We recently connected with A KJ and have shared our conversation below.

A, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I have always valued my independence and found it challenging to adhere to rigid work schedules and work under individuals I believe I surpass in skills and intellect. As a result, I embarked on a journey to gain control over my career destiny and break free from traditional employment structures.

My career journey began in 2020 when I entered the field of property management as an overnight concierge. Over time, I excelled in my role and was subsequently promoted to a leasing consultant for a prominent downtown St. Louis apartment complex. During this phase, I consistently achieved outstanding results, maintaining a closing rate of no less than 60% and facilitating an average of at least 12 successful move-ins each month.

This success led me to believe that my skills were transferrable on a national scale. I joined Sales Inc, where I honed my sales prowess. I continued to excel, maintaining a closing rate of over 80% at every property I worked with, including my initial assignment in Indiana. In just four months, I managed to generate over 635 applications and successfully facilitated over 200 move-ins.

It was during this period that I realized my potential to establish my own business. Returning home, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, although the initial year proved challenging as I lacked a solid plan to guide me. Undeterred, I took the initiative to chart my course by setting clear 10-year goals and developing a comprehensive action plan. Since then, I have been steadfastly committed to following this plan, steadily progressing towards my aspirations.

In the span of a decade, I envision achieving several remarkable milestones. Firstly, I plan to acquire and manage three duplex properties, securing a solid foundation in real estate investment.

Additionally, I aspire to identify a suitable piece of land to establish the future home of the AKJ Production Studio and Community Center. This location will serve as a hub for creativity and community engagement, contributing positively to the lives of those it touches.

Furthermore, I am determined to embark on a significant venture: the construction of a sprawling complexes encompassing 500 or more residential units. This ambitious project will not only provide housing solutions but also create a vibrant and thriving community for the future.

A, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Adrian H. Kelly, Jr., a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and my journey into the world of storytelling and entertainment began in a most unexpected place – the basement of my father’s home. It was there, while watching a bootleg copy of Tyler Perry’s iconic play, ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman,’ that I discovered my passion.

This initial exposure ignited a fervor within me, driving me to seek out more of Tyler Perry’s works, including ‘Madea’s Class Reunion’ and ‘I Can Do Bad All By Myself.’ Witnessing a person who shared my background, a Black man, excel in the realms of writing, producing, and directing his own movies, stageplays, and TV shows was truly awe-inspiring.

Fuelled by this newfound passion, I began jotting down small play ideas in my notebook. As my aspirations grew, so did my tools – transitioning from handwritten notes to Microsoft Word, and eventually to Celtx writing software during my high school years. This evolution marked the start of my journey toward becoming a storyteller and creator in the world of entertainment.

As I entered college, my immersion in the world of art deepened significantly. I enthusiastically participated in numerous plays and took on the challenge of creating short films, further nurturing my passion for the creative arts.

Attending a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) enriched my experience even more. I became deeply engaged in campus life by assuming pivotal roles, including serving as Mr. Freshman for the academic year 2012-2013 and subsequently Mr. Sophomore for 2013-2014. My journey of leadership reached its zenith when I was elected as the Student Government President for the 2014-2015 term. Remarkably, my tenure paved the way for a legacy as two of my cabinet members went on to become Presidents themselves, a first in our institution’s history.

Furthermore, I continued to foster leadership by identifying the next generation of leaders to follow in our footsteps. This commitment to cultivating leadership not only left a lasting mark on my college but also showcased my dedication to building a thriving and empowered community.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Regrettably, I did experience a challenging period in my life when I found myself homeless for a year and a half. However, within that adversity, I discovered invaluable lessons about the true nature of my relationships and my own resilience.

During those difficult times, I not only learned to distinguish between those who stood by me and those who didn’t but also discovered a profound sense of self-awareness. I uncovered a reservoir of inner strength and adaptability that I am profoundly grateful for. Sometimes, it takes a significant hardship to make us reevaluate our priorities and redirect our lives.

It was during this period that I found solace and guidance in my faith. I firmly believe that sometimes, a higher power intervenes to grab our attention and set us on the right path. From that point forward, I committed myself to following His commandments and living by His word consistently. This newfound dedication enabled me to rebuild my life and eventually led me to the fulfilling and rewarding life I now enjoy.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I initiated the process of funding my business by taking a deliberate step towards financial organization. I began by segregating my personal finances from those earmarked for my business venture.

During my tenure at Sales Inc., I took a strategic approach to fund my business. I acquired an additional bank card and devised a disciplined routine. Every two weeks, I would allocate 50% of my paycheck towards my business account. This practice ensured that I safeguarded and nurtured my business funds, resisting the urge to utilize them until they reached the requisite amount for the purchase of my initial property.

This prudent method became a consistent practice, repeated diligently with each property acquisition, as I systematically expanded my real estate portfolio.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsyoboyakj/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-kelly-jr-9379b113a
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsyoboyakj