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The Lessons of Life Have A Purpose A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
I am not a spring chicken, and what that clearly means is that I have been around the track a few times. That also indicates that I have seen afrom fewthe things, A Letter Editorsome good and some bad. My decisions haven’t always been correct, and there have been moments of difficulty where my actions didn’t make any sense to me. But tomorrow arrive? your changed; plans, hopes throughWhat it all, ifthere is one didn’t constant that All hasofnever the and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if lessons that only life can provide. everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? Therebattered would beand no bruised reason to savethe forway, a rainy Though I may have along because day,here, and you could that spareGod someone the trouble of makingand I am still it proves has a purpose for adversity promises. if yourThough last opportunity expired a reason for myWhat existence. it may beseemingly hard at times, I have today? would you do? realized thatWhat my purpose is attached to those lessons. been told I often seemroad like in I do too much. ThereI’ve is comfort inthat taking the easy life, but the easy way Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm is out doesn’t offer growth. One of the biggest misconceptions believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything me that silence means that everything is alright. That is not on always that I couldn’t handle. sometimes wonder how lifeconfusion, would correct because silence can Imask hurt, disappointment, be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I and disconnection. Just because someone doesn’t voice their have found that toitbe very boring. In my opportunity feelings and opinions, doesn’t mean they doopinion, not have any to say. is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge It could possibly indicate the exact opposite. They could have a tocircus me is going an adventure. Whatand is the worst thatitcan happen? whole on the inside never show because it has If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn become easier to remain silent and emotionless. However, God something about myself. Relinquish your pride and in desires for us tonew speak. return acquire life.
In the holy bible, and in the book of Psalms 34:1 NLT, it says The best ever given to me constantly happened when “I will praise theadvice Lord at all times. I will speaksomeone His told me make my tomorrow happen today. In on doing so our praises.” Thisto verse offers clear instructions from God what I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only responsibilities are as Christians. We can’t stay silent when faced hope provided. I have also learned the difference between with adversity; we must speak out. Even during difficulties, there what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with is resolve and promise when we call on God. as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because Living in a world that is someone may get it confused filled with so much chaos and with being arrogant. misunderstanding, being silent only fuels the problem. When you have Make you tomorrow an opportunity to speak, you must happen today, but most do so with the love of God in your importantly make it count. heart, and on your lips. Though your Life is but a whisper and pain may seem endless, love has the we must put ourselves in a ability to fix a lifetime brokenness. position to hearof what it is
www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Writer Dawn C. Thornton Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Junious Smith Writer Writers
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Terry L. Watson HuntsvilleEditor/Founder - Sept./Oct. 2020
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
HUNTSVILLE
CONTENTS
Pinnacle Solutions Group LLC
Cory L Walker
On The Cover
Presidential Concrete LLC
Jason and Shamika Minisee
Kristen Williams Meet the face of Kristen Head Turning Crochet Nashville, TN
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Get Fit Atlanta
DeAndre Cannon
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Aubrie Danielle She is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.
Huntsville - Sept./Oct. 2020
2 Chicks & A Pound
Ameryst and Jacinta
WeCare Family of Businesses
Jemmalyn Hewlett
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Presidential Concrete LLC By Laci Ollison Photos by Joseph Merrill When you hear the term “power couple,” you may immediately begin to think of celebrity couples like Barack and Michelle Obama, Beyonce and Jay-Z, or Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith. But in Huntsville, there’s one couple who is breaking barriers and establishing their own definition of the term power couple. Jason and Shamika Minisee are the owners of Presidential Concrete; a residential and commercial concrete business located in Huntsville, Alabama. Their business mainly provides flatwork services which includes driveways, parking lots, curbs, gutters, and slabs. However, they will soon become a full-service concrete business offering coffee tables, concrete countertops, and more. The dynamic duo have been in business together since 2005. However, they both have a foundation in entrepreneurship and ties to the concrete business that extend much further than that. “I learned the skill trade of concrete finishing from my father,” said Jason. “Before I moved to Huntsville, I used to run their concrete business. I only had a little bit of business skills, but I had a lot of experience with this skill trade.” And that’s where his wife Shamika steps in. The St. Louis native holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University as well as a master’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis on Acquisition and Contract Management from Florida Institute of Technology. “My wife always wanted to be a business owner and entrepreneur, and that’s what she studied in college.” Jason said. “When we started our business, we were just married, and our daughter wasn’t even two years old.” At the time, Shamika was working on her master’s degree and working a job that paid $11.63. Jason was working an Continued on the next page
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unfulfilling job making $10 an hour. “I came home and told my wife that I quit my job and I wanted to start my own concrete business and she was game.” Although Shamika supported her husband’s dream of starting a business, she still found herself somewhat nervous. “I like structure. So, him quitting his job on Friday and filing LLC paperwork on Monday scared me,” said Shamika. “But I understood his vision. The company he was working for wasn’t paying him his worth. I agreed because I knew the best way for him to be paid what he was worth was for him to pay himself.” And now, the couple has built a successful business with clients to include Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church, Alabama A&M University, and Oakwood University just to name a few. “It’s taken a while to reap the fruits of our labor because we didn’t start out with loans,” Shamika said. “We didn’t build from loans or angel investors; we built this business ourselves.” The couple said that at the time of starting their business, they would use Shamika’s refund checks from school to reinvest in the business. “We didn’t know about outside funding,” said Shamika. “I remember having our first business account and my husband asked for a line of credit, but we were denied. We didn’t look into it any further and we were so laser focused on building that we didn’t take time to Google or do more research into outside funding.” But they didn’t let the lack of outside funding stop them from pursuing their dream of building a successful business. “The biggest thing I heard was ‘90% of businesses fail in the first year,’” Jason said. “I was determined to make it through that first year without failing.” And because of their determination, they can now show their children what it looks like when perseverance and hard work are combined. Their three children actively participate in the family business; visiting contract sites and making suggestions on designs. “It feels good to have them watching us,” Shamika said. “They take in everything we do and even make suggestions on how to market our business. My husband even took my son out to one of the job sites and it was so cute to see him with a construction hat on.” Although they value their clients, it is more important for Shamika and Jason to be role models that their children can look up to. “It’s not just about the clients for me,” said Shamika. “It’s about my kids seeing their father never give up.” Continued on page 10
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Shamika and Jason have been married since 2003 and reside in Huntsville, Alabama with their three children (pictured from left to right) Payton, Jason, and Jayden. 9
The couple also value personal family time as well, making it a habit to not miss important moments in the lives of their children. “I try to make sure to take them out one at a time or altogether to spend quality time with them,” the mom of three said. “They’re not little for long and I don’t want them to look back and think that our business consumed us.” Outside of being parents and business owners though, Jason and Shamika are both involved in their community through professional and philanthropic avenues. Shamika is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and she sits on the board of directors for North Alabama Free Dental Clinic, Sickle Cell Leadership Consortium, and Girls on the Run. The couple are both members of Huntsville Madison County Builders Association. Jason has been gifted with a knack for management. His gift has led him to gain contracts and lead efforts from Alabama all the way to Michigan. He has acted as the project manager on projects like pole barns, grain bins, and storage facilities. During a small employment stint as a Superintendent he led the efforts on Friendship Commons, a multi-use retail and residential complex and plaza. With their busy lives as business owners, parents, and local community figures, the two both agree that they would be no where without their faith. “You have to have guidance in The Lord,” said Shamika. “For me it’s scary that Jason is so confident, but I know where his help comes from. You have to constantly pray over your business. The Lord didn’t give us a spirit of fear.” For others who would like to start their own business, Jason encourages them to not be nervous. “Just have supreme confidence in yourself and in your business,” he said. “No one is going to be as confident as you.” Shamika also tells aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap and “just do it.” “Create a roadmap,” she said. “Don’t do it like us. We jumped headfirst not feet first. Don’t take forever but make it make sense. Don’t stop at no. Guestimate how much startup capital you will need. And if the bank says no, search for other avenues.” Shamika reminds people often that she came from humble beginnings. “If I can do it, they can too. Don’t be like me, be better than me.” h
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www.presidentialconcrete.com (256)226-7152 (256)226-7103
Kristen Head Turning Crochet
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Kristen Williams When it comes to art and creativity, there is no right or wrong way to do it. What may be appealing to some might cause others to look the other way. Art provides everyone the ability to different, and under no certain circumstances. That is the true meaning of the beauty of art. Kristen Williams of Nashville Tennessee has built her business, Kristen Head Turning Crochet, on an art-based platform, that is infused with love and discipline. She is the oldest of three siblings, and a proud auntie. When not managing the ins and outs of her business, works full time as a direct support professional, specializing in working with elderly people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. “I’m a hardworking, dedicated woman who takes pride in everything that I do “I’m a very creative person. Furthermore, I am crochet artist who takes crocheting to a whole different level, by providing quality goods that make a statement while helping you to stand out with confidence,” she says. So how did her journey begin? Kristen shares that she learned to Crochet in 2010 after watching Youtube videos. “I was tired of wearing plain hoop earrings. and wanted something different, something bold and profound but in a positive way,” she says. She began very small but has now evolved to making handmade crochet accessories such as earrings, necklaces, hats scarfs, and wearables (crop tops, swimwear, dresses, newborn outfits), home decor, and more. Kristen shares that many people look at crochet and say “yeah, my grandma crochets”. She wants to defy this notion and educate her prospective clients at the same time. “This is not your Grandma’s crochet. Crochet is more than sweaters, socks, and a blanket. You can make so many things and the possibilities are endless. There is a myth that you can’t make any money from crocheting, but that’s absolutely wrong. There are many crochet designers who are making six figures and more,” she says.
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Though Kristen Head Turning Crochet is a thriving business for Kristen, she shares that crochet is so much more than a business for her. “It gives me so much joy, but on the other hand, it’s a stress reliever that helps with my anxiety. What I appreciate the most about crochet, is that it allows me to bring my creativity to life,” she says. For Kristen, she relies on the support of her customers. That support system has been in development for quite a while and is one that has pushed her beyond her limits. “I love my customers because they believe in me and trust my vision. I love the excitement and confidence my pieces bring to my customers,” she says. When times are tough and life seems a bit unpredictable, Kristen has always been able to depend on her family to her keep going. Things can be difficult at times. I am faced with the challenges of time management and running a full-fledged business, while working a full-time job. It is because of the support of my family and customers, that I am able to sustain my creativity and deliver,” she says.
“This is not your Grandma’s crochet. Crochet is more than sweaters, socks, and a blanket. You can make so many things and the possibilities are endless.” The opportunities are endless with Crochet. Learning how to make a living from your craft can be challenging. Kristen offers some advice to those who may travel down the path she has taken. “Don’t give up. It took me ten years before my business began to thrive. I endured so many losses in beginning and I gave out a lot of free items. You must believe in yourself and your products and be confident and pray for your business. Another good idea would be to hire a business coach. Most importantly, keep yourself healthy, because health is wealth,” she says. h
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Jacinta and Ameryst
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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by JLG Photography Two sisters, two ideas, one business. Amersyst Watson and younger sister Jacinta LaFlora grew up in a loving home with an extensive family, diverse talents, and a mother with an undeniable love for cooking. The matriarch of the family was formerly a line cook and held other positions within the food industry, and knew her way around any kitchen she was in. “She attempted to pass her skills on to all six of her daughters,” says LaFlora, “And some got it, but some didn’t!” laughs Watson, finishing her sister’s sentence.
Chicken Salad
Listening to the two, you can tell they have a close bond. Born and raised in Greensboro, NC and two years apart in age, both ladies have been cooking for as long as they can remember. Over the years Watson had a natural affinity to chicken salad. She would make it for herself regularly but then started sharing it with friends. It wasn’t until she made a special batch for her son Justin, who’s on the autism spectrum, that she considered selling it. Justin loved his mother’s special dish so much that she named it Justin’s Chicken Salad, later modifying it to Mr. JC’s Chicken Salad. She began catering parties and selling it at other vending opportunities along with her homemade vegetable dip. Around the same time, LaFlora found her footing with sweets, specifically pound cake. She decided to focus on perfecting the dessert and added all sorts of toppings and garnishes to take it up a notch. She affectionately named it A’marie’s Poundcake, combining her daughters’ names, Arianna and Brenda Marie. It’s also an ode to her late grandmother who had a similar name.
Vegatable Dip
Considering both had their niche, the ladies would attend the same events selling their products regularly. One night, the two were hanging out and started joking how they should combine their food ventures and call it 2 Chicks and a Pound (referencing chicken salad, pound cake, and themselves). The name stuck and the joke turned into reality. This year 2 Chicks and a Pound became an official business. Continued on the next page
Chicken Salad 17
Since the collaboration, the sisters have created new menu items such as spicy chicken salad, pimiento cheese, lemon poundcake, and specialty pound cakes like Fruity Pebbles. Each week customers line up at their food tent at The People’s Market to see what they’re offering. Watson’s dream is to eventually see her creations on the shelves of local stores and maybe one day nationwide. She is currently planning to approach stores in the area to make this a reality. LaFlora also has the entrepreneurial spirit and wants to eventually open an intimate cake shop showcasing her sweets. Soon you’ll see them both around town on their upcoming food truck handing goodies out of the window.
Full Display
“We’ve been blessed,”LaFlora says. “By the grace of God, the business has not suffered. During the pandemic We’ve been getting more and more orders at the [People’s] market. We put God first and he’s really been blessing us.” LaFlora’s young daughters often try and get in on the action by sampling their mom’s delicious treats. At times, she’ll save them a few pieces before boxing them up. According to Watson, eight year old Justin is always in the mood for a serving of the dish that holds his name. I suspect if you’ve tasted any of their items, you’d want more of them too! h
Lemon Pound Cake & Coffee
Strawberry Pound Cake 18
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2 Chick & A Pound Jacinta LaFlora and Ameryst Watson 336-690-2897
Ameryst Watson “By the grace of God, the business has not suffered. During the pandemic We’ve been getting more and more orders at the [People’s] market. We put God first and He’s really been blessing us.”
Jacinta LaFlora “Baking makes me happy. I also love the smell of cakes while they are baking in the oven. It brings me so much joy to know that I am able to put a smile on someone’s face with the cakes that I bake.
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The Face of WeCare
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By Laci Ollison Photos by Gwendolyn Wilson Photography
Many people dream of starting one business and becoming a successful entrepreneur. But for Jemmalyn Hewlett, she sought to establish multiple businesses and create generational wealth that would be passed down to her children and generations to come. Jemmalyn is the owner of We Care enterprises: the umbrella company for seven different businesses ranging from a juice bar, café, behavioral health services, and a salon and spa. Her business We Care Community Services offers a group home for individuals with developmental disabilities and has corporate offices in Richmond and Virginia Beach. At her salon and spa location, individuals with disabilities have a special day on Monday where they can receive services. We Care Training provides medication, cpr, and other continuing education courses for employees of her community service businesses as well as other behavioral healthcare providers. Recently, Jemmalyn opened We Care Salon Café next to her salon and spa. “Every time I came in the salon, I saw people eating,” she said. “So I decided to open up a café. We also offer free delivery to other salons and barbershops within a four mile radius. We have a full bar, breakfast all day, and a hot bar.” But Jemmalyn doesn’t run these businesses on her own. She has created opportunities for her son, Trayvion Lewis, and her daughter, Ashley Lewis, to manage and own businesses as well. “I’m very big on generational wealth. It is very important for me to have my kids working with me and for them to know how the businesses are ran. If something were to happen to me I know that they can take it to the next level.” Continued on the next page
“I’m very big on generational wealth. It is very important for me to have my kids working with me and for them to know how the businesses are ran. If something were to happen to me I know that they can take it to the next level.” Jemmalyn Hewlett 21
wecarejuicebar1@gmail.com 757-937-9898
www.poolsidecooking.com 844-652-9120
Jemmalyn said that it was important to instill entrepreneurship into her children. “I tell them all the time that they don’t have to work for someone else,” she said. “You can determine your own pay and you don’t have to ask someone else for a raise. When you work for someone else you have to wait for them to determine that you get a small increase. But when you’re working for yourself, you determine whether you make money or not.” Now, her daughter is opening up a second location of their We Care Community Services business, which will also provide support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Although Jemmalyn is now a successful serial entrepreneur, she hasn’t always been a business owner. “In 2011 I was working at a medical school as a coder biller making $24,000,” the mogul said. “I was tired of being broke. So, from there I looked into opening up a medical transportation business.” Jemmalyn said that she used an income tax refund check of $4,200 to purchase her first vehicle that she used to catapult her business. “All of my businesses were built from reinvesting into myself,” said Jemmalyn. “I remember telling a friend of mine that when I started the business that I didn’t have the knowledge, money, or experience. The first thing she asked me was how I was going to open a business. I took the chance and now I own seven businesses.” The business owner said that although she doesn’t have experience in the fields that her businesses are in, it has been her ability to multitask and hand off tasks that has helped in making her businesses successful.
www.wecaretrainingservices.com 844-652-9120
www.wecaresaloncafe.net 757-937-1292
4676 Princess Anne Road - Suite 120 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-226-9810 22
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“The key is to know how to multitask and put people in place,” Jemmalyn said. “I’m able to do what I do because I’m not in the field. I opened a café, but I don’t cook. I have a training center but I’m not an instructor. I’m able to put people in place who love what they do. I just so happened to open up business that aren’t in my field.”
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“Anyone can open a business but when you can still be in business, that’s when you’ve made it. Often times people stop because they feel like they’ve failed. They’re afraid of failure, but you are going to fail. All of those things will just be a learning lesson.” Jemmalyn Hewlett
Jemmalyn says that it isn’t about having a certain degree or even skill set to start and maintain a business. “You don’t have to have the degree or the experience or gift to start a business. It’s really determination that you need. Anyone can work hard, but when you work hard for a purpose, that’s when you see results.” For Jemmalyn, the thing she is most proud of is the fact that she has been able to keep the doors of all her businesses open. “The face that I’m still in business is what I’m most proud of,” Jemmalyn said. “Anyone can open a business but when you can still be in business, that’s when you’ve made it. Often times people stop because they feel like they’ve failed. They’re afraid of failure, but you are going to fail. All of those things will just be a learning lesson.” But Jemmalyn said that it was her struggles that made her to be the business owner she is today. “I would’ve never gotten to the point where I was running seven businesses if I didn’t go through some things,” she said. “Your negative is your positive and your bad days are your good days. You can’t allow your bad days to affect what you’re doing.” For We Care Enterprises, Jemmalyn said that in the next five years she hopes to go wherever God leads her. “I’m big on growing the business,” she said. “I’m staying on top of my kids and making sure we enjoy what we have. Because when you open a business, your goals don’t stop. Your goals are actually just now starting.” Jemmalyn has also launched a cooking show called “Poolside Cooking.” The show will feature area chefs cooking by an outdoor pool. The show currently airs locally but will soon be viewed nationwide through the Roku app. h
Jemmalyn’s chidren, Amanda Hewlett and James Hewlett are the joining forces that help to solidy the WeCare family of brands.
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A Better You 26
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by DeAndre Cannon It’s time to get into shape Atlanta. DeAndre Cannon is an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and owner of Better You ATL, located in Atlanta, GA. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, DeAndre holds a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska, and a Masters degree in Nutrition. Additionally, he is a Men’s IPE Physique Pro + NPC National Qualifier and competes often in bodybuilding competitions. For almost a decade, DeAndre has worked with a multitude of clients including beginners, athletes, and professional bodybuilders. “Working with and utilizing my skill sets as your personal trainer and nutrition coach will guarantee you transforming results. As the owner of A Better You ATL Fitness, my goal is to help my clients feel their very best, without regard to their fitness level,” he says. DeAndre shares that for years, the fitness industry has relied on ineffective workouts, unrealistic diets, and do-nothing supplements as quick and temporary solutions. Yet, he offers a different approach. With his education and experience, DeAndre employs a signature training methodology that includes customized workouts and nutrition plans backed by science, as well as trial and error. DeAndre launched his business 10 years ago. “In college, I trained people in the gyms of apartments, and in parks to save money to open my own gym,” he says. He opened his first gym in Omaha in 2013 and kept the citizens of Omaha fit for five years before moving to Atlanta. Since doing so, he has incorporated a mobile app into his program to better meet the needs of his clients. “With my app, I have gained a broader reach over my current and future clients with my personalized online program,” he says. DeAndre offers various products and services, mainly because of the diversity that his clientele represents. These include a Personalized Online training program, and habit forming, weekly workouts designed specifically for each individual client that can be purchased separately or together with his personalized meal plans. He also offers Personalized Meal Plans that are specifically for each individual client and can be purchased separately or together with personalized workouts. DeAndre also has training guides designed to address general fitness goals and levels. These guides can assist clients who aren’t ready for personalized training but still want to focus on the importance of having sound fitness and eating habits to optimize their body goals. DeAndre is naturally driven and he shares his compassion and love with his clients in the form of change. “I love helping my clients go from where they are today, to achieving their body goals, and gain confidence while growing physically and mentally,” he says. He is also inspired by the achievements and accomplishments of his clients. He offers some advice to those who may follow in his footsteps. “Stay away from fads and gimmicks. Be yourself and focus on helping your clients achieve their goals,” he says. h Huntsville - Sept./Oct. 2020
DeAndre Cannon www.ABetterYouAtl.com HuamiMagazine.com
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Pinnacle Solutions Group, LLC 28
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Cory L Walker
According to Cory Walker, who is also affectionately known as Cory The Coach, the definition of a fulfilled life must include humility and service to others. He is an innovator and prides himself on being a daring risk taker. “I have been first in a lot of things in my life, now I am learning to finish strong,” he shares. “My life’s works are about service and empowerment to many. There are a lot of people whom I have been fortunate enough to help realize their true potential and thrive both personally and in business.” TThe Arkansas native, who also lived in Georgia and in Texas, has committed his life to service. Being firmly planted on a foundation of integrity, Cory describes himself as a man of his word who goes above and beyond to help people win. He is a believer, a loving husband, father, entertainer, and serial entrepreneur who does not mind telling you the truth. Public speaking and training are two of his specialties, but he is impressively multi-talented and a critical thinker. He is certified in DISC Communication & Behavior Styles and in the Motivators Models. “Training is like a ministry to me. The feeling is amazing when I take the floor and begin to speak. It’s beyond me how people’s lives are literally being changed while I am presenting,” he says. Cory has also been blessed with the ability to think forward. “I’m an innovator. I have been blessed with an incredible gift to make things better, and seemingly, to operate in the future,” he says. In 2001, he created Arkansas’ first online business directory, (www. ResourceAR.com). Its purpose was to give people …access to information for personal, business, entertainment, and worship needs. From any location in the state, users could find what they were looking for with the click of a mouse. Today, Cory is the owner and face of Pinnacle Solutions Group LLC. His company is a unique business solutions provider domiciled in Arkansas, providing services to small and medium size businesses nationwide. “We are a onestop solutions shop for making the right things happen and getting results that create opportunities for success. I have an amazing team that does outstanding work. Even better, the services we provide are customizable and affordable,” he says. Currently, Pinnacle Solutions Group LLC is well underway in its peak season of employee benefits enrollment. They are simultaneously targeting minority owned business for management consulting, employee development and training, beginning in early Spring of 2021.
My life’s works are about more than money and success, they’re about service and empowerment to many. There’s a lot of people whom I have been fortunate enough to help realize their true potential and thrive both personally and in business.
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Cory shares that he believes a significant number of minorityowned/operated businesses stunt their growth because they are not prepared for growth. “Running a business entails more than just selling products and services. It entails operations management, excellent customer service, and quality control. A company’s management and staff must operate in tandem to achieve peak performance and perpetual success.” Cory’s journey as a ‘serious’ entrepreneur began in 2004, out of necessity. “I was hungry for more. I was college educated, broke, and fresh out of a job.. Ironically, the answer to my prayers came in the form of a business opportunity in October. I had to borrow $149 investment amount to get started. I had no idea I was beginning a transformation journey that would change the rest of my life,” says Cory. As a platform to add value to his business in pursuit of expanding his target market, Cory began developing a membership platform for small businesses in 2008. It never really got off the ground, but he shares it was a cool concept that eventually lead to other opportunities. In 2013, he began selling life insurance on a part-time basis. After relocating home to Arkansas from Texas, he began hosting networking events for professionals and entrepreneurs under the title of IBO (Independent Business Owner) Partners. That happened while working full time as a professional development trainer, and still selling life insurance. In that experience, he says he discovered a void that needed to be filled; small and medium sized businesses were lacking access to training and services that could help to protect and grow them. In December of 2017, he ‘accidentally’ pre-launched Pinnacle Solutions Group LLC. Though the business is fully operational and attracting new clients, the official launch event for PSG and the Southern MinorityBiz Network will take place on January 4, 2021. “This is significant because we are beating the odds for most newly established businesses,” he says.
Running a business entails more than just selling products and services. It entails operations management, excellent customer service, and quality control. A company’s management and staff must operate in tandem to achieve peak performance and perpetual success.
Some of the services offered by Pinnacle Solutions Group LLC are Professional Development and Leadership Training, Small Business Consulting, Voluntary Group Benefits, (Arkansas and Texas - Tennessee pending), access to Telemedicine, LegalShield Group Benefits and ID Shield Group Benefits (Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma), Certified Business and Life Coaching, Freight/LTL Management, Bookkeeping & Taxes (Arkansas only), Notary Public (Arkansas only), and COVID-19 Response (South Region, Midwest, East Coast). Just as any other business, Pinnacle Solutions Group LLC has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the quarantine presented an opportunity for Cory to position the company as a valuable resource. “So many times, I have been ahead of the market, and here I am once again, doing the future now. This time around I am better prepared to handle the demands and obstacles of introducing a unique, multifaced business platform to the market. With a portion of my target market attempting to recover, there is plenty of opportunity for us to serve businesses that need our help. However, the ability to provide individuals and families access to many of the same services is currently playing a major part in creating stability,” Cory says.
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For anything to be successful, authenticity and love must be involved. Cory has them both. “I love the feeling I get from being able to design and create solutions through consulting. It’s an amazing feeling to help someone find the right path for themselves and show them how to pursue their goals in a time and costeffective manner. We are helping both entrepreneurs and professionals on various levels with various services and resources that meet their needs. It’s rewarding and exciting to think, we are just beginning to make noise in the market.” Cory is mostly inspired by his parents, Houston and Mildred Walker. He says they weren’t business professionals, but had a natural ability for conducting business. “Even in their struggles, they produced what we needed and still managed to help a lot of people in the College Station (AR) community, and beyond. Even though they are with the Lord, thinking about their accomplishments through all of their personal challenges, continue to drive me. Because I have a sincere appreciation for their drive and ambition, I am equipped to inspire others as I pursue my passion to serve and achieve success on various levels of human endeavor,” he says. “I love my parents and cherish my memories of them. They were the world’s greatest,” he says. Cory offers some advice for others who may follow in his footsteps and are planning to start a business. “You must pray and believe. Determine who you are. Love who you are. Decide what you want to do and do it no matter how many times you have to start over. Focus on your passion and let the haters and nay-sayers help fuel your fire. Don’t act like a boss – be the boss. Be humble, grateful, and serve others. Moreover, you must invest your time and money in not just your business, but into your personal growth and protection. Network and meet new people. Seek out a mentor. Do not limit your thinking and know when to let go of things that hinder you. Fight to fulfill your purpose and for the things you truly desire.” Cory is excited and optimistic about the future for himself and for his business. Presently, PSG is in the process of pre-launching the Southern MinorityBiz Network, powered by Pinnacle Solutions Group, beginning October 1, 2020. “I am expecting this network to spread across the state of Arkansas fairly quickly and with fanfare. While there is no cost to be a part of the social media group, there is a paid membership that will give minority entrepreneurs access to free and discounted services, resources, training, and referral opportunities. There will also be a chance to have some serious networking fun, with all roads leading to January 04, 2021,” he says. Along with the network, they will continue to provide services that make a difference for all small and medium size businesses. “Lastly, I will continue to speak and train, while pursing growth and success as a business leader and CEO of Pinnacle Solutions Group LLC,” he says. h
Pinnacle Solutions Group LLC www.pinnaclesolutionsgroup.net 501-487-1842
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Aubrie Danielle MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
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