Today we’d like to introduce you to Mychal Connolly.

Hi Mychal, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

I’ve always believed that success is less about where you start and more about how you keep moving forward. At 17 I came to the U.S. from the Caribbean with a dream and a lot of determination. My entrepreneurship journey has brought me to a simple idea: how can I stand out while helping others do the same? That mindset led to the creation of Stand Out Truck®, a digital billboard on wheels designed to give businesses high-impact, street-level advertising.

Along the way, I realized entrepreneurship isn’t just about business—it’s about community. That’s why I launched initiatives like the Create Dope Stuff and Stay Sucka Free® book program, where every book purchased gets matched with one donated to a student. I also co-wrote the book I Am a CEO. Realistic CEO with my son, inspired by a high school experience where his business teacher said being a CEO wasn’t a realistic career goal for him. Together, we turned that negative into a positive, by creating a motivational story and public speaking tour that encourages elementary, middle, high school and college/university students to believe in their dreams and take action.

Another project close to my heart is Lemonade Book, which teaches kids about entrepreneurship and financial literacy in a fun, relatable way.

My work is guided by three core goals: provide for my family, give back to the youth, and be a blessing to the business community. From speaking engagements to publishing, everything I do ties back to those principles. I didn’t have a clear map when I started, but I stayed focused, stayed hungry, and always looked for ways to create value. That mindset has taken me further than I ever imagined, and I’m still just getting started.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The road has been anything but smooth, but I’ve learned that the bumps and detours are where the real growth happens. When you start with limited resources and big dreams, every step forward comes with its own set of challenges. From figuring out how to fund my first business to navigating moments when things didn’t go as planned, I had to rely on resilience, creativity, and a lot of faith.

One of the biggest challenges came when I launched Stand Out Truck®, a business that relies 100% on foot and vehicle traffic. I officially hit the ground running on March 9, 2020—just days before the global pandemic shut everything down. Suddenly, the very thing my business depended on had vanished. Streets were empty, businesses were closing, and uncertainty was everywhere.

But instead of folding, I pivoted. I reached out to local organizations, small businesses, and nonprofits, offering the truck as a way to deliver important messages to communities while people stayed home. From COVID safety announcements to uplifting messages and promotions for businesses trying to survive, Stand Out Truck® became more than just advertising—it became a community connector.

One of the most meaningful pivots was turning Stand Out Truck® into a Graduation Celebration Truck. With schools closed and traditional ceremonies canceled, families were heartbroken that their graduates wouldn’t get the recognition they deserved. I saw an opportunity to give back in my own unique way. We drove through neighborhoods, displaying personalized messages and photos of graduates, giving families a chance to celebrate right at home. I even organized photo shoots next to the truck so families could have captured memories—just like they would have at a traditional graduation. Even though the company was losing money doing these celebrations, the reward was immeasurable. To this day, people still thank me for helping create those special moments during such a difficult time.

Another challenge has always been overcoming doubt—both from others and myself. Whether it was potential clients saying no, deals falling through, or people questioning my ideas, I had to remind myself that every “no” just meant I was one step closer to a “yes.” It’s easy to get discouraged, but I’ve always believed that if you stay focused on creating value and serving others, the right opportunities will come.

Balancing business with family life has also been a challenge. As a father, I’ve always been mindful of not letting the hustle take away from what matters most. That’s why many of my projects, like Lemonade Book and I Am a CEO. Realistic CEO, aren’t just about business—they’re about teaching the next generation how to dream big and work smart.

The truth is, entrepreneurship will test you. But if you stay committed to your mission, stay adaptable, and surround yourself with the right people, you’ll find a way through. The struggles made me stronger, more focused, and more grateful for every win—big or small.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

My work revolves around helping people and businesses get seen, heard, and remembered. Whether it’s through creative advertising, entrepreneurship education, public speaking, community initiatives, or creating a simple marketing plan for a business to follow via my Marketing and Cupcakes® website, I focus on creating opportunities for others to stand out and succeed.

One area I specialize in is marketing strategy. I don’t just run ads—I work with clients to make sure their message connects with the right audience. This includes everything from digital campaigns to creative concepts that cut through the noise. I believe in the power of clear, direct communication, which is why I teach others that in any group of ten people, one will love your offer, one will hate it, and eight are not interested. The key is to speak in a tune that resonates directly with the one who loves it.

Beyond business, I’m passionate about empowering young people to dream bigger and take action. I’ve seen firsthand how exposure to the right ideas and mentors can change someone’s life. That’s why I invest time in projects like teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and personal branding to elementary through college students—showing them that there’s more than one path to success.

One thing I’m especially proud of is how I’ve been able to turn ideas into movements. Whether it’s through my Create Dope Stuff and Stay Sucka Free® book program, public speaking alongside my son Realistic CEO, or helping small businesses find their voice, I’ve built platforms that don’t just serve clients—they uplift entire communities.

What sets me apart is my mindset. I don’t approach challenges with a “wait and see” attitude—I believe in taking action, adapting quickly, and finding solutions. I’ve learned that resilience, creativity, and a commitment to service are what truly drive success, and I aim to bring those values into everything I do.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about talent or hard work—it’s about resilience, adaptability and execution. No matter how well you plan, life will throw challenges your way. The people and businesses that succeed aren’t the ones who never face setbacks; they’re the ones who keep moving forward, adjusting their approach without losing sight of their goals.

I’ve also learned the value of relationships. You can have the best product or service in the world, but if you’re not building genuine connections, it’s hard to grow. Whether it’s with clients, partners, or the community, treating people with respect, honesty, and kindness opens more doors than any marketing strategy ever could.

Another powerful lesson is understanding the difference between activity and progress. It’s easy to stay busy, but not every task moves the needle. I’ve learned to focus on what truly matters—serving my clients, empowering the next generation, and staying true to my mission.

Finally, I’ve realized that giving back isn’t just something you do when you’ve “made it.” It should be part of the journey. Whether it’s donating books to kids, celebrating graduates during tough times, or mentoring young entrepreneurs, the most rewarding moments have come from helping others succeed.

At the end of the day, the journey is never a straight path, but if you stay resilient, build real connections, focus on what matters, and give back along the way, you’ll always find your way forward.

Pricing:

• Lemonade Book $15
• I am a CEO. Realistic CEO Book. $12

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.standouttruck.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standouttruckking
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19Vg6HNEdW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrstinkycakes
• Other: https://www.RealisticCEO.com

Image Credits

Headshot with truck and www.RealisticCEO.com photo credit: Bob Zemba | Simple Truth Imaging

Headshot in red shot hoodie photo credit: Chris Marion | Chris Marion Photography