Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Crosby.jstn@gmail.com
Justin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born in the rural south in Aberdeen, MS, I was the third of four children. My mother, Mary, worked two jobs most of my life, so the notion of hard work was as common to me as anything else. This lifestyle of work has followed me along the way and, now in my forties, is my roadmap to success in all that I do. This work ethic led me to corporate America and management, starting in entry-level positions in every job I ever had and working my way up to leadership. I approached every role as if I had two jobs! From the very outset, however, I knew I did not want to be someone’s employee forever. While I greatly valued the learning opportunities that working provided, the dream of having my own business was one I never outgrew.
My career in telecommunications, spanning over 17 years, was marked by dedication and growth. Along the way, I also tried my luck by starting a t-shirt company, as the entrepreneurial bug had me from the start. This drive and ambition eventually led me to the logistics business, where I became a co-owner in an Amazon Freight Partnership. Not stopping there, I also co-founded a financial literacy organization. My work ethic of working like I had two jobs actually led me into having three!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t call the road to where I am smooth, but I would call it necessary. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the push, the challenges, and the setbacks and failures along my path. One of the biggest struggles was trying to become successful in areas where I had no background, driven solely by the belief that I could do it. Another challenge was providing for my wife of six years, Renita, and our daughter, Carson Olivia, while also taking measured risks. To say the least, the road was bumpy and at times lonely, but the journey so far has been worth every step.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Dream Commission is the challenge to create a new normal in the areas of economics and financial literacy in areas where it is currently not commonplace. To educate, empower, and ignite the next generation of dreamers to achieve economic freedom through financial literacy, the creative arts, and social entrepreneurship. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “a bootless man” speech on black economics, The Dream Commission is committed to breaking down the barriers to economic opportunity for all. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity for equitable economic mobility.
We do this via engagement in various means and methods. We started this year by developing an idea of our CEO and fellow co-founder Jay Anderson, by hosting a financial literacy book fair on the campus of Lemoyne Owen college, the only HBCU in the city of Memphis. Over 100 students participated and we’re expecting even more as we look to partner with the Memphis City School District in 2025. We also hold the Dream Summit and Gala as a means of celebrating Juneteenth within our community by also the need for economic awareness. The Gala is held at the National Civil Rights Museum and the Summit this year was held at the Bass Pro Shop Pyramid Terrace. Two days with national speakers, Fortune 500 leaders and global icons, all with the same goal of helps other to dream beyond their monetary circumstances.
I’ve been blessed to serve of the COO since our inception and truly call the experience one of the defining joys of my life. We raise every single dollar to bring in these amazing speakers so that knowledge can be given to the community absolutely free of charge, which is the thing I’m most proud of. On that note if you are interested in giving, please visit us on our website, thedreamcommission.org.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
While I don’t view myself as a risk-taker, I believe anyone who has any level of success has taken a risk somewhere, somehow. For me personally it was walking away for the stable into trying something with no promise of success. One thing I knew about my career was that it wasn’t going anywhere, and I had the time in place to just stay in my lane and work towards retirement. But the chance to operate and own something that was mine constantly encouraged me to push myself out of that comfort. I’m thankful for the challenge but it was indeed a scary situation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedreamcommission.org
- Instagram: @juscros
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ju.crosby
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-crosby-the-dreamer
