We had the good fortune of connecting with Raven Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Raven, what role has risk played in your life or career?
No Risk, No Reward. It’s a clique statement but one that I find to be true. Without risk I wouldn’t be here today talking about my business and brand. You cannot be afraid to risk it all for a better life. There is nothing to lose when you’re at the bottom and you only have up to go.
What should our readers know about your business?
Bird I Transport is a black owned trucking company. What I am most proud about my business is that not only does it exist but it has weathered the storm and it is still thriving and growing. It’s a fact most trucking companies do not make it past their 1st year in business so to still be here 2yrs later is a blessing. It’s a different level of excitement driving on the highway and seeing your trucks with your name on the side of them.
How did I get to where I am today business-wise? Researching and studying. Also trial and error as well. Starting a business is the easy part but growing and maintaining it is another. You have to continuously invest in your business whether that’s more courses, collaborating with others or going back to the board and working it another way whatever it be you have to stay on top of it.
It definitely has not been easy. A lot of people have the concept of “I’m going to buy me a truck and make all this money” and that’s it, but trust me that’s far from reality. You have to have a plan or you will fail. There are so many rules and regulations in this line of business you have to certainly cross you Ts and dot your Is.
Lessons I’ve learned along the way is business is not a 1 size fits all. I personally know others in the same line of business as me and we all run our businesses differently. Accepting that its not an over night process and will take time will eliminate a lot of stress when you feel as though you’re not where you want to be but you are on your way..
It’s a to be continued, we are just getting started.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would really hope to go out of town lol. There aren’t many places to eat and things to do here. We would probably grab some Waffle House for sure for breakfast, we can do the catfish house in Adel for lunch, the Bistro in Valdosta for dinner and end it with some group bowling or Krave if you feeling grown and sexy.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without a doubt I would have to say my husband Isaac. Without him there would be no Bird I as it exists. We built this. The women that seats before you today would not be without his love, encouragement and influence. He sits and listens to every single one of my ideas, goals etc and trust me its a lot of them lol but never forgetting to tell me I can do it and to go for it. My family and friends as well for standing in the gaps when business calls me away
Website: Www.Birditransportsllc.com
Facebook: Raven Thompson
Other: Email: Birditransportsllc@gmail.com