Meet Vid Lamonte’ Buggs Jr. | Author, Entrepreneur, Consultant, & Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vid Lamonte’ Buggs Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vid Lamonte’, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

VLB/VBJ Enterprises, LLC. was created as an umbrella or a series for companies like 4-U-Nique Publishing. I wanted to establish a company that ventured into Real Estate; Public Speaking; Investing and Building Businesses; and Consulting. So, I patterned VLB/VBJ Enterprises after what Magic Johnson has done. He and I are both motivational speakers, as well as we are about building up communities. My goal with this company is to build communities while delivering positive messages and helping others reach their potential and accomplish their goals.

Under VLB/VBJ Enterprises, LLC, 4-U-Nique Publishing, LLC was formed. Both companies have helped dozens of people make their dreams become a reality. In addition, VLB/VBJ Enterprises, LLC is involved with five different charities and organizations, assisting in community events, fundraisers, and speaking engagements.

4-U-Nique Publishing, LLC was created when I talked with a major publishing company about releasing my first book, “You Ain’t Hungry Until I’m Starving.” The more I learned about traditional publishers and the process of publishing, I decided the self-publishing route was a better option for me. When I went the self-publishing route, I realized how challenging finding a good and affordable editor is. With this knowledge, I set off to create a publishing company that provides authors with various quality publishing services, allowing them to keep their publishing rights and providing higher royalties than other publishing companies.

4-U-Nique Publishing, LLC has been successful in helping several authors reach their goals of producing printed books and ebooks by providing them with publishing services. As a result, 4-U-Nique Publishing is home to several award-winners and bestsellers.

What should our readers know about your business?

What are you most proud of or excited about?

I’m proud that I’m blessed to help others and give back every day. My companies give a voice to those who feel they do not have a voice or aren’t being heard. Growing my companies, working with amazing people, and the many opportunities that come our way excites me. I’m eager to see what the next chapter holds.

How did you get to where you are today, business-wise? Was it easy? If not, how did you over the challenges?

I am where I am today due to having a vision, having faith, having a plan, and seeing it through. Perseverance, determination, focus, and hard work. Many people give up on their goals and dreams at the first sign of trouble, struggles, or discomfort. However, success doesn’t come without its share of struggles. So I credit a never give up attitude and my support system for being where I am today.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Trusting others to help grow the businesses. Having a business is like having another child. You become protective of your business. Being protective of my businesses, I hesitated to allow others to help me grow the companies. However, when I realized that I was being stubborn and selfish and that the ultimate goal was to help others, I allowed others to grow the businesses. Knowing and understanding my strengths and weaknesses and hiring others with strengths in areas I am weak in permitted growth.

Ask for and let others help you. It’s common for new entrepreneurs to wear several hats when they are starting their new business. However, as the business grows, hiring and seeking help is essential. A company will not succeed when its leader is running itself thin by wearing too many hats.

Trust and have confidence in who you hire until proven otherwise. Do not micromanage; this is healthy for a business atmosphere and staff morale.

Knowing when to say “No.” I’m a stern person, but it is no secret that I do not like to disappoint people. However, I had to learn when to say no. Saying no to some opportunities was challenging, but I knew that I would have to say no to specific requests to grow a business.

Time Management. As a business grows, more responsibilities will arise and call for attention. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize your time.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

We aim to help others accomplish their goals and dreams by reaching their potential.

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.
When my best friend comes to visit me in Tampa, the first place we go is Daily Eats for brunch and mimosas (yes, that’s what we do here, even during weekdays). After catching up and doing some work. We’ll head to Luna Louge to enjoy the view of the city and have a nice meal. Friday night we will hop around between Hyde Park Village, Downtown, and Water St. Saturday and Sunday, we will hit St. Pete Beach (most likely PCI), then head to Downtown St. Pete and enjoy the skyline from the Canopy’s rooftop. We clean up and most likely get a bite to eat at Bella’s. By Sunday night, I’ll be wiped out, so he’ll be on his own Monday and Tuesday, where he will most likely hang out in SoHo while I work and recover. Before he leaves, it’s a must that we stop at Fresh Kitchen.

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 want to dedicate this shoutout first to my parents, who installed in me early on to not give in to fear and doubt. Thank you for telling me that I can be anything I want and showing me what success looks like. Next, I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my teachers. Thank you for inspiring me. Last, I’d like to dedicate this is all the great leaders, influencers, entrepreneurs, dreamers, and everyday people past, present, and future. Those who continue to fight the good fight. Just know that your efforts make a difference to someone.

Website: www.vidbuggs.com

Instagram: @vidlamonte

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vid-lamonte-buggs-jr-486b373b

Twitter: @vbuggs

Facebook: Vid Lamonte Buggs Jr