Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Billy Milton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Billy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

In the tapestry of my upbringing, my parents were the threads of hard work and dedication. Their synchronized dance between opposite work shifts created a home that encouraged independence and collaboration to sustain the family dynamic, with one always there for us. Weekends were a symphony of chores and projects with my father, who wove invaluable life lessons into each endeavor. His lectures weren’t just words; they were the blueprint for a solid work ethic, urging me to relentlessly pursue my goals.

Equally impactful was my mother’s influence, seamlessly stitching compassion and care into the fabric of our lives. Her nurturing spirit taught me the importance of empathy and kindness, leaving an indelible mark on my character. The harmonious blend of my parents’ teachings has sculpted me into the person I am today—a mosaic of hard work, resilience, and compassion.

Expressing the depth of my appreciation for their guidance feels like attempting to capture the vastness of the universe in a single glance. Their contributions, both big and small, are the foundation upon which my life stands. Gratitude, profound and sincere, flows through me for the countless sacrifices, lessons, and love they’ve bestowed upon me. My parents are not just pillars in my life; they are the architects of my character, and their influence is a gift I cherish every day.

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.

I see myself as a mosaic of skills and interests, echoing the sentiment that “a jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.” From dissecting electronics to crafting music and visual art, my creativity was a silent force in the Park Hill neighborhood of Denver, where understanding peers in these areas was a rarity. Masking my artistic side with a tough persona, it wasn’t until later that I embraced my passion for music, delving into local record labels and studios, unraveling the basics of business operations.

Life took a turn with the responsibilities of supporting a family, leading me away from a full-fledged music career. Yet, the entrepreneurial flame persisted. Grinding through four years of college while managing a job and raising three children, my wife stood steadfast as my biggest supporter. I was balancing a newborn in one hand and writing midnight essays on statistics after work while my wife worked graveyard shifts, the journey illuminated that a degree was just the beginning.

The financial knowledge gained in college struck a chord, revealing a gap in education for many, including those from my neighborhood. Amid the challenges of the Covid lockdown, I felt a calling to address the escalating adversity in our city. Thus, The Righteous Project Inc. was conceived with a mission to provide essential financial literacy resources to the youth and a broader vision to dismantle generational wealth disparities.

In the backdrop of a long and challenging journey, my passion fuels the vision of building an organization that fosters trust, understanding, and community participation. The road ahead is ambitious, but I’m driven to see The Righteous Project Inc. blossom into a catalyst for a better future in our communities.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Nurturing team morale within the nonprofit sector is an ongoing, dynamic endeavor. In a landscape where burnout is a constant companion, prioritizing the well-being and value of volunteers and board members becomes paramount. Our approach involves maintaining active engagement through team-building activities and regular biweekly meetings. Emphasizing a culture where everyone feels encouraged to share ideas and participate in events, we place work-life balance at the forefront of our priorities.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Several resources have significantly shaped my mindset and entrepreneurial philosophy. Foremost among them is “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” a transformative book that elevated my perspective on money management and the importance of working smart over working hard. Another impactful read is “Atomic Habits,” which adeptly dissects the essentials of cultivating positive habits while minimizing unproductive ones. It all boils down to mindset and a willingness to embrace change, set goals, and methodically conquer small milestones as you ascend your personal mountain toward your vision of success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.righteousproject.org/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/therighteousproject
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RighteousPInc?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-milton-jr-a7827a136?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaY4XzTQFDFOL5hHwbKyTwGPVviL0jvTN&si=O2QUT7DJ5Z-Tck4v
• Other: Legacy United: A Righteous Project Inc. Podcast https://rss.com/podcasts/righteouslegacy/

Image Credits
Johnny Gomez, Candice Byrd, Tristina Byrd, Rebecca Mendenhall, Shayla Milton