Entrepreneurship can be a wild ride, especially in the beginning. Coming up with a plan, conducting research, soliciting help, you name it. It can all become a bit overwhelming. Would you believe there’s someone out there just like you? Would you believe that someone wealthy was once in your exact same spot? Entrepreneur turned business mogul Jabbar Williams is that someone. Recently Jabbar sat down with FEMI Magazine in an intimate interview to share his testimony. We think you’d be surprised to find out about the man behind the brand.
FEMI: What made you get started as an entrepreneur?
Jabbar: When I was 12 years old, I was making $125 a week. In the summers, I would come to Atlanta and work with my older brother, who worked at a mechanic/detail shop, and he showed me the importance of working hard to get what you want. That summer, I was so proud of myself because I bought my first pair of Jordans and all my own school clothes. That was my first exposure to entrepreneurship. But as I got older and entered the infamous rat race, I realized my passion wasn’t really into working 9-5 and working for someone else. Although I was a top performer for my then employer I quickly noticed the disparity in real growth opportunities, both financially and professionally. In addition, I saw my mother work and never enjoy herself, and she passed away unexpectedly before she was able to retire. I knew then that wasn’t quite the life I wanted to live. That stuck with me for many years before I became a full-time entrepreneur.
FEMI: A support system is very crucial while on the journey of entrepreneurship. Who was your support system?
JABBAR: On my journey through entrepreneurship, various people have assisted me in carrying out my dream. For the Box Truck Shawty brand, I’ve had my childhood friend who started as my first driver, and he still assists my business operations today by providing driver training for my clients. Then the mother of one of my children has been a supporter by being my partner in launching the brand Box Truck Shawty. She gave me the book by Steve Harvey, JUMP, as we would have discussions of entrepreneurship and the overall lack of fulfillment in working a 9-5. She continues to be a support system and source of motivation in various business ventures, and she’s been a confidant when deciding on business opportunities and carrying those ideas out.
FEMI: When you’re starting a business, it can take a while for you to ever see a profit. Let our readers know some of the obstacles you faced and how you overcame them.
JABBAR: The great thing about my business is that I started with a mentor first. By utilizing a mentor, it has helped me to be profitable early on in my business venture. My mentor assisted me with any challenges that were able to be resolved early on without impacting my profitability. My successful business ventures were due to hiring and working alongside an experienced mentor. A mentor helps you fast-track your success. They have done the dirty work, made costly mistakes, and mastered a technique that works. I am a big advocate for the importance of mentorship in the entrepreneurship space. I mention this weekly on my Instagram Lives, in my services, and in interviews. So I was able to make my initial investment back within my first month of starting my logistics company.
FEMI: When you think about growth and expansion, what does that look like for you and your brand?
JABBAR: For my brand, I envision expanding it into areas where I can assist those in the prison system who need a positive, smooth transition from the prison system. My blueprint, which allowed me to make millions, is an excellent pathway for those with felony records. My blueprint allows them to start their own logistics company and make money legally. For example, one of my previous drivers was released and had to report to a probation officer. For him to work with me, I had to write a letter to obtain permission, which his PO approved. He was an excellent driver. Eventually, he started his own logistics company, following my blueprint and having me as a mentor. An example such as this is my main drive to work with sheriffs and other government officials to establish a program that provides this opportunity for individuals exiting the prison system.
FEMI: Being a business owner takes a lot of work. How do you keep yourself calm and level-headed during all the troubles that can come with entrepreneurship at times?
JABBAR: Of course, as a business owner, I have faced challenges, but I learned early on the importance of being willing to pivot. Ever since I was able to retire from my 9-5, I took on the attitude that this “has to work,” so I have no choice but to figure out a plan and quickly move. In addition, I incorporate breaks such as traveling, finding time for myself, and spending time with my family. I knew the freedom of time and still being able to provide were key factors that became the basis of my blueprint. I understood the struggle of being underpaid and overworked with no time for myself or my family. I missed many things because of time-restricted windows or allocated time off each year. That is what makes my blueprint popular. My system runs on its own with little time each day. I teach others how to structure their logistics company so that it is set up the same way.
FEMI: You’ve been successful in building your empire. Was there ever a time you thought you might want to do something different?
JABBAR: As a businessperson, I always knew the importance of not having all your eggs kept in one basket. Therefore, my mind has always been to avoid investing or doing just one business venture. It is important to start one and then master it before jumping into another one. Most successful business people have more than one venture and/or investment that contributes to their overall wealth. That helps them enter and exit industries with freedom, as their multiple streams of income provide them with that flexibility. I enjoy what I do, as it allows me to tap into my passion for helping others. Every venture I have done, from real estate to logistics, has been centered around helping others achieve their dreams, whether it was their forever home or someone finding out they can finally experience the freedom of their time while financially helping their families.
FEMI: Learning what you’ve learned thus far, is there anything you would’ve done differently?
JABBAR: No, there is absolutely nothing that I would’ve done differently. I believe everything from the dead-end, low-paying job up until now has provided and molded me to be successful at what I do now. It prepared me with certain skill sets I would have never received if I hadn’t gone down that journey. I feel everything happens for a reason, and it is on us to tap into it and make it work for us.
FEMI: What’s up next for you and your brand?
JABBAR: Currently, I am looking into a new business venture that I have yet to announce. I’m exploring the idea, so hopefully soon I will be able to share that journey. As far as my brand, Box Truck Shawty, is concerned, I still host a monthly, one-day, virtual masterclass held over Zoom that teaches new people as well as experienced ones in the logistics industry all of the steps, from A to Z, that I took to successfully launch my own logistics company and structure their logistic companies the correct way. I show them how to do this by taking the rental route without being a driver. In addition, I show them how to do this properly so that they can obtain a contract with Amazon Relay.
We love a good success story. Jabbar is really out here, giving back to the community. Blessed people bless others. Reaching back and grabbing our brothers and sisters is really what makes a world of difference. Just imagine how many more black-owned businesses could be born by simply teaching your craft to others. Something to think about, right? We encourage you to share your knowledge with someone and help them see their own potential.
Stay Connected with Jabbar Williams on Instagram, here.
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