Name: Nicholas B. Waters
Age: 31
Profession: Contract Specialist – Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
One Word That Describes You: Multifaceted
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
I believe it is a prestigious recognition. Living in a society where the black male is targeted more than uplifted is not only disheartening, it is also frightening. So to be recognized for your hard work and achievements provides a motivation that is unmeasurable.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
Throughout my collegiate years I had to maintain employment to help subsidize a bulk of expenses. Working 35–40 hours a week, as well as maintaining 18 credit hours, is truly a struggle. However, during this time period I learned the true meaning of hard work, faith, and dedication.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
I look for integrity. The strongest relationships are built from honesty, trust, and morality.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
Managed a solicitation for the purchase of 270 compressed natural gas 40’ buses (contract recently awarded in the amount of $172M). Managed an assignment contract for the purchase of 18 60’ articulated buses (contract awarded in the amount of $18M). Preparing a solicitation for the purchase of 250 transit rail cars (contract estimated at $618M).
What is the best advice you ever received?
Prior preparation prevents poor performance (Five Ps).
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Stand firm in what you believe in. God has an amazing way of rearranging the universe for those who believe in him.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
I am a huge stickler for organization. Knowing the parties that are involved, tools needed to perform, and a tentative timeline to help me prioritize tasks are most essential to my productivity.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation?
Being a career and
family man, vacations come few and far in between, so most vacations are to visit relatives. For the most part, as long as I have my family near, a beach, and a few adult beverages, I can make any location a vacation. My most memorable vacation was a five-day cruise to the Bahamas, Jamaica, Key West, and the Cayman Islands for a family reunion. It was most memorable because it was the first time my entire family was able to come together in years. Truly special.If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Sydney, Australia. Mission Impossible II is one of my favorite movies and it was filmed there. It’s just an all-around beautiful city with beautiful people. And from the pictures of the beaches, it is definitely a place I would truly enjoy.
Anything else you’d like to say?
I would just like to thank the entire staff at Black Enterprise who are directly associated with the Modern Man campaign. It is truly a commendable effort and I hope it continues to honor and uplift men of our society who truly are trying to make a difference.
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