We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Donald L Dowridge Jr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Donald L below.
Donald L, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
The biggest risk taken was on November 22nd, 1996! As the first Black Male Manager of the OCR/BCS Department at the U. S. Post Office Main in Tampa, Florida, I was invited by my son to speak in his 5th grade class, my intentions first of all was to be present as a great dad would. Secondly, return back to work as the manager and continue putting in work to climb the ladder to become the First African-American Postmaster in Hillsborough County (Tampa). Well that planned was hijacked and at that point, the calling on my life was to begin. The Post Office, The Money, The benefits and as a Disabled Veteran, Yes, I had it made however a more intense detour was about to take place!
This calling on my life was persistent and no way could it be escaped. In January 1996, I began planning in my mind and having long talks with GOD, Questioning the big RISK be taken? What happens if it doesn’t work? What happens if finances run short? Many questions keep rising and closer to the 11-22-1996 date the more I became nervous with no doubt this was a determined optimistic move. At this point my mind was somewhat ready, but my body was very hesitant! Once past that day and the realization that the Post Office was officially behind me, it was hard, it was rob from Peter to pay Paul and sometimes that didn’t sustain. For two years I had to hold on real tight, but I believed in this dream of being a Motivational Speaker & Author so much that everything was put on the line!
It happened two years later by signing a very lucrative contract and next thing, I was hiring contract workers, and teaching the trade of speaking and the opportunity to give back to the less fortunate.
Oh yes, that was a scary time, Thank GOD for not quitting and giving up!
29 years later, there have been bumps and bruises along the way, but like Elton John says
“I’M STILL STANDING!”
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.
Of course my name is Donald L. Dowridge, Jr., born in Baltimore, Maryland. At age 2 was in second foster home which ended up being 5 treacherous foster homes. At twelve my biological dad retrieved me from foster care and took me to the Bronx to reside with him and his family. From the year of 1968 – 1974, I was incarcerated at Riker’s Island by age 13. Returned to the streets of the South Bronx to The Black Spades (looking for guidance). Before striking out on my own at 17 years old, I was stabbed eight times by my dad and once as a result of gang warfare. Move to Tampa, Florida on August 16th, 1974 where I attended Hillsborough High School for one year before dropping out and enlisting in the U.S. Army for five years before receiving two Honorable Discharges. Upon leaving the Military, was employed with the U. S. Post Office where I would become the First Black Manager of a department. After eleven and a half years, retired at age of thirty-nine to establish DLD (Determined to Learn and Develop) Enterprises. DLD is my initials and it is the title of the business.
Having the opportunity to speak at my son’s school, it was discovered that I like speaking and inspiring others.
I joined Amway where having the golden opportunity to meet famed speaker Les Brown and he taken me under his wings really paid off in dividends. Worked hard to get DLD establish and moving forward. I begin writing poetry ( today written 300 poems that is currently in the Office of Copyright, Washington, D.C) In 1994 the first of fourteen books was written. The first book entitled, Truth In The Poem did very well for selling them out the truck of my car. Along with networking, traveling to conferences throughout the states, it was a period of learning as much as possible about the speaking business.
Once the business consumed me Discipline was and still is engrained into my every fiber with purpose. It consist of strict purpose, completion, staying away as much as possible from distractions that can take my eyes off the price of being one of the best in this market.
Over the years a variety of products have been developed, such as Motivational Cards, Curriculums, Books, T-Shirts, Buttons. as well as Podcasts, The DLD Traveling Black History Museum, Portraying Sooooooul Santa beginning in 2010, Portraying the Great Frederick Douglass since 2009, Teaching on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. since 2000. Contract with Hillsborough County Public School as it’s Motivational Liaison, to name a few.
There are many letters received from clients (youth & adult) who state they are very appreciative of meeting and gathering advice on living a prosperous life. Continuously, very proud to boast of the tremendous difference DLD has made in thousand of people lives through the years.
What sets me apart from others in this field, is I don’t hold back, Even in this society the truth must told with no sugar coating. I’ve always been the type to deliver truth so others will stand tall to meet life’s challenges.
“LIFE BE LIFING FOR SURE!!!”
I am very proud first and foremost, that I got another chance to turn my life around despite all the trauma, harshness that left me broken! Proud that over the years being able to use my life to inspire many to jump the hurdles of success and live prosperous!
“OH WHAT A GREAT FEELING!”
Look, I’ve grown to be a easy going guy who have a lot of love for people! The main goal of DLD is who can I help over come their setbacks in this life? For thirty-five years I am vested in caring. Yes, in my odd unorthodox way. My motto is:
“HANDS THAT HELP ARE HANDS THAT CARE!”
It is a Blessing to be able in this late year of sixty-nine to be able to lend to making difference and to have persons believe in their self and know despite it all they can reach their feat!!!!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
There are a variety of setbacks that contributes to the resilience of being determined to stay with the passion and love I have for opportunities to pour into others. One of a major setback experienced was during the 911 shutdown that many entrepreneurs suffered through. For me it was losing major contracts. These six figure contracts which was earned not only kept DLD afloat but more so it deducted the opportunity to be in the position to contribute assisting the less fortunate. It was a great lost for business and my personal, which lead to relocating to Baltimore (my birth home) to attempt restarting business aspirations.
To be honest, business was very slow which cause me to what to shutdown and throw in the white flag. After a worthy discussion with a now deceased family member who gave me the inspiration to once again regain the needed fuel to return to DLD with vigor and stand strong on the work put in thus far. With that I packed my bags and return to Tampa in January of 2006. With assistance and a group of great people who believed in the business, it gave leverage to rise once more against all odds, Here we are in 2026 celebrating 34 years of DLD Enterprises.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson comes to mind in reference to during everything by myself! My drill sergeant in basic training told me not to get close to anyone, to be a man and don’t ask for help.
Admittedly, I found myself living life in that order. Once starting business, I neglected to seek help from others who had the experience and knowledge of being successful. For awhile business was great and then 911 happened!
I was given a book that gave a brand outlook on life and detouring to survive. “Who Moved My Cheese” was the title of that book about three mouse with 3 different characteristics. Maw, Haw & Paw. It turn out I was Haw, why Haw because I was the individual who was under the belief of being Invincible. Yes, invincible believing didn’t and neglecting to change my point of view and under the notion that despite financially depleted opportunity will knock with no worry. Will, opportunity did not automatically knock and I was sinking fast unless taking the detour up ahead. Eventually I would awaken which turn out to be a saving grace.
That was not just a business lesson, it was more importantly a “Life Lesson!”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dldenterprises.org
- Instagram: Instagram.com/dld2820021
- Facebook: Facebook.com/profile.Php?d=61517075101229
- Linkedin: Linkedin.com/in/donald-dowridge-jr-2525942341
- Twitter: Donald L. Dowridge j@dld28
- Youtube: Youtube.com/watch?v=3ryLe-760P88+=75
- Other: tiktok.com/omes1286 google@donaldldowridgejr
Image Credits
All images were taken with use of my personal camera.