d-mars.com Business Journal 09 by d-mars.com

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Sept/Oct 2006 ��

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: M o n i c a L a m b , M R . D - M A R S , To n g e l a C . C l a r k a n d J a r v i s J o h n s o n

Bishop James W.E. Dixon, II-Senior Pastor The Community of Faith

Ruama Camp

G.R.A.C.E. Community Services

Geary Broadnax

Dovarri, President, CEO

Adrienne Henny

Coozan’s Wings & Bayou Café

www.d-mars.com | SEPT/OCT 2006

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Behind the

Journal

Publisher’s Message Keith J. Davis, Sr.

I’m a firm believer that anyone can be great. There is no special anointing, no divine appointment, just the right attitude and the right commitment, and a good person can become great. Those are the people we focus on in this issue, good people doing great things. We actually could have put out a paper the size of a telephone book because there are so many stellar business men and women out there, but we narrowed it down to a select few. The individuals here aren’t seeking any type of accolades - they get personal fulfillment out of just doing great things. We can all learn from them. I know I’ve learned a lot. Just in the process of putting this issue together, I’ve been inspired, motivated and felt my own commitment be renewed by surrounding myself with other good people doing great things. There were times when I may have needed an extra push and these people did just that. There is a saying that you are a reflection of the company you keep. Well if that is true, I’m shining brightly, because the individuals I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with for this issue are some of the best in the business world. So if ever there comes a time when you feel your light starting to dim, surround yourself with good people doing great things and chances are, you will be rejuvenated! Again, I have to ask that you not only support the people featured here, but all of the businesses and individuals that patronize DMARS Business Journal, because while each of them strives for greatness, they cannot be successful without the community supporting their endeavors.

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month Strive for goodness... and great things will follow

www.d-mars.com | SEPT/OCT 2006

Doing Monica Lamb Basketball star Monica Lamb has always been a health advocate – even as a little girl. “I was always promoting health. I remember as far back as the third grade, I would stop people as they walked down the street and make them do jumping jacks. I would even hide my mom’s cigarettes.” So it should come as no surprise that after hanging up her basketball shoes, Lamb’s still promoting health and healthy living.

Lamb is the founder of the Monica Lamb Wellness Foundation, an organization aimed at promoting health and wellness for women and children. “We are in a health crisis, so my organization tries to educate and empower women and children by providing health education initiatives. It’s our goal to educate people. We believe that people perish from lack of knowledge.”

Tongela Clark Tongela Clark’s philosophy is simple. “Pursue passion and prosperity will follow.” Tongela is a powerful inspirational speaker who knows and shows others how to bounce back after adversity. Tongela is the author and publisher of Dropped Out But Not Knocked Out, a book that chronicles the story of her life. It shows that when life knocks you down with hard hits and blows below the belt, God himself has a master plan - one that is sure to not only bring deliverance, but healing and clarity. Her book has received rave reviews nationally, and is being used in schools, prisons and community-based organizations to foster hope and love to a dying world.

A successful cosmetologist by profession, Tongela traded that lucrative life in for her passion. “My passion had shifted and I always said I wanted to live a life of pursuing my passion and not the paper,” says Clark. As part of her business philosophy, she feels it is important that a person has integrity, accountability, and character.

Jarvis Johnson Most people know Jarvis Johnson as the man making moves down at city hall. As a city council member, Johnson is active in the community. But his commitment to the community came long before he took a seat on the city council. As a student at Texas Southern University, Johnson got the calling to carry on the vision of the late Rev. Robert L. Handy, the founder of Phoenix Outreach Youth Center (POYC). At 22, he became Executive Director and has been a positive inspiration in the lives of many young people. Johnson has worked tirelessly to improve the life, education and community of Fifth Ward. He has planned and executed several projects such as: Christmas Comes to Fifth Ward, the Annu-

Lamb tries to focus on a whole fit lifestyle choice, while addressing a range of health disparities in the black community. “It’s not just about being emotionally well and sound, or keeping up with doctors appointments, or being immunized, or having tests and wellness done regularly. It’s about the incorporation of mind, body and spirit that really produces wellness. Lamb, a native Houstonian, who went to Blackshear, Ryan and Yates and still lives in the community says she feels a special commitment for what she does. “I believe that as you are blessed and enriched, there is a duty to bless and enrich. As a professional athlete, I was able to get support of the community and that doesn’t come for free. I have a job and mission. It’s a blessing to be able to marry my sense of duty and purpose. It’s what I am supposed to be doing. We are losing people every day. They are subbing out of the game every day so I’m trying to keep as many people on the court every day.”

Instead of succumbing to unfortunate circumstances, Tongela looked deep within herself and found new strength and a new resolve. In her motivational speeches, she shares the lessons she has learned from a series of twists and turns, and demonstrates how to rise above misfortune and live life with conviction. The focus of her presentation is how to cope with change and deal with adversity. “People always say that I am so transparent and always tell the truth and that alone equals transformation. So many people are facing real issues and no one wants to confront and see change,” she says. Tongela brings a positive attitude to life that touches all that hear her. She’s been applauded

al Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner and School Supplies and Uniform Drive. He has combined educational preparation with community empowerment to improve the academic performance and school supported behaviors of students. Johnson has worked as a Social Skills and Recreation Coordinator, a certified AIDS counselor, a youth counselor and has been a MH-MRA Residential Specialist. Johnson’s work doesn’t go unnoticed. He has received many awards since he has embarked on the challenge of developing and molding young minds into becoming great people. Some of these awards are the Distinction Award (National Association of Black Social Workers), Unsung Hero Award (Americorps), Visionary Award (Black United Fund of Texas), Student of the Year Award (Texas Southern University), Young Administrator of the Year Award (National Association of Black Public Administrators), Distinguished Service Award (National Council of Negro Women Houston

Some of the organizations recent projects include a summer enrichment program, which focused on academic development, character, and sports development for young people. The Foundation also will soon be working with Texas Children’s Hospital to do case management. “We know there are still great disparities between what is developed and what people access. It doesn’t matter if Houston has some of the best medical facilities in the world if we have a large black population that is disenfranchised and can’t take advantage of that,” she said. Lamb says she is excited about working with Texas Children’s, especially a holiday camp they’ll be doing between the Christmas and New Year’s holiday. “I firmly believe that we have to positively occupy our children’s time and minds. Whenever we have summer and Christmas breaks, that’s when they get into trouble. It’s a goal of my foundation to fill that gap and fill that void,” she said. They will also host other events, including a trail ride on Oct. 21 in recognition of breast cancer awareness, and a Shoot for a Cure at Memorial Hermann Center on Oct. 14th. For more information, on the foundation or any upcoming events, log on to www.mlwellness.org.

as having a speaking style that makes audiences fall in love with her and embrace her message. She feels in order to impact your community you must have contact. “I make contact and that is how you know the needs and then impact after contact. Loyalty and commitment is key, it takes reputation to see change,” Clark states. Tongela says she advises aspiring entrepreneurs to believe that the sky is the limit and they can accomplish whatever they set out to do. “Take the limits off and get out the boat. Find you a mentor that is in the field you desire and ask them to mentor you. This can eliminate bumps and humps. Remember you still have to go through to get to. Enjoy the ride and take notes. You will one day pass it on to other aspiring entrepreneurs,” proclaims Clark.

Chapter), Citizen of the Year 1996-1997 (Omega Psi Phi Omega Theta Chapter) and Do Something Brick Award 2000, A Salute to Men of the Millennium 2001 (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Rho Omicron Omega Chapter), and Houston Business Professional Men’s Organization Award 2002 and Conference of Minority Transportation Official Award 2002 . Johnson continues to help work toward improving his community by his many efforts and volunteer spirit. He is currently volunteering his leadership to Inner City Action Network, serving as Chairperson; Shepherd Park Terrance Civic Club, serving as correspondent secretary; The Chinquapin School, serving as board member; Make Ready, Inc., serving as board member; and the Volunteers in Public School (VIPS) serving on the advisory board. Johnson’s goal is to empower our young people through education and community service so that they may prosper and be the shinning stars of our society. He believes in Proverbs 22:6 – TRAIN A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO, AND WHEN HE IS OLD HE WILL NOT TURN FROM IT.

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In Our James W.E. Dixon, II Many times when officials in the city of Houston are looking for religious advice, spiritual feedback, or just community input, they turn to Minister James W. E. Dixon, II. Most people know Dixon as the pastor of The Community of Faith Church, but there’s so much more to this preacher than meets the eye. Dixon is a dedicated motivational speaker, author, community leader, and entrepreneur, who entered the ministry at age 15 and was elected pastor by his congregation at age 18. Under his leadership The Community of Faith, now one church in two locations has grown from 150 into a multi-thousand member congregation. He is the founder and Bishop-elect of The Kingdom Builders Fellowship through, which he provides leadership and mentorship for over 100 pastors and congregations across the United States and on the continent of Africa. Through local and nationally television broadcasts, James Dixon is inspiring thousands of Americans to

Adrienne A. Henny If you are in the mood for Cajun food, visit Coozan’s Hot Wings and Bayou Café in Southwest Houston. Coozan’s (Couzans) means cousin in the French-Creole language. Owned and operated by native Houstonian Adrienne Henny and her husband, Kerrick, the restaurant is sure to make you think you’re in the French Quarter. “The difference in our product is that Creole is a part of everything that we do,” say Henny. “From

think positively, pursue their dreams with passion and to impact the world for good. Because of his relevance and resourcefulness, he is sought by sports organizations, schools, corporations and church groups as a speaker, teacher and motivator. He is a gifted and skilled people mover. James Dixon’s voice is respected by large audiences and in board rooms. In April 2004, he was appointed to the Metropolitan Transit Authority Board by Mayor Bill White. He has served on the executive board of the Houston NAACP for six years and is a former board member of the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast. James Dixon’s vision for community development is evidenced in the accomplishments of Dominion Community Development Corporation which has transformed a depressed neighborhood by providing affordable housing in the inner city; Dominion Academy, an

all the Louisiana flavors to the zydeco music, we have it all.” Henny says business is good and the community has always supported them. “We’ve been blessed that they continue to support us,” she said. That’s why they continue to support the community. Whether it’s giving away free food to New Orleans evacuees or working with the Jack Yates Summer Football camp, the Henny’s stay busy.

HISD Charter School teaches middle school students business, economics and entrepreneurship; and Dominion Plaza, a commercial retail center, which is home to an array of small businesses. The Difference Is Vision, an informative and igniting book is his first published work. He is also a published songwriter and producer, signed to the Blackberry Record Label. James Dixon is a product of Houston area schools; a graduate of S.P. Waltrip High School; former student of Houston Baptist and Texas Southern University, where he excelled as a debater. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Oikodome School of Biblical Studies and is currently pursuing the Master of Divinity Degree at Houston Graduate School of Theology. He is married to Tanisha Chenier. They have two daughters, Mariah and Victoria.

The restaurant started five years ago, and was originally called Cayenne’s Hot Wings and Bayou Café. The husband and wife duo started the business because Henny says she has always enjoyed managing and it was something she was interested in. Henny advises other

entrepeaureurs to always plan properly. “A lot of it has to do with managing business properly. It’s not just about the customers, it’s about managing the ins and outs of the business. That’s just as vital,” states Henny. Henny’s goal is to grow the business and later franchise. “I want to have stores in five different states,” Henny says. And you can count on each one to have that Louisiana flavor, after all it’s in their blood. “Both of our families are from the Cane River, Opelsus area of Louisiana. Presently the couple owns and operates two locations and the third is under construction.

Source was ranked second on the list of Houston’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies.

liant, Broadnax entered the business world again with his latest company, Dovarri, Inc.

In 1995, Mr. Broadnax founded Insync Internet Services, Inc., a regional internet service provider specializing in providing complete corporate Internet solutions. Insync’s client list of over 6,000 corporate customers included companies like Compaq, Mitchell Energy & Development Corp., Southwestern Bell, Marathon Oil, The Houston Rockets, Wells Fargo, The Greater Houston Partnership, The Houston Chronicle, and Stewart & Stevenson. Insync became the number one fastest growing technology company on the 1998 Houston 100 Fastest Growing Companies list. Insync’s success attracted the attention of Reliant Energy, Houston’s integrated utility company. Reliant was looking for a partner in the Internet industry to provide services to the clients of their newly formed subsidiary, Reliant Energy Communications. In April, 2000, Insync Internet Services, Inc. was purchased by Reliant and Broadnax became the Senior Vice President of Reliant Energy Communications. After fulfilling the terms of his employment contract with Re-

Mr. Broadnax has received numerous awards of distinction, including the Small Businessperson of the Year award given by the Houston SBA in 1999; and he has twice been a finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Mr. Broadnax sits on the Board of many business and charitable organizations.

Geary Broadnax Geary Broadnax is President and CEO of Dovarri, Inc., a SFA/CRM software company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Dovarri provides a range of sales management and customer relationship management solutions for single users as well as enterprise size companies. Broadnax is originally from Virginia. While at Virginia Tech, he studied both electrical engineering and photography, leading to a 20-year career in photography including stringing for AP & UPI, teaching photojournalism at Texas Southern University in Houston, and spending eleven years on the staff of the Houston Post. At the Post, he progressed rapidly to become the Director of Photography, and achieved the distinction of being the fastest promoted photographer in the history of the Post. In 1992, Mr. Broadnax founded AllSource Incorporated, a systems integration company that provided computer consulting and computer systems sales and support. Within the first three years of business, All-

www.d-mars.com | SEPT/OCT 2006

Of The Rauma Camp and Pastor Joshua Mitchell believe its their purpose to do good things in the community. “Without the community there would be no need to serve,” Camp said. The pair is definitely serving as the leaders of G.R.A.C.E. Community Services, a faith-based organization committed to empowering African-American churches and other ministries with information and training on how to be effective before, during and after a disaster. “We are the only African American disaster ministry in the nation,” says Camp, who is organizer of the faith-based group. “I worked for FEMA in the Voluntary Agencies Dept., which afforded me the opportunity to travel and see first hand how disaster agencies/ministries are formed. I was also able to see what they do to assist hurting communities with healing themselves when the government is limited. Knowing

Storm

what FEMA does and how they assist communities will allow us to participate before during and after disaster occurs. There are many disaster ministries and mission groups that assist at all disasters but unfortunately none look like us,” she said. It’s something that’s definitely needed in a place that’s prone to disaster. G.R.A.C.E. Community Services is the catalyst to empower AfricanAmerican churches and other ministries to be equipped to take ownership when the disaster strikes their community. “It’s imperative that the church lead the effort before, during, and after disaster occurs in our communities. We must get in place to respond by

becoming certified before the disaster, i.e. natural or man-made happens. The Disaster Institute will assist the community with gathering disaster response information, starting collaborations and alliances with other disaster ministries and organizations. We also provide churches with information on how to set” up as a disaster ministry. All of the Grace employees are FEMA certified,” she said. While the organization is all about doing good, running the business hasn’t always been easy. “There are challenges sometimes in finding committed individuals who do what they say, and above all love God in action and not just in word,” she said. Camp says she hopes to encourage others to get involved. “It’s time for our pastors, and community leaders to be included when city planning and zoning decisions are being made. It’s time for us to participate at the kick off and not at the last quarter of the game. But we must show up prepared to play with the right ball and in order to do that we must get the right info. It’s time for us to answer the call!” she said.

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According to Cheryl Harris-Brown, owner of Innovative Payroll Service, the power has always been in the hands of the larger more profitable corporations in such areas as being able to afford to out source special needs like payroll, payroll taxes and IRS issues. Innovative Payroll Service prides itself in securing the “small businesses,” that larger competitors view as unprofitable accounts.

“We have identified the need for the smaller companies to acquire the same benefits at affordable fees to fit any budget, whether they are a start-up company with one employee or an existing company with two-hundred and fifty employees,” says Harris-Brown. Her company has so much success because her business philosophy is based on the basics- honesty, integrity, professionalism and excellent customer service. Harris says her company’s motto is “Save the fines, use our time”. Although her company is doing well, she has faced some challenges along the way. “Some of the biggest challenges I have faced in running my business is competing with the big name competitors and convincing my potential clients that Innovative Payroll Service provides a more personable service. All of our clients are very important to us, regardless of the size, and they are not just a numbers,” states Harris. After working in the Accounting/Payroll capacity in Corporate America for 20+ years, Harris started Innovative Payroll Service in January 2001, from the advice of her husband, Marlon. Innovative Payroll is located in League City, where Harris is an active member of the League City Chamber of Commerce. She will take office as League City Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board in January 2007. Cheryl finds the time to not only finds time to be the President/Owner of Innovative Payroll Service, but she also manages the accounting, operations, and sales team. Through all of her work, Harris also manages to stay committed to her community. She says that she remains committed to the community because throughout the process of building her business, she has formed a bond with the community and as a true believer of community involvement, she has adopted and lives by the League City Chamber of Commerce’s mission statement of “Growth through partnership between community, business, and government”.

www.d-mars.com | SEPT/OCT 2006

By T. Blacknell Contributing Writer

Are you ready to start your retail business? You’ve got the plan, the funding and the drive. Now, all you need is a place to house your business, right? Wrong. These days, there are plenty of retail opportunities requiring little time or money to start. From online storefronts to mall-based kiosks to shop-at-home events, you can still turn a profit without breaking the bank. When LaShay Smith started looking for a particular Baby Phat outfit for her baby girl, she had a brainstorm. Why not find some of those hard-tofind clothes and sell them herself. The problem was paying monthly rent and utilities to lease space simply wasn’t feasible. Smith, 27, decided to try her hand on ebay. She bought several designer baby outfits to sell. Smith followed the step-by-step instructions on eBay.com and listed an array of clothes for sale. Less than an hour later, a woman in Atlanta bought half her supply. Smith was on a roll. As fast as she could post the clothes, she sold them and now enjoys a profitable career, which earns her roughly about three thousand dollars a month on a part-time basis.

“All that, without leaving the comfort of my home,” she said. One of the advantages of starting an online retail business is that you can ease into it-you can easily try it out before committing, with little risk or expense. Dennis L. Prince, author of How to Sell Anything on eBay... and Make a Fortune!, recommends first taking a weekend and gathering items you have around the house, because “everyone has $3,000 to $5,000 worth of [merchandise] at their feet they want to get rid of,” he says. Then research what you’ve got by reviewing completed eBay auctions in the Seller area of the site for the product category you want to sell in. Although the process of selling on eBay is extremely easy, selling strategically and successfully can be hard work--” more work than you realize,” says Prince, who has made several hundred thousand dollars on eBay in the last 11 years by selling in his spare time. Sole proprietors can make as much as $5,000 to $10,000 a month, Prince says. If you bring in employees, those numbers can grow substantially. Says Prince, “An online business [has] the lowest cost and potentially highest yield for a retail startup.”

www.d-mars.com | SEPT/OCT 2006

Do You Need Excellent Credit to

Start a Business?

When Richard Branson started Virgin Records (now the Virgin Group conglomerate), he did what most entrepreneurs do: He used his personal savings, borrowed from relatives and patched together enough funding to pay his bills during the difficult months. He had many of the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, but what he did not have was excellent credit.

Many entrepreneurs do not have good credit. Some start a business because they were laid off and don’t have many alternatives. Some start a business when opportunity strikes, rather than when their personal financial situation is in good condition. Some go through divorces and personal bankruptcies that can ruin their credit. If you are starting a business and have a poor (or nonexistent) credit history, here are a few tips that should help: 1. Forget big banks as sources of funding. In the past, obtaining bank financing was based on the four Cs of credit: credit history, cash flows, collateral and character. Today, this is no longer true for most large, well-known financial institutions. They care little about three of the four C’s and instead tend to focus purely on credit history in making lending decisions to small-business applicants. This is because consolidation in the banking industry has driven banks to automate their credit decision processes and minimize the labor involved in getting to know credit applicants face to face. If you have a great business idea but poor credit history (such as a credit score below 650), you will not get any money from banks. Even if you have a great business idea, a strong character and relevant work experience, you are not likely to get any money from big banks if your credit score is not above the 600 to 650 range. There is one notable exception to this rule: home equity loans. If you are willing to secure your business loan with personal equity in your home, you will have plenty of options even if you have poor credit. But be very careful about relying on home equity loans too early in the life cycle of your business. Cash flows for startups are notoriously difficult to forecast.

3. Build your business’s credit score. Once you have a tax ID number and a legal identity for your business, you can start building your business’s credit and establishing a means to qualify for trade and credit lines from suppliers and sources of capital. A growing number of data companies currently track business credit. For example, Equifax has recently developed the Small Business Financial Exchange which provides participating banks with a business credit report. This report contains information on your business’s performance on open lines of credit, including credit cards, installment loans and even loans between relatives, friends and business associates that are reported to Equifax. If you are able to keep these loans on track by making your payments on time, you can establish a strong credit rating for your business.

There are several other data companies that collect financial information on your business. D&B’s PAYDEX score is among the most famous. This score allows your suppliers to know the likelihood that you will be delinquent on a payment. Specifically, the score measures the extent to which payments to your existing vendors have been made on time over the past 12 months. However, keep in mind that most small vendors do not report to D&B. To maximize the likelihood that your business’s PAYDEX score is high (more than 70 out of 100), you should focus on paying large vendors who are likely to submit information to D&B. If you do not have strong personal credit, you should pay special attention to ensuring that you build a good business credit history with companies like Equifax and D&B.

2. Differentiate your personal credit from your business credit. While large banks focus on your personal credit score, smaller community lenders and business-friendly banks will focus on a combination of your personal credit score, business credit score and other factors associated with the viability of your business. Your personal credit score is determined by several factors, including the outstanding debt balance on personal credit cards, the number of open lines of credit accounts, bill payment history and late payment history. Your business credit score is determined by similar factors but is linked to the tax ID for your business, not your Social Security number. This important difference can help you get your business off the ground. If your personal credit score is damaged, you should seriously consider getting a separate tax ID number for your business as soon as possible whether you are incorporated or not. If you do not want to spend the money to incorporate your business, you can still get a tax ID number from the IRS even if your business is a sole proprietorship, an LLC or a partnership. Talk to your CPA for information on how to do this. It’s very simple to complete the relevant form (form SS-4) and send it to the IRS. You can apply online at the IRS site. In addition to getting a tax ID number, it is important to ensure that your business is distinct from your personal identity. You should consider getting a separate business address (not a post office box), a separate bank account, an official corporate name registered with local authorities and a separate telephone listing. While these administrative chores might seem minor, they are critical in distinguishing you from your business.

www.d-mars.com | SEPT/OCT 2006

Woman’s

Who says this is a man’s world? Dee Harris is doing the job that many women wouldn’t dream of - she is the only black woman in the city of Houston to operate a cement mixing company, DH Redi Mix & Concrete. Harris never set out to work in the construction business, but her ex-husband of 19 years asked her to run his company for a minute. “I was with and married a man over 19 years ago who worked in the concrete business. That’s where I received my foundation. Almost nine years ago we divorced and three years after the divorce, he lost his job. It was then he decided to open his own business, which has been in operation for six years now. After, overseeing his business for four years people thought he was crazy, to not only work with his ex-wife but allow her (me) to manage all aspects of his company,” she said. Harris eventually decided to branch out on her own. And business has been good ever since. Harris says that’s because of her company’s uniqueness.

“Because the community is a people collectively, of our elders, us, our youth and the little people who have yet to be thought of.” In her spare time, Harris is utilizing her other passion – helping young girls.

“Perseverance is key, you have to keep your eyes on the prize. You also have to work hard, yet never let them see you sweat. You also must listen (if you are talking, you can’t hear) and keep the faith, remembering that what God has for you is for you,” she said. Harris says her business continues to flourish because of a simple philosophy: “Good Customer Service = a satisfied customer. And with a quality product, you get astonishing results.”

“My other passion in life was to help young girls become young women through aiding and building their developmental skills. So, they will learn to be independent with some vocation and erudition to descend back on. Subsequently, I decided to become a licensed Foster Parent through Depelchin Children Center for the past five years, which believe in living out one of my dreams I will build someone else’s.”

Despite her time-consuming job, she remains committed to the community because she sees it as an extension of her blessings.

“I believe in what I’m doing and that it’s a service to the community. And the most special part about me and my business is; I am black, a woman and doing a man’s job (construction),” she said. Harris encountered a lot of obstacles in trying to get her business off the ground. “I had challenges like making sure I had capital to keep the business running. I had to make sure I put the correct people in the right places and I had to learn to trust my clientèle. Then of course, I had to find the time that is required to manage my business,” she said. She says other aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from her perseverance.

www.d-mars.com | SEPT/OCT 2006

Book Corner Revisiting Money Matters By K. Broussard Contributing Writer

The four-carat rock sparkles on your finger. Your brand new cherryred sports car is parked in the garage. Those exquisite Jimmy Choo’s go perfect with your diva power suit. But do you wonder what you are worth? How do you build wealth? How do you achieve financial security? How do you manage your money? According to a recent study from the Center for Women’s Business Research, African-American women launch businesses at a rate four times the national average and own everything from salons and consulting firms to advertising agencies and restaurants. As of last year, African-American women owned over 400,000 firms, employing more than 250,000 people and generating billions a year.

Written by African-American female financial gurus Glinda Bridgforth, the founder of Bridgforth Financial Management Group, a financial management company, and Gail Perry-Mason, First Vice President of Financial Services at Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., an investment firm, this how-you-can-too-do-it book uses a holistic approach to getting finances straight and planning for the future. The authors’ method seeks to reject the idea of keeping up with the Joneses and the “bling-bling” mentality in order to deal with a lack of self-love, which stems from the notion that money management skills are in direct correlation with “experience, emotional patterns and behaviors.” Further, Girl looks to examine the “cultural, emotional and spiritual aspects” of how we see money as a way to re-learn the practical skills of money management.

The book is broken into three separate and easy-to-comprehend sections starting with preparation: maximize income, pay off debt and avoid habits that can foster financial disasters. After you’ve gotten a grasp on your expenses the next section examines ways to multiply your income and create a plan for the future. The final section of the Consumer statistics confirm that when it comes to non-assets like book simplifies technical information in a systematic process to keep apparel, beauty, jewelry and entertainment, African-American women you engaged and empowered with your money. also spend billions of dollars a year. In comparison to what and how the money is spent, what do African-American women really know Additionally, there are exercises at the end of each chapter to fully engage and encourage the reader. Bridgforth and Perry-Mason about building wealth and achieving financial security? include real-life circumstances that span the gamut from dynamic In revisiting financial situations, I immediately turned to Girl, corporate-ladder-climbers with bad credit to single mothers just trying Make Your Money Grow! Whether you are self-made and paid or to get by. After reading this book, hopefully you will be empowered overwhelmed with bill collectors and bounced checks, this book could and equipped to nurture your financial future so that you can kick back and watch your money grow. be a worthwhile tool to help you manage your money.

www.d-mars.com | SEPT/OCT 2006

Building impeccable Exteriors Donte Johnson is hoping to take home building to a whole new level. And he’s confident that once potential homeowners see what he has to offer, they’ll be coming out in droves to make the exterior of their home “Impeccable.” That’s why Johnson, president of Impeccable Exteriors, LLC, started his business less than a month ago – to bring something to Houston homeowners that they had never seen before. Johnson’s business focuses on an exterior home system that gives home and business owners an option to stucco. “The conventional stucco fails and year after year they come up with ways to weather proof. We came up with something that will have no water or wind infiltration or penetration. This exterior won’t crack. It’s faster and less mess. Its 156 colors, versus the 35 stucco offers. And Impeccable Exteriors is the only place you can get it as we are the only contractor in Houston.” Sounds expensive, right? Not at all, Johnson says. “It’s the same price as stucco itself,” Johnson said. “If people try it, they won’t be disappointed.” Johnson says in addition to superior service, his pricing is what sets him above all others. “No other stucco contractor can compete with my competitive pricing or my 10 year warranty.” He also says by using his company, customers can expect a whole lot more. “We offer our customer a less timely period for complete product application. Our lines of products are more energy efficient, durable to Houston weather conditions, and more importantly, our walls system is designed not to crack unlike other similar materials.” But running his company doesn’t come without challenges. “More challenging than anything else would be my age. Some people don’t think a 26-year-

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old male can really have it all together,” he said. “There is also the issue of finding dependable workers.” He has to make sure he has the right mix of people because after all, homeowners trust him with one of their most valuable possessions. “I rely on these individuals (workers) as the home or business owner depends on me.” Not only does Johnson have it together, he thinks his positive attitude and dedicated spirit are keys to success in his business. “My business motto is very simple; you get back what you put in. Most of the time we see others expect something for nothing, unfortunately it just doesn’t work that way,” he said. Right now, Johnson is focusing on one home or business at a time, but he definitely thinks he has a higher calling. “I do believe one day I will have some effect on urban redevelopment, or maybe investing into charities in which I favor,” he said. Johnson said he encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to never give up. “For aspiring entrepreneurs young and old, my advice is to continue to strive for excellence. Life presents challenges, which to me are future blessing waiting to happen.” And when obstacles are placed in your way, he urges you to climb over them and keep going. “I believe God places obstacles in our lives for the sole purpose of trust and character. God needs to know you have the right type character in order for him to trust you with his abundant blessing,” he said.

Pops e c a l P

The best wisdom often comes from those who’ve been around a bit – and Booker T “Pops” Davis, Jr. has lots of wisdom to share you.

No matter how far a stream flows, It never forgets its’ source.

www.d-mars.com | SEPT/OCT 2006

Inspired By TheBest By Keith J. Davis, Jr. Contributing Writer

As I continue down the path of entrepreneurship, I can’t help but realize that I am also blessed with different opportunities, which can only serve to benefit me. One such event was a political affair, which was not open to the public. So I felt extremely blessed that I was able to meet and greet people with political power. Perhaps the greatest part of the night for me, was hearing the guest speaker, Jesse Louis Jackson. As you know, Jesse Jackson is a United States Civil Rights leader who led a national campaign against racial discrimination. He was at the event to discuss upcoming events and his plans for the future. As an aspiring entrepreneur, the experience of meeting him and being able to hear him speak. was awesome and one that I will never

forget. Jackson is a political figure that people look up to and respect in the community and his words served to inspire and motivate me. After the meeting, a select few got together for dinner. As I sat beside my father, Keith J. Davis Sr., I looked around the table and admired some of the people that were there - like Jackson, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Boris Miles, and a few other political figures. I had a good time that night, because I was meeting new people and I also had a personal conversation about my foundation with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. So for me, the night was unforgettable and something I will remember as I continue to strive to become a successful entrepreneur. www.kjdjrfoundation.com

Pinn a c l e Awards Winners at the Top of Their Game By Sharon C. Jenkins

Contributing Writer

The word pinnacle is defined as ‘the highest point or the highest peak of a mountain.” I had the opportunity to interview four past Pinnacle Award Winners who are at the “top” of their game to discuss their personal strategies for success. On the eve of the 12th annual Pinnacle Awards set for October 12, 2006, there is no better time to hear them share their stories. Marlon Barabin, the President of Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce stated that the purpose of the Pinnacle Awards is to spotlight and honor African-American businesses that have achieved success by combining vision, determination, commitment, perseverance and dedication to building strong communities. It is designed to encourage peer businesses to strive for excellence and nurture the rise of the next generation of African-American Entrepreneurs. The Pinnacle Awards symbolizes the historic struggle of African Americans to overcome obstacles and achieve success. David Hollins of Hollins Financial Group, LLC and founder of Women’s Wealth Builders attributes his success to reading the Book of Proverbs every day, being a servant to the community and his family, staying focused on his goals and not allowing distractions to pull him off point. He said he had a rather unusual conversation with a white counterpart one day that challenged him to look beyond his current limitations and to believe that “you are more than you think you are.” He was also inspired by an article in Jet magazine about Colbert/Ball Tax Services, to build a prosperous Houston business. Their success in franchising empowered him to step out on faith and put his dream into action. He has a “Just Do It” philosophy about life and is an inspiration and mentor to others. Deavra Daughtry, the CEO of Excellent Care Management and the founder of Texas Women Empowerment Foundation (TWEF) has definitely risen to the top. She started out of the trunk of her car with a dream and a vision. She has been in the healthcare field for the last ten years and her purpose has been the fuel that has kept her going. Her first book titled, Purpose to Blessings will be released in early September. She says that everyone has divine purpose and is called to do something. The key is to find it and pursue it with passion and perseverance. Operating in integ-

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rity and character has also contributed to her success in business. In doing so she has established a good name nationwide, and it goes before her wherever she goes. Another key factor for this phenomenal woman’s success is that she is an expert at building relationships because of her servant’s heart. Her strategic plan for business is centered on serving people and empowering them to realize their full potential. Candidate Borris L. Miles for State Representative District 146 is known for his philanthropic efforts in the Houston community. His first strategy for success is “Be good to the community and the community will be good to you.” Houston’s son has been an advocate for the people long before he became a potential government official. He has a successful insurance agency where his clients are his priority. His next strategy for success incorporates the belief that you must treat all clients and customers the same. Service first is his motto. He also recommends that business owners strive for professionalism in each and everything they do. I can testify to the professionalism of this man and his staff. I met Mr. Miles at a community meeting last year; in passing I gave him a business card. Within the week I had a personal handwritten note from him expressing his gratitude in meeting me and offering future assistance if needed. He’s got my vote anytime! Mr. Keith Davis Sr., (aka Mr. D-Mars) of D-Mars Image Marketing, the marketing guru of “H” town is another man who is on top of his game. When interviewed about his strategies for success his first recommendation was to stay focused on your vision and dreams. In the words of my friend Ola Joseph, speaker and motivator, “Shift happens.” So when life is bucking out of control like a raging bull, Mr. D-Mars suggests that you hold on anyhow. He also stated that maintaining relationships and building a network of people who are striving for success is a critical component for staying on top. Also at all times remember that your business is a reflection of you, so operate it in integrity and honesty. His final words of wisdom were to always make sure you stay humble and give thanks to the good Lord. Three constant themes seemed to prevail in each Pinnacle Award winners’ strategies: Love God, community, and serving others and you will be guaranteed success. They are words that can serve us all. The Pinnacle Awards gala will take place on Friday, October 13, at The Houston Club, 811 Rusk Avenue, and beginning at 7 p.m. The world renowned Reverend Jesse Jackson will be the keynote speaker. For more information contact The Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce at 713-522-9745 or 281-213-9554.

The

2. Have you exhausted all your options? If you’re the only one who’s put any hard cash One of the most difficult, yet exciting times into your business, then conduct a sanity check in a young company’s history is when the immediately. If no one else on your team, your founders realize that, in order to succeed, board or your family will join you by writing they’re going to need more money than they a check, then how real is this dream? Friends, can generate on their own. If you think that’s family, team members and clients should not true of you and your company, let’s begin by only believe in you enough to invest, but they’re making sure you’re not reaching that conclu- the easiest with whom to negotiate a fair deal. sion prematurely. 3. What would you have to give up now vs. First, why do you think you need to raise later? Companies that continue growing and outside capital? One of the biggest mistakes a meeting or exceeding milestones also increase young company can make is to raise in value. So selling stock in them too early outside capital before they really need to. means you may sell that stock for a lot less If your company is young and has a great now than it will go for later. The challenge is in future, it’s always best to delay raising any knowing when to sell and not wait too long or money from outsiders until you’ve done all be too greedy. you can on your own to establish the highest possible value. If you look for outside Once you’ve decided it’s time, what’s the investors too soon, you’ll be selling at too best way to prepare? Seeking funding is a low a price. Instead, if you just sacrifice a bit complicated and arduous task. There’s no longer and bring the company up to a higher absolute guarantee that any company will ever level of performance, the price will be much get funded. After all, if it were easy, everybody would be doing it. However, here are a few tips better. that have proven to work in most Here are some rules of thumb you can use situations: for deciding if it’s the right time for you to • Be absolutely certain you have your act raise money: together. We live in a polite society, and 1. How much money do you need? If you most of the time, people won’t tell you only need $50,000 to $250,000, you’re what they really think of your idea. This strongly encouraged to find a way to “beg, is especially true of investors. Pay to get borrow or steal” your way to get that amount a professional organization to review your on your own, especially if your company has plan and comment on where you need to yet to generate any revenue. Non-revenue “fill in the gaps.” generating companies are the hardest to get investors excited about.

Do You Want to be By Deacon Ramone Harper Contributing Writer Do you want to be good or great? I know, I know, you’re asking what kind of question is that. Of course, we all want to be great, right? No one sets out to simply be good. I have never heard a company’s mission statement to include the word good or that they are striving to be good. Microsoft wants to be great. Continental Airlines wants to be great. Toyota wants to be great. Hewlett Packard. Disney World, all these companies want to be known as great. This month, I want to share a little secret with you that most people don’t know. In order to be great you must begin by doing good things. Galatians 6:9 says “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

ey to Getting Funded • Do what you say and say what you do. The

best due diligence an investor can--and will-do is to validate that what you said you’d do in the past got done when and how you said it would. A team that can’t execute on their commitments will not get funded. Don’t be an island. Whether it’s due to a lack of trust or an inability to recruit believers, any entrepreneur who tries to do it all on their own will fail. Investors look for entrepreneurs who can infect others with their vision and passion.

•

• Whenever possible, have an idea you can

protect. Patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets add extraordinary value to a company. Investors believe that, even if a company’s management fails, if the intellectual property (IP) is good, they can still get a return by selling the IP. Make us believe you’re committed. Investors will always look to see how long an entrepreneur has struggled and how much of their own money they’ve put at risk. Just having the idea is never enough.

•

This principle applies to business owners and it can be interpreted to mean focus on the small things like providing services on time, returning phone calls in a timely fashion, doing what you said you would do, and providing quality customer service. Do these things well and your business will receive a harvest (experience growth and success). The people on the cover of this edition have embraced this principle. The next chapter in Galatians (verse 10) also says “Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people…” Because these people always look for ways to do good, they have made the cover of this edition and they are known for great things. So if you want to be great, do good things and do them consistently. Here are some good things your company can do that will make you great:

1) Support or sponsor community events 2) Adopt a school and allow your employees to mentor kids a few hours per week

3) Give donations or tithe from your company to worthy causes 4) Take good care of your employees by paying them well and give them incentives when they do good things 5) Attend events like the DMARS Business Connection or the Higher Dimension Church networking breakfast to share your insight with other aspiring entrepreneurs.

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$ $

Investment Club Starting an

Starting an investment club is a great idea, but to run it successfully, you need to do more than select a broker, pool money with a few friends, and subscribe to financial publications.

tional materials, and computer software for keeping track of the club’s investments. Collect these membership dues annually in one lump sum and never take them out of the monthly investment fee, which is strictly for purchasing stock, says Edwards.

One of the first steps in forming an investment club is getting the right mix of people together. Your best friend may not be someone who will Open a bank account for depositing membership dues. Preferably do well in such a setting, so recruit carefully, says Patricia Edwards, a choose a bank with no-fee savings and checking accounts. Require two founding member of the Investment Club. signatures to withdraw funds from savings and have two signatories, preferably the president and the treasurer, on the checking account, Also, it’s essential that investment clubs establish order and stability by but allow either the ability to write a check for small amounts—coorcreating bylaws that help to set up a system to collect money, choose dinating schedules to cut an $80 check may not be worth the hassle. stocks to buy and sell, and even name beneficiaries. And finally, select a broker. Whether it’s a discount broker or an online “We had more than one member pass away,” says Edwards, 62. Clubs broker, they will tell you which forms and requirements are needed to also need to establish exit strategies for those who aren’t pulling their open your investment account. weight, says Edwards, who co-wrote In Search of the Green (Authorhouse; $15.49), a book about forming an investment club, with two Although these are three general areas to get you going, there is no other members Lisa-René Charles and Mary Ellen Pryor. need to go it alone. Many established BetterInvesting members will happily offer you advice and even share copies of their bylaws that Here is how to start your club in three easy steps: you can amend to your own. There are also workshops offered by Establish a club name, legally. Choosing a club name goes beyond local chapters on how to understand stocks, an annual conference, and a catchy phrase, such as the African American clubs, Umoja, in the a subscription to BetterInvesting Magazine. Other educational materiWashington, D.C. area, or Sisters Together Achieving Financial Free- als will also be available to you as a member. For more information, dom (STAFF) in Miami. For legal reasons, you need to make sure no go to www.betterinvesting.org. other local entity has that name. So, follow the registration process at your local County Clerk’s Office, which may include announcing in the local newspaper your intent of appropriating the name. With name in hand, download the SS-4 application from the IRS Website or call 800-829-4933 for a tax ID number, known as an Employer Identification Number. You’ll need this for filing your club’s annual tax return. Set membership and officer requirements. Elect officers, with each role rotating annually or biannually. Draw up a membership application and in the bylaws state the maximum number of members, specific educational seminars potential new members should attend before they can join, and whether or not they must live within a certain distance so that they can attend monthly meetings, which are typically 90 minutes to two hours long. You can meet via conference call or online, but preferably, members “should be in the same area because an important part of an investment club is the educational portion of it,” says Ken Janke, the chairman of BetterInvesting, formerly the National Association of Investors Corp., which has 200,000-plus members with an aggregate portfolio of about $117 billion. “If all you’re doing is sending a check in, you may as well just have a mutual fund.” Plus, the face time helps maintain trust. Establish member fees and open accounts. Set a monthly investment fee, which is the minimum amount of money a member must contribute each month for stock purchases in order to remain active in the club. “Invest a small amount, about $20 to $25 a month,” suggests Ann McNeill, a founding member of STAFF and the first African American female appointed to the BetterInvesting board of trustees. “I say that because people won’t stay in a club if it is $100 and they can’t afford it,” she says. Plus, there are other fees members should contribute to cover periodic expenses, such as annual club and individual dues to BetterInvesting, money to pay for postage, photocopying, educa-