Episode 144: The Ripple Effect of Entrepreneurship, with Albert Williams

Born in Kingston, Jamaica to a single mother, Albert Williams grew up in the birthplace of Hip Hop and the home of the NY Yankees – the Bronx. Motivated by the countless hours his mother worked to create a better life for him and his siblings, Albert grew up to hold several jobs in both the public and private sectors while all at the same time owning and operating several of his own businesses.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore many avenues including landscaper/snow removal, restaurant menu designer, and printer, computer consultant, barbershop owner, part-time owner in a laundromat and part-time owner in a hair salon.

In June 2012, Albert acquired Best Deal Private Car Service Inc., based in the North East Bronx with 19 owner-operated cars in its feet. As President and CEO, he went on to certify the business as a Minority Business Enterprise, increased the company’s revenue to top $1.5 million, added hundreds of new drivers and created a new revenue stream by adding non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to their line of services.

This serial entrepreneur with a proven ability to grow a business now teaches others through his Mastermind coaching. Albert considers it his responsibility to give back, coaching minorities with entrepreneurial aspirations to realize their dreams.

Albert also hosts the Plan Build Become podcast, interviewing inspiring thought leaders to further help his own minority communities.

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A native of Jamaica, Albert Williams arrived in the Bronx with his mother and two siblings when he was 8 years old. He exemplifies how the ripple effect of entrepreneurship can take hold in someone at a young age, manifest itself, and now give back through mastermind coaching and mentorship to minorities with business ambitions. He started by bagging groceries in the express line while still in elementary school, held many jobs since then, owned a barbershop and laundromat, and acquired Best Deal Private Care Service Inc. in June 2012.

Best Deal specializes in nonemergency medical transportation, but more importantly, it is a community car service that takes pride in knowing customers by their names and their needs. As CEO, Albert Williams gives his Bronx-based livery company strategic direction while assuring that its operations remain high-quality and focused on the needs of its loyal customers.

In this episode, Albert Williams explains that he coaches other minorities who aspire to be entrepreneurs by reminding them that there is no magical pill. Mastermind groups allow us to bring out those qualities we may not see in ourselves. Albert Williams explains the importance of listening, being humble, and investing in your own personal development.

Even in a company where all of his drivers are independent contractors, he reminds them that they have to be the right fit since he is the face of the company and that elderly woman they are picking up for an appointment may be somebody’s mother. And she most certainly matters.

When thinking about his business, he always wants to know how his drivers, his vision, and the strategic plan he has put into place will move the needle forward.

Take lots of notes and enjoy!

Ways to contact Albert: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/albertjwilliams Website: bestdealcarservice.com Twitter: @BestDealCarSvc Facebook: www.facebook.com/BestDealCarServiceInc YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCBQugT5gZs5xyh4jLAkxIcQ