SBTM May 2015 Anthony Ford | Page 8

COVER STORY Anthony is seen here with a new construction home that will make “Houston History” as the only home in the Brookesmith Heights that has a downtown view! Photo by Gwen Juarez By Barbara R. Davis and Heather Green Warner B eing the first born and having a five year gap between himself and the next oldest of his four siblings, Anthony Ford’s leadership qualities developed at a young age. Wise beyond his years, Anthony wanted to help his parents any way that he could. By the age of seven, he began assisting his father with his various entrepreneurial endeavors. In doing so, Anthony encountered many accomplished individuals who gladly shared their words of wisdom. The precocious young man, who was already dreaming about being successful when he grew up, always listened intently. Anthony learned the game of adult “follow the leader” and, in turn, learned to lead others following him by example. Still in his 30s, Anthony has already achieved what others might take a lifetime to accomplish as a celebrity real estate expert, an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker, a philanthropist, a bestselling author, and the founder of My Investment Deals, a full-service, real estate investment firm. A native Houstonian, Anthony grew up in Sunnyside, a lower economically developed community in southern Houston. Anthony’s mother, Delores, was primarily a stay-at-home mom who had her hands full caring for Anthony and his two brothers and two sisters. Always a pillar of strength in times of adversity, his mother was the glue that held the family together as she led them on the path of righteousness. Anthony’s earliest memories were of his mother caring for others in the community whenever someone was in need. She made sure that her family attended church and also participated in the choir. As a result of his mother’s strength and spirituality, Anthony grew up emulating her. Anthony Ford My Investment Deals Leading Others to Success by Example 6 SMALL BUSINESS TODAY MAGAZINE [ MAY 2015 ] Although he lacked a formal education, Anthony’s father, who also was named Anthony, was a serial entrepreneur who worked hard to feed, clothe, and shelter his family. He had a landscaping company, a moving company, and a janitorial service. In addition, he worked for Greenwood King Properties, a real estate company that originally began in the Upper Kirby area of Houston. Not only did he do the maintenance for them, he helped with their direct mailers, put out their signs and lockboxes, made runs to the post office for them, and his landscaping company mowed the lawns for their properties.