Name: Ken Jones
Age: 34
Profession: Service Parts Account Manager
One Word That Describes You: Resourceful
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
I’m honored to be recognized by Black Enterprise as a Man of Distinction. I consider this acknowledgement, not as recognition to any past accomplishments, but as a challenge to reach my highest potential. Thank you for the opportunity.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
For me, turning struggle into success starts with my perspective on life in general. I’m rarely pessimistic or negative. Even during the worst of struggles, I’m looking at what can be learned and gained in the situation. I focus all energy and effort in creating solutions to manipulate the outcome that I desire. I don’t believe in failure. I believe in results and decisions.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
An important quality that I look for in my relationships with others is the ability to problem solve. Problem solvers, by nature, are usually independent, forward-thinking, creative, knowledgeable, fact driven, and experienced.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
In 2015, I was promoted to a newly created position for a Fortune 200 automotive supplier. My primary projects involve developing creative solutions to improve our customer contractual obligations, find opportunities in our manufacturing operating efficiency, and ultimately improve our EBIT (Earnings before Interest & Tax.) I believe this opportunity is positioning me for success in my next entrepreneurial endeavor. I am in the business planning process of developing a recycling services business that will give commercial businesses the opportunity to reduce waste and give back to the community. I am also investigating opportunities to improve and relaunch my popular CheapChimp Couponing App.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react. God may subtract from your life in order to add to it.
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
In all that you do, be a man of great character. The legacy of great character is impactful, lasting, inspiring, and easily imitated.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
Research, research, research, and more research. There is no such thing as being over prepared. In most cases, meetings are proposed with the purpose of discussing an issue and/or sharing information. Knowing the history of a subject, the current condition of a subject, and anticipating outcomes will put you in position to make the best calculated decision for that moment.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation?
My method to unwind on vacation is usually more mental than physical. At work, 95% of the time I’m seated indoors in front of a computer. I like to unwind by traveling to new places. I like to mentally disconnect from work issues and focus on exploring what new experiences a new environment has to offer. It’s hard to pick a best vacation, but one of the most memorable was a visit to Vegas with my wife, brother, and sister-in-law. I believe the movie The Hangover had just come out. We ate well, won at The Luxor, shopped, went sightseeing, and one of the days stayed up over 24 hours. The rest of what happened stayed in Vegas.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I love a good beach and crystal clear water, but if I could travel anywhere in the world, I think I would choose Tokyo, Japan. New York City is one of my favorite experiences. I imagine Tokyo to be a similar experience with the added bonus of experiencing a different culture.
Anything else you’d like to say?
I’m excited about this opportunity to be recognized. As my wife would say, “this is another of life’s road signs to continue the current path.” I’m grateful for my family and friends that support me. I’m grateful for my struggles as well as my blessings. I am grateful to be a BE Modern Man.
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