Meet Charles Burton Jr | Sports Management and Career Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charles Burton Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charles, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve modeled myself after how society told us we should live. Go to college, get a degree and pursue a career in corporate America. Unfortunately, the layoff cloud seemed to follow me everywhere. Nearly 9 job losses in a 2 year span, I had to look at things through a different lens. Eventually I would get fed up with the idea of my family’s financial situation lying in the hands of another individual who had the authority to “fire me” for any or no reason at all. I always had a passion for boxing but never pursued the sport in its entirety. But with a spirit to help others and tap into my business mind, I decided to go into management and have recently gone into career consulting.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a 2010 graduate with a degree in computer science from Alabama A&M University, those years equipped me to become a better problem solver in regards to dealing with different people from all walks of life. I met some great individuals along the way, of whom today most are entrepreneurs. I’ve learned that surrounding yourself with bosses will force you to boss up also. Just like any road of success taken, as an entrepreneur, it wasn’t easy. Many days I asked myself if the particular venture I was on was worth it, but ironically I NEVER reached a point where I wanted to pursue another career in corporate America. Those tough times motivated me to keep pressing, knowing that every success story before me encountered trials as well. Through my management and consulting business, I want to make a positive impact on the boxing world, as there are many athletes who aren’t aware of many corners of the business that will ultimately affect them along the way. I want to create a strong foundation of confidence and information for those who need it in order to put their best foot forward at the beginning of their careers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
With Huntsville Alabama growing and blooming as a city, the itinerary can be endless. There are ample places to eat for whatever taste you may have for the moment or time of day. Along with great food choices, there are plenty of spots for nightlife fun, bars and concert areas that offer a relaxing atmosphere that can also be great for family gatherings.

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?
I would like to give a shout out to Larry Bright & Cain Graves out Rocket City Boxing Gym in Huntsville, Alabama who equipped me with the tools of becoming a boxing coach as well as provided a gym to polish those tools as well. Also Blake Waddell with Crossroads Boxing gym, in my beloved hometown of Gadsden, Alabama and Brandi McCain with OneOneSix Promotions who allowed me a platform to get my foot into the business side of boxing. And most importantly my wife, Ashley “Bumpkin” Burton, who was the brains behind starting my coaching career which ultimately opened me up to the professional world.