An eye toward hiring women, vets and minorities
Johnson said he’s keen on hiring women, veterans and minorities – a particularly resonant goal given that he is Black. “There’s not a lot of women represented in it,” he said of his industry. “I want to change that with my company. I want women and minorities to learn this space and help earn clients.”
Still, he offers a bit of advice to those who want to make it in the industry: “It’s not about the money,” he said. “It’s about doing right for that customer, and the money will follow.”
Johnson said the motto is part of the corporate culture at his firm and he inculcates it with his employees. He said ethics are at a premium in a business based on commissions to which some might cast a wary eye. “I don’t get everything right,” he said, “But I can look at myself in the mirror knowing I am taking care of my clients and I always have. I’m going to stand tall on that. It’s what’s best for the client, not what is going to make us wealthier.”
Johnson envisions staging meet-up groups for those seeking to become business owners. “Rose is a teacher by trade, and one of the best communicators I’ve ever met,” he said of newly minted CEO Falcon. “She’s a connector and connects with people very well. My vision is for us to hold small business seminars and educate people. I think that’s the biggest way we can make an impact. If we can spread the word to prepare people, they can build a foundation for success.”
He acknowledged the downshift in the economy of late – exacerbated by inflation and high interest rates. But he counts on the cyclical nature of the industry to eventually right itself, and tries not to focus on the negative. “I tune out all the noise because it would discourage anybody,” he said. “I focus on my own economy for myself, my team and family.”
Source: mpamag.com