Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Thomas Coles-Reyes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Thomas, appreciate you joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
I had been working diligently as an employment specialist for the YWCA on Lexington Ave, putting my skills and experiences to use in helping individuals find employment and receive valuable training. The YWCA had recently come to a crossroads with their existing employment and training contract with a non-profit organization. Renewal or termination was on the table, and I saw an opportunity.
Approaching the Vice President of the YWCA with a confident stride, I pitched my idea—a revolutionary program that specifically addressed the needs of “Displaced Home Makers.” I knew that there was a unique set of challenges and opportunities that these individuals faced when it came to employment and computer training. I assured the Vice President that we could do a better job and bring significant value to their organization and the community they served.
Her interest piqued, the Vice President invited me to present my program in detail. I poured hours of passion and expertise into creating a comprehensive plan that would empower women, providing them with the necessary skills and confidence to reenter the workforce. This program, aptly named the “W.I.S.E.” program, stood for Women In Search of Employment.
The Vice President was captivated by my proposal, realizing the potential impact it could have on the community. After careful consideration, my program was accepted, and I had secured my very first business contract. The excitement that coursed through me was indescribable—a mixture of pride, anticipation, and the knowledge that I was making a difference.
Eager to establish my presence in the business world and match my newfound contract with a name, I christened my company “The ColeRey Group.” It was a representation of my commitment to helping individuals and businesses navigate the ever-changing landscape of employment and creativity.
The day I received confirmation of the contract with the YWCA was a turning point in my entrepreneurial journey. It symbolized the validation of my ideas, the recognition of my expertise, and the beginning of a new chapter in my life. From that moment forward, The ColeRey Group would continue to grow, evolve, and empower individuals, organizations, and communities through innovative and transformative programs.
Now, as I reflect upon that first dollar of revenue my business earned, I can still feel the rush of excitement and fulfillment that swept over me. It was a tangible testament to my ability to create opportunities, inspire change, and achieve success on my own terms. The journey may have begun with a single contract, but the visions I hold for The ColeRey Group are boundless, fueled by the belief that entrepreneurship and creativity can transform lives, not just for me, but for all those who dare to dream beyond the status quo.
And thus, my story as an Entrepreneur began, forever connected to the bright beacon of my first business contract with the YWCA.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
In addition to The ColeRey Group, I have founded and developed several other enterprises that align with my passion for helping others and expressing creativity.
One of my notable ventures is Vet’s Place, Inc., which originated from The ColeRey Group in New York City but was officially established in 2010. The impetus behind this organization was to create a program dedicated to providing support and permanent affordable housing for veterans and their families. With a clear mission in mind, I embarked on a search for a suitable location to run the program. In West Palm Beach, Florida, I discovered an opportunity to pitch my program to a property owner. Within an hour, I successfully communicated the vision of Vet’s Place, and they not only provided me with a space but also offered internet and telephone services.
Through Vet’s Place, Inc., I managed and operated three two-bedroom apartment buildings, ensuring that veterans and their families had access to safe, permanent housing. Alongside running the program locally, I also pursued collaborations with the Veterans Administration, leading to a contract with the Veterans Administration Medical Center of West Palm Beach. This marked my third contract with the VA, further validating the effectiveness and importance of my work.
While serving as the Director of Veterans Affairs for the City of Riviera Beach, I encountered a personal health obstacle, overcoming a six-year battle with cancer. During this period of adversity, I took a break but remained dedicated to both the veterans and the expression of my artistic side.
Upon recovery, I reopened Vet’s Place, recognizing the continued demand and need for affordable housing for veterans. Additionally, I sought to expand my creative endeavors and provide services to other artists. This led to the establishment of Palm Beach Digital Signage, later evolving into Palm Beach Digital Services. Through this venture, I offered free or affordable services to artists of all kinds, including website design and video production to showcase their work and promote their shows.
Another successful business that emerged from Vet’s Place is The Notary Firm. This enterprise grew out of the need to provide reliable and professional notary services to both individuals and businesses.
Collectively, these ventures are a testament to my unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others, specifically veterans and artists. By bridging the gap between entrepreneurship, advocacy, and creativity, I strive to create holistic solutions that address core needs while fostering personal and professional growth for those I serve.
I am proud of the accomplishments and impact I’ve made through all of these endeavors. Each business reflects my commitment to bringing about positive change, supporting communities, and empowering individuals through unique and innovative approaches. Whether it is providing affordable housing, assisting artists in their creative pursuits, or offering essential notarial services, my aim is to leave a lasting legacy of meaningful contributions and inspire others to unlock their own potential.
I hope this provides a comprehensive overview of your additional businesses and the diverse ways in which you have made a difference.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I want my readers to know that I am a person who suffers from PTSD, Panic Disorder, and Major Depression. So every thing I did and everything you will read that I have done was truly not easy for me.
In addition to The ColeRey Group, I have founded and developed several other enterprises that align with my passion for helping others and expressing creativity.
One of my notable ventures is Vet’s Place, Inc., which originated from The ColeRey Group in New York City but was officially established in 2010. The impetus behind this organization was to create a program dedicated to providing support and permanent affordable housing for veterans and their families. With a clear mission in mind, I embarked on a search for a suitable location to run the program. In West Palm Beach, Florida, I discovered an opportunity to pitch my program to a property owner. Within an hour, I successfully communicated the vision of Vet’s Place, and they not only provided me with a space but also offered internet and telephone services.
Through Vet’s Place, Inc., I managed and operated three two-bedroom apartment buildings, ensuring that veterans and their families had access to safe, permanent housing. Alongside running the program locally, I also pursued collaborations with the Veterans Administration, leading to a contract with the Veterans Administration Medical Center of West Palm Beach. This marked my third contract with the VA, further validating the effectiveness and importance of my work.
While serving as the Director of Veterans Affairs for the City of Riviera Beach, I encountered a personal health obstacle, overcoming a six-year battle with cancer. During this period of adversity, I took a break but remained dedicated to both the veterans and the expression of my artistic side.
Upon recovery, I reopened Vet’s Place, recognizing the continued demand and need for affordable housing for veterans. Additionally, I sought to expand my creative endeavors and provide services to other artists. This led to the establishment of Palm Beach Digital Signage, later evolving into Palm Beach Digital Services. Through this venture, I offered free or affordable services to artists of all kinds, including website design and video production to showcase their work and promote their shows.
Another successful business that emerged from Vet’s Place is The Notary Firm. This enterprise grew out of the need to provide reliable and professional notary services to both individuals and businesses.
Collectively, these ventures are a testament to my unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others, specifically veterans and artists. By bridging the gap between entrepreneurship, advocacy, and creativity, I strive to create holistic solutions that address core needs while fostering personal and professional growth for those I serve.
I am proud of the accomplishments and impact I’ve made through all of these endeavors. Each business reflects my commitment to bringing about positive change, supporting communities, and empowering individuals through unique and innovative approaches. Whether it is providing affordable housing, assisting artists in their creative pursuits, or offering essential notarial services, my aim is to leave a lasting legacy of meaningful contributions and inspire others to unlock their own potential.
I hope this provides a comprehensive overview of your additional businesses and the diverse ways in which you have made a difference.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
As a black man facing systemic obstacles, including limited access to funding sources and a lack of credit history, I have had to overcome numerous challenges to bring my ideas to life.
With my disabilities creating additional financial burdens and a constant struggle to pay my bills, traditional avenues for acquiring funds proved to be untrustworthy and often inaccessible. I understood that I would have to rely on my reputation, perseverance, and resourcefulness to secure the capital needed to launch my ventures.
To overcome this barrier, I dedicated myself to building strong relationships within my community. I learned to effectively communicate with potential donors, businesses, and organizations, conveying my passion, dedication, and the impact my businesses aimed to make. By demonstrating the value of my ideas and services to them, I encouraged their support.
Additionally, I acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to write compelling grants. I diligently studied and researched various grant opportunities and crafted persuasive proposals highlighting the unique contributions my businesses could make in addressing the specific needs of the communities I planned to serve.
Moreover, it was crucial for me to listen attentively to the people who needed my services the most. Understanding their needs and challenges, I tailored my offerings to meet those demands, effectively positioning my businesses as valuable solutions. This approach not only enhanced the viability of my ventures but also fostered trust and credibility among the communities I sought to serve.
While lacking in traditional funding, I always found innovative ways to move forward, leveraging all available resources within my reach. I refused to let the lack of money hinder me from pursuing my passion and vision. Instead, I embraced my resourcefulness and resilience, using them as catalysts for creativity and problem-solving.
By leveraging personal savings, forming strategic partnerships, and relying on the generosity and faith of those who believed in my vision, I gradually secured the initial capital required to launch my businesses. Each small victory allowed me to take a step closer to turning my dreams into realities.
While unconventional and at times challenging, this approach honed my ability to adapt, think outside the box, and persist in the face of adversity. It taught me the value of building relationships rooted in trust and mutual benefit, and the importance of developing solutions that truly address societal needs. Ultimately, it has been through my unwavering determination and the support of my community that I have been able to assemble the initial capital necessary to embark on my entrepreneurial journey.
Despite the obstacles and the unconventional path taken, I firmly believe that my experiences have shaped me into a more resilient and empathetic entrepreneur. They have equipped me with the mindset and skillset needed to navigate and thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://pbdigitalsvcs.net/
- Facebook: facebook.com/pbdigitalsvcs
Image Credits
Pics taken by Rayna McDougle