Upscale LIVE Magazine Volume 2 - Jan/Feb 2014 - Issue 1 | Page 9

What is your birthday April 1st You were a one of the top promoters in the D.C. area, what made you get involved with 5Linx? I was looking for an opportunity outside of promoting. I wanted a business that would allow me residual income, like a franchise. The problem was that the liquid capital required, was in the millions to get started and I didn't have it. It was concrete proof that I wasn't as successful as I thought I was. I was merely broke on a higher level than most. My mom was facing foreclosure, the recession was beginning to show, I was heading for an unexpected lifestyle change. People weren’t spending as freely and the promotions were becoming less lucrative. It was already showing signs that a change was coming. Those are just some of the reasons that forced me to look for other income opportunities immediately. Why wait until it rains to fix your roof? I was taught to fix the roof while it was still in good condition, especially the foundation. I saw, the promotional boat rocking, fortunately it didn't tip over. I was in the position to take care of myself and my family but I couldn’t help my mother in the manner I wanted and that bothered me tremendously. How did you hear about 5Links? I learned of the opportunity from Stan Richards of the Positive Black Man Coalition. He’s a friend and great at networking. We’ve collaborated on a few events. At the time I contacted him, I was planning an event. It was Howard University's homecoming and I wanted to get a bigger venue. Stan had some great connections and he did me a favor. As we were leaving our meeting where we discussed my event, I noticed that he was heading towards a convertible BMW. Of course, I congratulated him on his obvious success and he began to tell me about 5Linx . He explained that he’d earned the car thru the company. Instantly, my mind flashed back, I remember only two years prior, it was him asking me how did I have a Benz and an convertible Hummer by just doing parties? As we departed he gave me a 5Linx brochure. I went home, read the entire magazine, and called him immediately. As life would have it, they were having a meeting that evening. I promptly got busy making calls to change my schedule for that day, just so that I could attend. The business made sense and I wanted to know more. I entered the company with the same plan I used to run my promotions, once involved I was able to reach the same level as Stan in 10 months.