Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to H.E. Thompson Jr. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mr. Thompson, thanks for joining us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in a creative career or as an entrepreneur is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
In the early days of my entrepreneurial journey, I was still working a 9-to-5 job. A difficult situation arose when after being on a new job for 2 years I was laid off. I had just got married, just had twins, just bought a new car, and just bought a new house. And then boom… The layoff hit me like a ton of bricks. It was totally unexpected and left me in a very trying situation; not only as a young professional but also as a newlywed, new father and new homeowner.
The only thing that I had left was the knowledge of and drive for entrepreneurship and this is why I often tell people that entrepreneurship saved my life. Because experiencing something so devastating at such a young age with so much on the line, it caused me to really dig deep and figure out ways how to provide for my family.
At that point I embarked on several different side hustles ranging from contract work, landscaping, painting, photography, videography and eventually leading into one of my main passions now which is marketing. From the sheer desperation of trying to survive, I learned entrepreneurship at a much deeper level. Some people have the luxury of entering into entrepreneurship from a place of comfort and convenience, but my journey started from a place of necessity.
From there on out, my mission has been simply to help others using the talents I’ve been specifically gifted with.
Mr. Thompson, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m an individual with a diverse background in technology, marketing, and entrepreneurship. My journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, followed by roles as a webmaster, project manager, teacher, data analyst and marketing manager and ventures into graphic design and event marketing. My entrepreneurial spirit was ignited in college when I was commissioned to design a 3D model for fraternity and sorority plots, a project that highlighted my creative and innovative approach. Further enhancing my skills, I pursued and obtained an MBA with a focus on marketing.
Currently, I wear multiple hats: I am a Marketing Manager in the public sector, the host of “The League of Hustlers Podcast,” and the founder of HueGene Ventures. My work primarily revolves around empowering small businesses through platforms such as the Charlotte Business Directory and The BizKudos Newsletter. These initiatives are designed to spotlight the achievements and culture of small businesses in Charlotte, NC, providing them with exposure, recognition, and growth opportunities through directory listings, newsletter features, and practical advice.
The central challenge my clients face is expanding their customer base and scaling their operations. In response, I offer targeted solutions like business listings, editorial features, and strategic advice through our podcast, all aimed at increasing visibility and driving results.
What distinguishes my approach is a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the specific needs of my clients and audience. I believe in delivering tailored solutions that yield tangible benefits, a philosophy that is deeply embedded in all my ventures.
Among the milestones I cherish are winning a Communicator Award for “The League of Hustlers Podcast” and the successful launch of the Charlotte Business Directory, which has seen significant engagement and adoption from hundreds of local businesses in our community. Additionally, I’ve authored three books: “Bae-ffirmations: Empowering Affirmations for Black Women by Black Men,” “One Love, Many Flavors: Jamaican Cookbook,” and “RICH with Color: Success Secrets in an Adult Coloring Book,” each reflecting my commitment to creatively delivering value and excellence even in hobbies and pastimes.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want to convey that partnering with me means engaging with someone committed to innovation, excellence and impactful outcomes. I strive to deliver immense value in all my endeavors, aiming not just for success, but for meaningful progress and empowerment for those I work with.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One pivotal lesson I’ve had to unlearn in my entrepreneurial journey is the concept of operating as a solopreneur. Initially, I believed in the power of self-sufficiency, thinking that I could manage all aspects of my business single-handedly. However, this mindset quickly revealed its limitations as my ventures began to scale.
The turning point came when I acknowledged the intrinsic truth: “You can only go so far alone.” I realized that diverse skills, perspectives, and the combined efforts of a team were critical elements missing from my formula for success. It was a humbling moment to understand that, indeed, “It takes a village” not just in raising a child, but in building a successful business.
This revelation led me to shift my approach from being a solopreneur to building and nurturing teams. By embracing this change, I was able to multiply my efforts significantly. The transformation was evident in the outcomes, as my most successful ventures, which generated multiple six-figure revenues consecutively, were a direct result of creating effective teams and establishing systems for their success.
Unlearning the solopreneur mindset and embracing the collaborative spirit of teamwork has been a transformative process. It has taught me the importance of collective effort and the strength found in diversity of thought and expertise. This experience reshaped my approach to business and has been a fundamental pillar in my ongoing success.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The driving force behind my creative journey is a deep-seated desire to inspire other creative individuals and to produce works that spark innovation, provoke thought, and bring joy. This mission shapes every aspect of my professional life, from the projects I choose to undertake to the way I approach challenges and solutions within my field.
This overarching goal informs not only the content and services I provide but also the way I interact with my community and peers. It’s about creating a ripple effect of inspiration, where one creative work or one inspired individual can lead to a cascade of innovation and creativity in others. My aim is to foster an environment where creativity is not just encouraged but celebrated, where people feel empowered to explore their own unique visions and ideas.
The influence of this mission is evident in the diversity of my ventures and the content I produce. Whether through the empowering messages of my books, the practical advice shared on my podcast, or the community-driven focus of the Charlotte Business Directory, each endeavor is a reflection of my commitment to inspiring creativity and supporting others in their creative pursuits.
In summary, my goal is not just to succeed in my own creative endeavors but to ignite the creative spark in others, creating a community where innovation, creativity, and inspiration flourish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://CharlotteNC.biz
- Newsletter: https://biz-kudos.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeagueOfHustlersPodcast
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeagueofHustlers
- Other: Bae-ffirmations: Empowering Affirmations for Black Women – https://amzn.to/49fPOu4 One Love, Many Flavors: Jamaican Cookbook – https://amzn.to/3uPLDHd RICH with Color: Success Secrets Adult Coloring Book – https://amzn.to/3PxCRon