We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brandon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I decided to start my own business, my main motivation was the idea of “making my boss my business.” This meant I wanted the freedom to control my own work and create something using my own vision and ideas.
I wanted to take what I had learned from working for others and use it to build a business where I could be in charge. This way, I could follow my passions and align my work with what I truly care about. It was about creating a place where I could innovate and be creative, leading to more personal satisfaction and success.
Ultimately, I wanted to build something meaningful and impactful on my own terms.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m a financial professional licensed in over 15 states, and my business focuses on helping people with life insurance, health insurance, dental insurance, Medicare, annuities, retirement planning, and the training and development of agents across the country.
What sets me apart as a financial professional is my diverse background. I’ve worked in banking, am an active real estate broker, a life insurance broker, and have experience as a law enforcement officer. This varied experience has given me a unique perspective on financial literacy and its impact. I’ve seen firsthand the difference between having financial knowledge and lacking it. I’ve witnessed youth without mentorship and resources, and I saw their parents pass down limited financial knowledge, which I recognized due to my experience in banking.
My journey to where I am today began with mentorship. At 16, I dropped out of high school to support my single mother in paying the bills. Growing up, we faced many hardships due to a lack of resources and financial literacy. When I had my own children, Timothy and Lamaria, I was determined to ensure they would have a better financial future. I started working as a correctional officer at a Florida state prison, where I saw that financial issues were a common reason many ended up there. This inspired me to make a change.
I became a real estate broker to help underserved communities fix their credit and break into the real estate industry to build wealth. However, I noticed many were losing their properties due to a lack of knowledge in estate planning, wills, trusts, and life insurance. This realization drove me to become a financial professional, aiming to be a well-rounded firm that could address all aspects of finance.
What I am most proud of is my ability to bring comprehensive financial solutions to those who need them most. It wasn’t an easy journey, but I overcame challenges through perseverance and a commitment to continuous learning. The key lessons I’ve learned include the importance of mentorship, the value of financial literacy, and the need for holistic financial planning.
I want the world to know that my brand is dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to secure their financial futures. My story is one of overcoming adversity and using my experiences to make a positive impact on others’ lives.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
**Day 1: Downtown Atlanta**
– **Breakfast:** Atlanta Breakfast Club
– **Morning:** Georgia Aquarium
– **Lunch:** Ponce City Market
– **Afternoon:** Atlanta BeltLine and Piedmont Park
– **Dinner:** The Optimist
– **Evening:** Fox Theatre
**Day 2: History and Culture**
– **Breakfast:** Flying Biscuit Café
– **Morning:** Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
– **Lunch:** Mary Mac’s Tea Room
– **Afternoon:** Atlanta History Center
– **Dinner:** Canoe
– **Evening:** Clermont Lounge
**Day 3: Art and Nature**
– **Breakfast:** Highland Bakery
– **Morning:** High Museum of Art
– **Lunch:** Krog Street Market
– **Afternoon:** Atlanta Botanical Garden
– **Dinner:** JCT Kitchen & Bar
– **Evening:** Eddie’s Attic
**Day 4: Shopping and Local Flavors**
– **Breakfast:** Sun in My Belly
– **Morning:** Shopping in Buckhead (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza)
– **Lunch:** Souper Jenny
– **Afternoon:** Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
– **Dinner:** South City Kitchen
– **Evening:** Ticonderoga Club
**Day 5: Sports and Entertainment**
– **Breakfast:** Home Grown GA
– **Morning:** Mercedes-Benz Stadium tour
– **Lunch:** Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
– **Afternoon:** College Football Hall of Fame
– **Dinner:** Rathbun’s Steakhouse
– **Evening:** Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park or concert at Coca-Cola Roxy
**Day 6: Stone Mountain Day Trip**
– **Breakfast:** Revolution Doughnuts
– **Morning:** Hike Stone Mountain
– **Lunch:** Picnic or local eatery
– **Afternoon:** Stone Mountain Park attractions
– **Dinner:** Two Urban Licks
– **Evening:** Hotel Clermont rooftop bar
Day 7: Relaxation and Farewell
– Breakfast: West Egg Café
– Morning: Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
– Lunch: Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
– Afternoon:Spa visit (The Spa at Mandarin Oriental)
– Dinner: Staplehouse
– Evening: The Lawrence
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My ultimate shoutout goes to the man upstairs. First and foremost, I thank God.
I’d also like to mention the book “How To Win The Money Game,” which I co-authored with my business partner, Kenecia Collie. This book changed my life by teaching important money management rules.
Kenecia and I, both ex-bankers from Space Coast Credit Union, wanted to share our knowledge with the community. Writing this book has been a rewarding experience, as it has helped many people improve their lives, start businesses, get grant funds, write books, start nonprofits, and so much more.
Website: https://www.ceowealthgroup.com
Instagram: @pastor_finance
Image Credits
Brandon Williams
Lamaria Williams
Timothy Pratt
Kenecia Collie
Joel Moore