One of Spark Thomasville’s shining stars is Earl Williams. His giving to our mission is priceless.
Can I share his story? I hope you will read on...
Earl’s journey from a young boy in Dewey City to a successful entrepreneur and now a dedicated business coach and teacher here speaks to the power of generational influence and the importance of supporting underestimated entrepreneurs.
Roots in Entrepreneurship
Earl’s entrepreneurial spirit was kindled in the heart of Dewey City, right here in Thomasville. Dewey City was the first place African Americans could purchase land in Thomas County after slavery.
His grandmother owned Walden’s Grocery, a small store there that served as a lifeline for the community. “As a kid, I would help her out in the store,” Earl recalls. “She gave people in the community credit, and on Saturday evenings, I would walk around with her and collect payments.”
His grandfather, a true “hustler” as Earl affectionately describes him, was a farmer and property owner. “He was likely the largest individual landowner in the neighborhood. He had rental properties and donated land for the Douglas High School football field.”
These early experiences left an indelible mark on young Earl. “People today know me as the little boy who would ride around with his uncle on a wagon, pulled by a mule, selling produce. We sold everything from sugar cane to okra and tomatoes, everything! I would be right there helping him out!”
From Corporate Success to Entrepreneurial Freedom
Earl’s journey took him through the corporate world, with roles at IBM, Pittsburgh National Bank, and Burlington Northern. His career spanned cities like Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, New York, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. However, the entrepreneurial spirit instilled by his grandparents never left him.
“One day, I decided I wanted to make my ‘side gig’ my full-time job,” Earl explains. “I saw all these people who were working for themselves, in control of their destiny, and I said to myself, ‘why can’t I be one of these people?’” He pioneered and ran a successful fitness business in Washington, DC for 30 years.
Giving Back to Thomasville
His business was a success, but Earl felt the pull of his roots back to Thomasville. Upon returning he took a proactive approach to community engagement. “I intentionally met with 60 community influencers and learned that people definitely want to see Thomasville grow and move forward and are hungry for the right recipe.”
Earl believes that Spark Thomasville is a crucial ingredient in that recipe. As a business coach and financial teacher, he helps underestimated entrepreneurs become loan-ready, embodying Spark’s mission to educate, train, encourage, and support local business owners.
“Exposing the entrepreneurs to a vast variety of influencers and educating them changes their lives. Spark is powerful!”
A Vision for the Future
Earl’s dedication to Spark Thomasville stems from his deep-rooted belief in the power of entrepreneurship to transform communities. “I dream of our kids getting their education and coming back to be fruitful in Thomasville. I believe this can happen through business opportunities here.”
His work with Spark Thomasville addresses critical challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs, including limited access to capital, networking opportunities, and education gaps. By providing guidance and support, Earl and the Spark team are fostering collaboration, community engagement, and economic viability in Thomasville.
Earl Williams’ journey from a young boy helping in his grandmother’s store to a successful entrepreneur and now a dedicated mentor embodies the essence of Spark Thomasville’s mission.
With influencers like Earl, Spark Thomasville continues to empower underestimated entrepreneurs, create jobs, and build lasting legacies in our community. We are very grateful for Earl’s generous contribution of time and expertise, which is helping to shape a brighter, more inclusive economic future for Thomasville.
Grateful for you!
DeShay Williams
P.S. I am a little biased about Earl, he is my husband (just thought I should tell you!).