JBJ Management recently hosted its Building Business Opportunities Luncheon at Paul Quinn College. The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Kimberly Tolbert, Interim Dallas City Manager; Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College; and Andy Byford, Senior Vice President of AMTRAK.
Willis Johnson, the CEO and founder of JBJ Management, has maintained a long-standing relationship with Sorrell, spanning three decades. This enduring bond of friendship and mentorship has led to the famous event being hosted at Paul Quinn College for the first time in the luncheon’s history.
Throughout Johnson’s extensive career, he has cultivated a vast network of contacts and has become a well-respected figure in his field. Johnson’s commitment to fostering connections is evident in how he approaches these luncheons, seeing them not just as professional obligations, but as opportunities to bridge gaps among minority-owned businesses and create meaningful partnerships.
The luncheon itself is a vibrant affair, filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. Entrepreneurs eagerly exchange business cards, share ideas, and discuss potential collaborations. The atmosphere is one of optimism and mutual support, with everyone recognizing the value of coming together to uplift and empower one another.
Johnson often takes the stage to share his insights and experiences, imparting wisdom gleaned from decades of navigating the industry’s complexities. His speeches are always well-received, complete with humor and practical advice that resonates with the diverse audience. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, adaptability, and the power of a strong network in achieving success.
As the event took place at the oldest Historically Black College and University west of the Mississippi River, President Dr. Michael J. Sorrell shared his insights regarding the new vision for Paul Quinn College.
During the summer, the school received a $20 million grant from an anonymous source, and Sorrell is planning to use it to his full advantage. During the luncheon he released a few of his upcoming plans, citing that Paul Quinn fifteen years ago is not the same institution that Paul Quinn is becoming today. In fact, with his new plans, he plans to ensure that Paul Quinn is no longer a college but a community.
Zahiyah Carter is a Gen Z writer based in Dallas. Her work focuses on topics that matter most to young people, from social issues and pop culture to technology and beyond.
