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As a teenager, I always wanted to own my on business, but had no idea as to how to get started. After finishing high school in 1966 I worked as a merchant seaman for two and a half years. In 1969 I was drafted into the United States Army, where I served two years; one year was spent in Vietnam as a Infantry Soldier. After serving in the military, I got a job driving tractor trailer trucks long distances. During that time, I had a continuing desire to own my own business. I thought I needed a large amount of money to get started; but realized later that was not the case. One day while stopped at a red light, I saw a young brother crossing the street in front of me. He was very well groomed wearing a suit and bow tie. In one hand he carried newspapers, and in the other hand he held a hand carry display board with earrings for sale. I sat and watched as he approached customers in a very professional manner. The light changed, I had to move on. About two months later while on the way to my grandmother’s house just before turning into the driveway, I saw a young brother walking up the street in my direction, wearing a long white meat-butcher’s coat, white shirt and bow tie, carrying boxes of frozen fish. He walked onto my grandmother’s .driveway ahead of me. I got out of my car, walked slow, and followed him into the house. I quietly stood back and watched as he very professionally sold her fish. As they talked, I realized that my grandmother was a regular customer I also realized that I didn’t need a lot of money to get started in business. With creative thinking and a little money you can get started in business. When the brother finished making his sale he turned to me and invited me to come to the Muslim’s temple. Before I could accept, my grandmother accepted for me. I could see it in her eyes that she wanted me to be just like this brother, because while in the army I picked up bad habits, and she was disappointed in me. I accepted his off er for the next Sunday. Sunday came, and I was ready. Brother Michael was on time. As I approached and entered the temple it was like entering a brand new world. I immediately realized I was among brave, confident brothers, that believed in do for self. It felt and sounded good, but the best was yet to come. It was late 1975 when I began listening to the voice of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed. At that time, his name was Minister Wallace D. Mohammed. His teachings and concepts were like nothing I had heard before. He taught on the importance of prayer, the importance of root knowledge, the importance of balance and the importance of moral consciousness in business. He also taught on free thinking, spiritual vision, and much, much, more. I felt good and at peace. I began selling Mohammed Speaks newspaper daily. Out of that experience, I learned the art of salesmanship. I began selling eight track tapes, ladies hand bags, and jeans during the day, and kept my night job driving trucks. It was hard because I only slept a few hours between jobs. As I drove the truck at night, I was able to listen and think on the teachings of Imam Mohammed. His teachings gave me a brand new prospective on religion, business, and life in general. I later was able to acquire a small piece of commercial property, but was not able to get a commercial loan. After ten years, my wife and I were able to payoff the property and build a small motel, that is doing very well.
