Meet Rick Knight | Chief Servant Officer/Author
We had the good fortune of connecting with Rick Knight and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rick, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was motivated by the idea of service, Dr. Martin Luther King was said everybody can be great because everybody can serve. I found that the largest minority group in the world was also one of the most underserved and marginalized communities and the need transcended race or socio economic status.
I felt that I could make a positive impact while changing the trajectory of the disability community forever while building a legacy for my family, in business I live by one scripture Proverbs 22:29, Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men
And if I can leave this world a little bit better than I found it, then mission accomplished!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I wrote my first book more than 20 years, titled Black and Green(what black folks should really know about financial planning) and seeing that book make it to the shelves of Barnes and Noble still remains one of my proudest accomplishments. Financial services is organic, and can grow into many different directions and s, it is competitive, and still somewhat exclusive to certain demographics and it is not easy. There is an unwritten rule or assumption that if you look a certain way or the hue of your skin is to dark, you are less than. and the way that I overcame that was working harder and being willing to do what other s would do, the growth and success is in the uncomfortable zone.
From the first book to the last, we have been able to contribute Black Enterprise Magazine, create the nations first online life planning course for parents who have children with disabilities, which was sold to the Georgia Department of Education state Schools, creating a financial literacy curriculum that I taught at Georgia State University and the Job Corps.
We have created a non-profit organization that brings awareness to the dire need for safe outdoor play spaces for children and adults with disabilities especially in rural and urban areas. We created the first inclusive coloring book as a fundraising tool to raise funds to build safe outdoor play spaces for children with disabilities.
Providing comprehensive financial planning solutions is not just a job for me, it is my ministry, it is who I am
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As I have gotten older, I have become more of a homebody, but if I had a friend or family member in town, some of my favorite spots would be Two Urban Licks for dinner, best brisket I have ever had. The Albert, for a burger, and Reubens for a Reuben, hey I am from the Midwest we like our beef!
St. James on Butner for a little jazz and the high museum is always interesting and whether its baseball season or not the battery always has a good vibe, and for people watching the beltline
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?
Well lets first start with thanks to God, for giving the gifts that I have, the encouragement of my parents Emma and Fred, from my birth to their death and I still hear their voices from time to time cheering me on. My wife Christy for her unwavering support , my two daughters, Ashley and Gabrielle who unknowingly motivate me to keep going, my sisters Vivian and Faye and a host of friends, family and organizations such as the Clayton County Library System and Ms. Rebecca James
Website: https://yananation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Y.A.N.ANation123
Other: email address: rknight@servantfinancialgroup.com
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
