. Compliment your neighbor on a “yard-well-done”… send a hand written note (text messages and emails do not count) to an employee who completed the project on time and under budget.

We do not need a season to begin giving back because if you have the opportunity to get up in the morning, then that is reason enough because when you do it unto the least of them, you are really doing it unto God...so, have fun giving back because one day someone will give back to you! Happy Birthday Mom, Debbie Pinnock! We love you and thank you for teaching us the art of giving back through examples worth emulating. Because of these and other examples, I can humbly say that I CAN and WILL give back because when we have done it unto the least of them… then we have done it unto GOD. At the end of the day…#getatit!

Source: www.noelpinnock.com

6 | March 2018 Business

Greater Houston Black Chamber

Welcomes New President and CEO

By Keyana Pratt News Provider

I

ntroducing the new President and CEO of the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC), Jeffrey D. Wallace. Dedicated to public service and uplifting his community, Wallace has served in several community leadership positions including: Director of Client and Community Service for the Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Outreach Program Administrator for Shell Oil and as former President of the Altus Foundation.

d-mars.comhad hadaaQ&A Q&Ainterview interviewwith withMr. Mr. d-mars.com Wallaceas ashe heexpressed expressedhis hisgoals goalsand and Wallace aspirationsininhis hisnew newrole roleas asPresident Presidentand aspirations andofCEO of GHBC. CEO GHBC. 1. What about GHBC inspired you to take on the role as President and CEO? The opportunity to drive progress in the black community in the area I feel that is paramount to that progress, which is business, is a blessing I am honored and energized to optimize. The capacity of the black business community is still, in many ways, one of the best kept secrets. It is time for the black community to come together and harness the collective power that exists in our community. I simply want to be a part of that change and be a catalyst in creating access, eliminating barriers, and raising the profile of black business.

2. What excites you most about being the new GHBC President?

Having the tools to have a new conversation. Having worked as a professional in Houston for a while now, I have seen a consistent pattern of business protocol. A protocol that, at times, perpetuates barriers instead of yielding opportunity. I look forward to being a part of the conversation that addresses accountability, the mobilization of community resources to create an environment where anyone with the drive and talent can thrive in business, and economic mobilization.

3. What are some things you look forward to implementing during your term as President and CEO? There are a large number of items on my agenda that I want to have executed, but there are a few of those items that stand, out such as being a chamber that responds to the reality of what Houston is - a local, regional, national, and global environment. The chamber needs to have intersecting services that deal with businesses on all of those levels and yet create opportunity in our services for a business to develop competencies to expand. There will be businesses that need a little “hand holding” support in improving their credit. There will be businesses that are looking to establish an international business exchange. Houston requires a Chamber that has the service latitude to address those needs. Additionally, the black community in Houston has got to be in the

business of developing future business owners and business drivers. We have two wonderful historically black universities in the greater Houston area that do a great job of producing tremendous professionals. Investing in these institutions’ “valuable products” and making sure there are more potential business owners as opposed to potential consumers will be a priority for the Chamber.

4. How do you see the organization changing in a year or so, and how do you see yourself creating that change?

I see the Chamber becoming a full service vehicle for business growth and consumer education that is a necessity and not an option. The Chamber is only as good as its active membership base. My job is to communicate the value proposition for doing business with the Chamber – and I do mean business. It is not a social obligation to be a part of any chamber. A sound Chamber provides it members with a return of investment that, if not completely quantifiable, is completely understandable.

5. What qualities do you think a good president holds?

I feel a good President listens, listens and listens some more. Clearly, in my opinion, listening is the foundation. Being a primary driver for business in the black community is not a one person show. Listening should be the catalyst for the strategic acquirement of resources, relationships and the steering of the operation. Additionally, a successful President must have passion and a sincere belief in the mission the organization he or she represents. A leader with a lifeless spirit is the most formidable enemy of any mission or vision.

6. You served as the past President of the Altus Foundation and previously served as Chief Operating Officer for the Houston Area Urban League, Director of Client and Community Service for the Gulf Coast Community Services Association and Outreach Program Administrator for Shell Oil, how have some of these positions prepared you to hold the position of President and CEO of GHBC? I have been fortunate to work under and report to

amazing people. People I learned a lot from in different ways. Understanding how to be accountable – in prosperous and difficult times – as well as the importance of believing in what you do are powerful tools of success. If you don’t know anything about me, you will know I believe in the mission of GHBC and I am passionate about the Chamber and the black community reaching its potential.

7. With your past community-building experience, can you explain the importance of being active in the community and holding some of these leadership positions?

I have always felt the desired impact of community action and service should always be helping another entity to be self-sufficient. Whether you are involved in a disaster recovery effort, an adult literacy program, a food drive, mentoring, or a park cleanup the objective should be to enhance. Being truly active in the community replenishes your character, reestablishes the notion that you are a part of something bigger, and creates the humility necessary to develop a vested interest in that which you occupy and benefit from.

8. What legacy do you want to leave in the GHBC? Simply stated, at the end of my time with the Chamber, I want to look at it the way a proud parent looks at their child who has grown up. It is a corny analogy perhaps, but it underscores my thoughts about the legacy I want with the Chamber.

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March 2018  |  7

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8 | March 2018 Education

TSU breaks ground on a new Library Learning Center

have high-tech access to materials and more efficient methods for data collection.

“The influence this new Library Learning Center will have on the lives of Texas Southern University students will last for generations,” said Glenn O. Lewis, chairman, TSU Board of Regents. “We look forward to a library that is efficient and dedicated to serving all aspects of higher learning from serving a freshman just stepping onto campus to a doctoral student doing research looking for that next breakthrough to serve society. We want this library to serve as a landmark for the entire Third Ward community and beyond.”

Texas Southern created a New Library Working Group that provided input to shape the design and contents of the facility. Multiple surveys, town-hall meetings and rating exercises were held over the last two years to determine what was needed in the new library.

“The campus and surrounding community continues to express excitement about the new facility,” said Dr. Janice Peyton, executive director of University Libraries and Museums.

By d-mars.com News Provider

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exas Southern University officials commemorated construction of its new Library Learning Center today in a special groundbreaking ceremony. The library will be located adjacent to the Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. The state-of-the-art facility is slated to open in Fall 2019.

TSU President Austin A. Lane, TSU’s Board of Regents, elected officials and representatives from ConReal Construction, Turner Construction and MoodyNolan Architecture were in attendance.

“This new Library Learning Center will serve as an intellectual hub not only for the university, but for the community at large. Students, academics and library patrons will have an array of resources at their fingertips,” Dr. Lane said. “The library at Texas Southern will become a landmark on our campus and throughout the Third Ward.”

Construction of the $43 million building has a distinctive design and is expected to be completed in summer 2019. The library will span 137,000 square-feet and stand five stories.

The University’s distance and online education divisions, administrative offices, support services and a board room will be housed in the new center. The library will provide an array of resources for upper-level, graduate and professional researchers. TSU freshmen will receive a range of dedicated academic services to bolster their first-year curriculum. Library patrons will Education

4 Ways to improve reading skills at home By d-mars.com News Provider

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arch is National Reading Awareness Month, a time where we celebrate and accelerate children’s interest in reading, writing and literacy.

Unfortunately, some children grow up with limited access to books which is often times linked to lower reading scores and less success in schools. In fact, more than 13 million children go to sleep every night without hearing a bedtime story or having books in the home. According to the Educational Testing Service, the more types of reading materials there are in the home, the higher students are in reading proficiency.

Nothing is more important than your child’s educations, parents know their children best and can provide one-onone assistance to helping their children be the best readers possible. Here is a list of ways to help your children become better readers.

Promotereading readingin inthe thehome home 1.1.Promote Having books in the home has been proven to improve children’s reading performances. Studies show that reading out loud to child produces significant skills in reading comprehension and vocabulary. We can improve children’s reading performance by requiring them to read frequently, for longer lengths of time and improving children’s overall attitudes towards learning.

As parents it is important to create time to read with your children, whether it’s through daily nighttime stories or making it a household event make that commitment to helping your kids read more.

materials at their reading level. Strategically place the reading materials around the house like letter shaped magnets or even letter shaped food.

Create a small collection of books for your child to have in the home.

Encouragereading readingactivities activities 3.3.Encourage Make reading apart of your child’s every day lives. It is important to encourage reading activities

Surroundkids kids 2.2.Surround withreading readingmaterials materials with It is proven that children with a large variety of reading materials in their homes score higher on standardized testing. Whether its through books at home or regular trips to the library, it is important to introduce your kids to books and reading Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

and every opportunity can be made into a reading opportunity. Have your children read menus, road signs and everyday information you see out in public. As parents you can also implement home assignments like creating vocab list, reading the dictionary and creating fun activities like word banks or word searches. To help your children use computer programs, audio books and encourage your children to read books with their friends. The more you encourage children to read the more they will enjoy reading.

4.Track Trackyour yourchild’s 4. progress child’s progress Reading progress does not always formulate over night, make sure you are tracking your child’s progress and giving them the help and attention they need to become great readers. Find your child’s strengths and weaknesses and challenge them to do better. Actively check with teachers for grade reports and if necessary get additional help from tutors or learning centers to help your child reach their full potential.

March 2018  |  9

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10 | March 2018 Entrepreneur

Africa On My Back Unites With Mentoring Organizations to Host Black Panther Pre-Screening

By Adriana Morales News Provider

S

hortly before Marvel’s release of its first major motion picture - a superhero film with a Black lead, Black cast and Black director - a local mompreneur wanted young men of African descent to get a first glimpse of the film together. Thursday night, in advance of its highly anticipated release, Africa On My Back, owned by Shannette Prince, bought out an auditorium for more than 200 young men to prescreen the movie.

Africa On My Back partnered with wellknown mentoring organizations and schools across the Houston area to view the movie in a brotherhood like setting.

Representation matters to young boys and men who are growing up in a world where they are still trying to find their place and figure themselves out. Joining together and watching this film left the young men feeling more empowered, powerful, and confident in themselves.

“One of the reasons I worked with organizations that mentor young men is because they help them build character and become critical thinkers.[...] Our boys need to know they are extremely gifted and have untapped super powers. Africa On My Back wants to be instrumental in making sure they never forget who they are,” says Shannette Prince.

Prior to the commencement of the film, the young men were asked a series of questions regarding Black Panther aimed to spark the creative and critical thinkers within them. Young men who were able to come up with brilliant and thoughtful answers were given door prizes as rewards.

As the night came to an end, the group of brilliant black boys gathered round to thank Ms. Shannette for putting the night together, said their goodbyes and reflected on

the meaning of the movie as Africa On My Back paraphernalia was distributed to all the attendees.

Africa On My Back was an idea made reality after Prince, took her two brilliant black

boys to West Africa to experience a life where they saw what it was like to be the majority race, where they could experience the beauty and pride of African culture. After giving her boys this beautiful and life changing experience, she felt the need to give this same opportunity to more brilliant black boys who struggle to find their identity in a world where we see less and less opportunities for minority groups every day. Thus began the concept of Africa on My Back.

The company produces and sells fair trade, handmade, African print backpacks that support study abroad opportunities, whilst helping small business in Ghana, West Africa.

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March 2018  |  11

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12 | March 2018

Robert Turner

Building a Legacy of Community and Customer Service at Turner Chevrolet By d-mars.com News Provider

A

s a young man growing up in Marshall, Texas, Robert Turner didn’t know what working for yourself was called. He just knew his family exemplified it every day.

“My Father had a seventh-grade education. My mother only completed the eleventh grade. Yet, they were two of the hardest working people I knew. My mother operated a café and my father was a butcher in addition to working as a laborer at a local steel casting company,” Turner said. “We didn’t know they were ‘entrepreneurs.’ They were just hard-workers who wanted their own.”

The Turners instilled that in their children, and that entrepreneurial spirit became embedded in Robert Turner’s foundation.

“As the only boy out of six children, my dad suggested that I work with someone new every year. My first paying job was with my mother’s father, who paid $2 per day to help with yard work. He and my older cousin mowed the lawns and my job was to have the sidewalks edged by the time they finished and sweep the sidewalks clear of grass.”

Armed with that skill, Turner eventually saved enough money and started his own lawn care business. As his mowers aged, he figured out how to do repair and maintenance.

“Word got out and I had mowers and bicycles piling up in my parents’ yard for me to repair. I soon stopped cutting yards and spent most of my time repairing bicycles and power mowers,” he said.

By the time he was a teen, Turner was repairing cars and trucks and knew he was destined for the automotive industry, most

likely as the owner of a tow truck company and auto repair shop. But in 1976, fresh out of a high school, a representative of General Motors convinced Turner to come work for the company in Dallas, while he worked on a degree.

Turner enrolled in El Centro College and started taking night classes while working

during the day. Eventually Turner decided he wanted to be more than a salesman, he wanted his own dealership – a daunting feat for a young black man.

“I couldn’t get a dealership so I left the auto industry and started selling insurance. Three years later I returned to the auto industry in sales, then sales management, finance management, then general management,” Turner said.

His persistence paid off and in 1998, Robert Turner entered into his first automotive partnership, a business he sold two years later.

“I moved to Beaumont/Port Arthur and purchased a dealer company in Nederland

(JK Chevrolet Isuzu). We added Subaru in 2009 in Nederland and our last acquisition, Turner Chevrolet in Crosby, Texas in June 2014.”

Turner Chevrolet Crosby is one of the fastest growing dealerships in the greater Houston area. Turner has turned the store completely from low customer satisfaction scores to best in class as well as sales that were in the bottom 25% in the country to the top 25% in the country.

Now, with a thriving business, Turner attributes his success to the people on his team.

“We have a slogan in my business that

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our people make the difference. You must have the right people to be successful at anything. That’s no different in our business. We look for talent and train for excellence,” Turner said. “General Motors and Subaru make our products on the same assembly lines that other dealer’s products are made. We enlist our personnel to make the difference of the choice you make to do business with us versus someone else.”

That desire to always exceed the expectation of his customers is only part of Turner’s mission. He also believes to whom much is given, much is required.

“Being in the sales and service business

March 2018 | 13

“We have a slogan in my business that our people make the difference. You must have the right people to be successful at anything.

That’s no different in our business. We look for talent and train for excellence.”

of personal and business transportation, we are always involved in the community,” Turner said. “We also participate in local chambers of commerce, rotary clubs and a select group of community organizations like BCCPA, Crosby Rodeo, Barrett Station Urban League, just to name a few.”

Turner’s sons, Daylan and Robbie, work with him in the family business.

Daylyn works JK Subaru as General Manager and Vice President. Robbie works in Sales for Turner Chevrolet.

And though his other four children have chosen paths outside of the automotive industry, the dedicated father hopes to

leave a legacy of customer and community service.

“It would please me to see that my children and grandchildren see value in work-

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—Robert Turner

ing with the public in the personal transportation sector.”

Robert Turner has come a long way from his humble beginnings in Marshall, but he is grateful for all of his life’s experiences.

“When I was growing up I did not know what my family was doing was called entrepreneurship. Most of the people in my neighborhood did something for themselves. I often heard them say you can make a living from the shoulders down and a fortune from the shoulders up. I believe that and work hard every day to ensure the success of all three companies,” Turner added.

14  |  March 2018

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March 2018 | 15

2018 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs Living Legend

Super Trailblazers

Super Trailblazers

Carl Anthony Payne, II Kenny E. Lloyd

“Being honored as a Top 50 was a pleasure. It’s so beautiful to see people from different walks of life coming together, networking, and pushing forward to make things happen. D-Mars is always throwing a wonderful and massive event.”

“I do believe it’s an honor to be honored by your peers in the community. I feel that the event was incredible. It’s great to have an entity that recognizes the great work that we are doing in the community and this event did just that.”

—Kenny E. Lloyd

—Carl Payne Shawn A. Taylor

T

he late Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

d-mars.com held the 6th Annual Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards Ceremony in the spirit of that same logic - making the professionals that are paving the way for future generations feel good about themselves and their accomplishments.

President and CEO, Mr. D-Mars, is always honored to recognize the best of the best in our city, and wants all of honorees to know that they are seen and appreciated for all that they've done and all that they continue to do.

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16 | March 2018

Trailblazers

Event

Dr. Antonio D. Tillis Dr. Quentin Ashley Wright

Derrick Reed

“It was amazing to receive the honor, it means a lot to be recognized for the work that I do every day for the youth of Brazoria County. Sometimes in life we feel unappreciated, but this event and honor made me feel very appreciated. The event was wonderful being able to network with other professionals, being recognized for work that I love to do, having a platform to help me level the playing field for the youth I serve was amazing.”

—Amber Newman Amber Newman Michalyn D. Porter, Ph.D.

Mary Griffin Reggie Collier Ernest Walker

“I am honored and pleased to be recognized as one of the Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs and to join past recipients who I have long admired and respected.

It was great to see so many successful black entrepreneurs in one room. One of my favorite quotes is ‘Don’t wait for anyone’s permission to be successful…Take It’. Black Entrepreneurship is on the rise and I'm very proud of our success.”

—Warren Broadnax Warren Broadnax Shawn McLemore

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March 2018 | 17

Event

Community Heroes

Pastor J.T. Johnson Paula Ware Pastor E.A. Deckard

Xavier Samuels

Thank you for this amazing opportunity! It was a blessing for me to receive this recognition because more people now know there is a tremendous need to serve more youth! I was joyfully overwhelmed with the marriage of professionalism and the familystyle reception. This event served as a marketing stepping stone for my company in the multi-faceted workforce that was represented.

I was able to connect with professionals who are equally excited about joining forces to serve disadvantaged youth.

State Representative Shawn Thierry

—Paula Ware

Jacqueline D. Fortune Trae Tha Truth Dwight A. Judge

Family Affair

State Representative Jarvis Johnson

Lorenza Phillips Butler, Sr. & Lorenza Phillips Butler, Jr.

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18 | March 2018

2018 Top

Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs

Row 1: Dwight A. Judge, Mary Griffin, Lorenza Phillips Butler, Sr., Lorenza Phillips Butler, Jr., Margaret Allen, DDS, Shawn McLemore, Ernest Walker. Row 2: Zano Bailey, Dr. Shana D. Lewis, Valesco Raymond, LaTrice Martin, Regg Mr. D-Mars, Carl Anthony Payne, II, Amber Newman, Dr. Lisa A. Wines, Twiler Portis, Cheryl Thornton, Trae Tha Tru Pastor E.A. Deckard, Derek Boles, Dr. Anthony Sutton, Teeba Rose, Hiram H. Smith, DeRonica Horn, Jacqueline D. Rickie Chaffold, Leo Lamarcus Newman, Ken Ross, Charles Collins, Helen Ashegbeyeri and Will Norwood, III Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

March 2018 | 19

2018 Top

Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs

Michalyn D. Porter, PhD, Kenny E. Lloyd, State Representative Shawn Thierry, Shawn A. Taylor, Tricia D. Moten, gie Collier, Billyssia Pierce, James Donatto, II, Dr. Cwanza Pinckney, Carneta Hunte-Larkin, Paula Ware, uth, Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil. Row 3: Isaac Moore, Derrick Reed, Chaz Hammonds Daughtry, Jimmy Burner, Fortune, Kevin Murray. Row 4: Dr. Quentin Ashley Wright, Warren Broadnax, Alfred “Al” Benoit, J.D. Garnier,

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20 | March 2018

Top

Super

Cheryl Elliott Thornton Carneta Hunte-Larkin, BSW, MSHEA, MBA, MHRM(c)

Dr. Anthony Sutton James Donatto, II Charles Collins

Twiler Portis LaTrice Martin

Ken Ross

Alfred Al Benoit Billyssia Pierce

“I had an Amazing time sharing such a prestigious and worthy honor with my fellow honorees.

I was humbled to be recognized for all the community service and customer care that our team strives for daily.” ­ Zano Bailey —

Margaret Allen, DDS

“It was truly an honor to be including among so many driven and successful people. I think this award ceremony helps to highlight community heroes in all areas and gives our young people something to look to as an example.” ­—J.D. Garnier, JD, CFP

Zano Bailey J.D. Garnier, JD, CFP

Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil Kevin Murray

Steve Brown Lisa A. Wines, Ph.D., LPC, CSC

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March 2018 | 21

Top

Up and Coming

“I am proud to stand in solidarity as not just a hard working individual in the community, but a young man, with my fellow sisters and brothers in the room who make up the Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs. This event was a success and with the many gifts that African-American men and women have given our country, I sure hope everyone takes some time to learn about the contributions that many African Americans have made.”

Chaz Hammonds Daughtry

­—Leo LeMarcus Newman

“It was a great honor receiving an award that so many Texas Legends have received. Being one of the youngest recipients and newest entrepreneurs it was inspiring to see so many black professionals running successful multimillion dollar companies. It’s not every day that I get to meet the entrepreneurs that I look up to and to have them in one building… it was amazing.

Attending Top P&E gave me the motivation to keep growing my company, and to dream bigger.”

—Chaz Hammonds Daughtry

Leo LeMarcus Newman

DeRonica Horn

Helen Ashegbeyeri

Tricia D. Moten, RN, BSN Teeba Rose Hiram H. Smith

Valesco Raymond Will Norwood, III

Rickie Chaffold

Issac Moore

Dr Shana D. Lewis, LPC, NCC

Dr Cwanza Pinckney Marshall Isom

Derek Boles, M.Ed.

Jimmy Burner

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22  |  March 2018

Sponsors

Title Sponsor University of Houston HUB Maira Artola and Moquita Quinan

HUB Program

Title Sponsor Regions Bank Ryan Colburn

Presenting Sponsor Bee Fit Foods Billyssia Pierce Title Sponsor Anderson & Smith Ricky Anderson

Event

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Presenting Sponsor She's Happy Hair Warren Broadnax

March 2018  |  23

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24 | March 2018 business

In his book “No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline”,

Brian Tracy outlined seven ways to make other people feel important: 1. Accept people the way they are. Because most people are judgmental and critical, to be unconditionally accepted by another person raises that person’s self-esteem, reinforces his or her selfimage, and makes that person much more likely to accept you and follow your lead.

2. Show your appreciation for others.

When you appreciate another person for anything that he or she has done or said, they will like themselves and you more as well. The simplest way to express appreciation is to simply say, “Thank you” for an idea, some good feedback, time spent together, or an order.

3. Be agreeable. The most welcomed people in every situation are those who are generally agreeable and positive with others. Entrepreneurs who like to be argumentative, complaining, or disagreeable, will have a hard time closing a contract, investment, or a customer contract.

4. Show your admiration. People invest a lot of personal emotion in their possessions, traits, and accomplishments. When you admire something belonging to another person, it makes him feel happy about himself. Everyone

Always remember…

Investors invest in the person, not in the persons ideas. Customers buy from the people who work for a company, not from the company itself. And despite the amount of money that they make or the benefits that they have, an employee will show loyalty to a good boss. Building relationships is one of the most important factors in being a successful entrepreneur, and making people feel good is the most important factor in building relationships.

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has positives, and it’s up to you to find them. In turn, these positives will be reflected back on you.

5. Pay attention to others. The most powerful way to pay attention to someone is to listen attentively first, even ask questions, before you launch into a monologue answering every question they might never ask. Believe it or not, before you even say a word, you will become a more interesting and intelligent person in their eyes.

6. Never criticize, condemn, or complain. In business as well as personal relationships, the most harmful force of all is destructive criticism. It lowers a person’s self-esteem, makes him feel angry and defensive, and causes him to dislike you. If your target is someone not present, it still causes a loss of trust in you, since your listener could be the next target.

7. Be courteous, concerned, and considerate of everyone you meet. When you treat a person with courtesy and respect, they will value and respect you more. By being concerned, you connect with their emotions. Consideration is the discipline to do and say things to people that are important to them.

March 2018 | 25 community

Step Up for Under-served Girls in Our Community By d-mars.com News Provider

A

s stories of sexual assaults, high school dropout rates and other struggles facing women and girls dominate news headlines, RARE Pearls, Inc. is stepping up to make a difference.

On Saturday, April 14, hundreds of women and girls will gather at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Center for the 2018 “Pumps and Pearls” Schola rships and Awards Luncheon.

This year’s luncheon is being chaired by Gayla Gardner along with the dynamic mother and daughter honorary chairs: ABC 13’s Gina Gaston and daughter Lauren and Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein and daughter Jordan.

The event raises funds to support RARE Pearls in delivering life-changing programs and experiences to under-

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served girls in the community. Eleven program graduates will be recognized and awarded college scholarships. Additionally, six community leaders will receive the RARE Pearls Women of Excellence Award for their extraordinary accomplishments and commitment to helping pave the path to success for other women and girls. Those women are Kelley Taylor, Suzan Deison, Laurie Vignaud, Julie Finck, Myrtle Jones and Lalla Morris.

Barbara Curtis, Founder and President of RARE Pearls, Inc., invites others to join their mission.

“RARE Pearls is committed to equipping and empowering girls to reach their full potential. We are determined to do what we can to give them the tools, guidance and support needed to achieve their dreams.

We’re inviting women and men throughout Houston to join us on April 14 as we step up for this great cause!”

26  |  March 2018

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March 2018 | 27 Education

Texas Southern Debate Team wins international competition

Renowned team led by Dr. Thomas Freeman claims 34 trophies in Montreal

By Karen A. Celestan News Provider

T

he world-renowned Debate Team at Texas Southern University won the 28th Annual International Forensics Association’s Speech and Debate Tournament held March 12-13, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. TSU’s Debate Team was crowned 2018 International Champions and brought home 34 trophies, including 10 first-place awards. The International Forensics Association (IFA) is an affiliate of the National Communication Association (NCA).

The TSU team earned first and second place in parliamentary debate and awards in several categories, including duo, prose, semi-improvisational and semi-extemporaneous. TSU President Dr. Austin A. Lane served as a judge in the tournament’s final round.

“Our students displayed high-quality oratory skills and showcased the best that Texas Southern University has to

offer,” Dr. Lane said. “We are so proud of their hard work and dedication to task in this tournament.”

Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts is the head coach of TSU’s Debate Team, along with assistant coaches Wendell King II and Sondera Malry, and graduate assistants Shekia Rogers and Okwildilli Onyekawelu. Antréchelle Dorsey is president of the Debate Team. TSU’s Debate Team’s rich history dates back to 1949 under the leadership of Dr.

Thomas F. Freeman, professor emeritus and Debate Team head coach. Dr. Freeman, 93, is in his 68th year at Texas Southern and continues to work with the team. TSU debaters have garnered several international titles during the team’s existence.

ABOUTTEXAS TEXAS SOUTHERN SOUTHERN ABOUT UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY Texas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-pur-

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pose institution for urban programming and research. TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation’s underserved communities. TSU’s academic and research programs address critical urban issues, and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college.

28 | March 2018 Political

New Website for the City of Houston

By Sylvester Turner Mayor of Houston

I

am excited to announce the launch of the City’s improved website, www.houstontx.gov.

Almost half a million people use our website each month, so I wanted visitors, residents and businesses to have the best experience possible when engaging with the City online.

The new site features many of the City’s most popular online pages, such as job opportunities, animal adoption and trash and recycling information.

It also features tools that provide the information in more than 100 languages. Launching a website that celebrates the unique diversity and welcoming nature of our City was a priority for me. We now have a site that works for everyone and serves as a tool that makes it easier for Houstonians and others to access services, find information, and engage with local government Since more than half of all users go to the site from their cell phones and tablets, enhancements were made to allow for better navigation on mobile devices. The site also features improvements to Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and general usability.

This would have typically cost hundreds of thousands of dollars if done by an outside contractor, but the redesign was accomplished by a taskforce led by the Mayor’s Office of Communications and Office of Innovation, with Houston Information Technology Services Department overseeing the project at no extra cost to taxpayers.

Additionally, the three finalists of the “Digital Design Challenge” -- Brand Ranch Media, Don Suttajit,

and Think Thank Ideas -- provided valuable community input by presenting their vision for the City’s website design to me.

The City is also launching a new web governance policy in the coming weeks to ensure pages are maintained consistent and content is updated regularly.

We are making every effort to establish the City of Houston as a global leader in technology and innovation. Our website exemplifies the spirit of Houston and shows our commitment to making technology work for all Houstonians.

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March 2018  |  29

For a special discount use code DMARS.

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30 | March 2018 Real Estate

The “ME” Space

How to create a “ME”space without intimidating all who visit.

• Do you have a comfortable chair that allows you to sit comfortably?

• Is there a mirror in this space?

• Do you play music in this space?

• Do you have any motivational quotes visible?

• What photos do you have visible?

• Is this a place where you keep everything neat and folded, or in your space do you walk in and kick off your shoes and leave your clothes wherever they land?

By Linda Lindsay Contributing Writer

I

nterior Design became an interest and a skill of mine at a very early age. My father, with his Caribbean discipline, would make me stay in my room as a form of punishment, and from punishment grew a full blown talent.

As most children do, I used my imagination to create the perfect environment for ME. I would use anything that was out of the norm to make my room as comfortable and serene as I possibly could.

My walls read, “I am smart, I am beautiful, I am different and IT'S OKAY.” From writing on the walls to bringing in all types of accessories, my room soon became my “ME” space.

The little story from my childhood is what I share will all of my clients. Before HGTV and home design became popular, my desire to work with architects and designers became a part of how I lived and operated.

Designing became my favorite past time.

Sharing this skill has now allowed me to work with clients to create their very own ME space. Within their environment they can reflect and show off who they are.

In the past I’ve written about color, furnishings, art, and space, but this time I want to zero in on creating a specific area within a space that focuses on you and only you.

If you live alone, transforming this specific space should be easy, but it may be a little difficult to find a space within the home or apartment that will stand out from the rest if you share your space with family, a roommate or a spouse. If that is the case you can start with a small area.

No matter the circumstances, a good way to start once you have identified the perfect area is to grab a piece of chalk and a chalkboard, make a list, and use it as a guide to transform your space.

Ask yourself: • What is your favorite color?

• What smells do you love?

• What is your favorite flower?

• Do you eat at a table or do you eat out often?

• Do you have a TV in this room?

• Do you carry your phone all the time into this space?

Now that you have answered all of these questions ask yourself if you like the space that you have now created. How does your space make you feel?

Does it make you feel…

• Warm and cozy?

• Organized and happy?

• Organized and empty?

• Passionate and sexy?

• Serious or playful?

Remain aware of the message you get when you are in your “ME” space.

Take the evaluation within the small area to help you enhance larger spaces in which you share with your family, your friends, your spouse or anyone else that comes to visit or is there to stay.

Start with yourself, share with family members, and then create an environment that allows for all to have that ME Space.

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March 2018  |  31

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32  |  March 2018

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March 2018  |  33

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34  |  March 2018

T H E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

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March 2018  |  35

Charlotte A. Jackson Noel Pinnock Keyana Pratt Alisa Manning Peppers Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner d-mars.com News Provider

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