James’ journey from the streets of Savannah, Georgia, to the helm of a family empire is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of individual choices. Growing up in a neighborhood fraught with the challenges of gang activity, he faced an uphill battle after losing both parents, finding refuge with his uncle.

Academic struggles did little to dampen James’ fervor for entrepreneurship. In the crucible of his teenage years, familial ties eroded due to the grim specter of gang involvement. Determined not to be ensnared by his environment, he sought solace in a job at a restaurant beyond his neighborhood.

Here, he encountered a diverse array of individuals who would shape his destiny. Conversations with a college student majoring in marketing and another with a PR expert opened his eyes to a world beyond the confines of his upbringing. His bond with the restaurant owner became a source of daily inspiration, fueling his dream of becoming a business owner.

The turning point, however, arrived with the tragic loss of most of his family to street violence at the age of 18. Undeterred, James, armed with savings from his job, stayed the course. Five years later, he realized his dream, acquiring a food truck that became the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial success.

“It can start with me,” became his mantra, a declaration that echoed through his life. James not only defied the destiny that seemed etched for him but paved a new path for his family. His commitment to change resonated in every aspect of his life, from the inception of his business to the relationships he cultivated.

In his pursuit of success, James left an indelible mark on those around him. His children, now thriving entrepreneurs, inherited not only a business but a legacy. Beyond financial prosperity, he instilled in them the values of faith, financial literacy, and unwavering principles for life.

As James bid farewell this year, his impact reverberates through the generations he left behind. Ten grandchildren now play in the expansive estate he acquired, complete with five houses and a grand lake, a symbol of the profound change he sparked. James’ story is a poignant reminder that, regardless of our origins and past experiences, the power to transform lives and destinies lies within each of us. No matter where you come from, and no matter what you have seen, it can all change with you.