We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Clifton Stafford. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Clifton below.

Clifton , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The process of going from idea to execution required a great degree of sacrifice and preparation. In reality, my wife (Shanequa) and I were traveling on vacation when the idea of establishing a transportation company was originated. It was birthed as we were discussing the desire to create jobs for persons that feel ostracized, inadequate as well as transitioning back into society from the jail system.

Several hours after the initial conversation, the name of the business was birthed and registered with the State of Maryland. Over the next 6 months, we spent tireless hours researching and building everything from the logo, brand messaging, vision and mission statements, targeted audience and even created a business plan. In order to move beyond the idea phase into launching, we had to truly treat the business as if it was already operating at a high degree. Therefore, we partnered with our brand manager and she quickly created a high quality website. In addition, we created social media accounts and purchased a cargo van.

After much prayer and walking by faith, God pushed us to fully transition from planning to execution and we launched the business 11 months after the origination of the idea.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Cliff Stafford, Jr and entrepreneurship is truly a blessing from God. My wife (Shanequa) and I have been fortunate to build several businesses from the ground up. We have been married for 10 years and we currently reside in Baltimore, MD. Most recently, we have discovered that our marriage is a ministry and entrepreneurship is an avenue by which we can provide solutions to many problems.

Our interest in starting a business became very clear during a season when I was questioning my impact in the earth. I was working a 9-5 job that seemed very mundane and I knew that there was something greater awaiting my God-given contributions in the future. Truthfully speaking, my work ethic was so strong that I would daily go above and beyond for a company at the neglect of my own well-being.

However, we launched His Business Transportation in May 2022 and never looked back. Our company focuses on transporting all types of products from Business to Business, Business to Customer and looking to start providing services from Business to Government. Our vision statement declares “HBT is focused on meeting your delivery needs, your way, at your convenience.” We are solely focused on adding a personal touch to the last mile delivery space that makes customers feel like their close family member is safely and securely delivering whatever items they need transported.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I have the esteemed honor of having my wife (Shanequa) as a business partner. We met over 10 years ago while working at a manufacturing plant. As temporary workers, we became familiar with each other by passing and greeting each other. The greetings evolved into conversations about several different topics. The conversations turned into spending hours on the phone discussing our greatest desires and ambitions. Fast forward, we were united in marriage on June 15TH, 2013 (18 months after meeting each other).

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding the business was a true testament of perseverance and determination. The process of receiving funding for the business started with a phone interview with Baltimore Community Lending. As I reflect upon the process, I am truly fortunate and appreciative of this company. Following the phone interview, I was emailed a list of documentation that was needed to be considered for funding. After gathering the documents and submitting my profile, I had an introduction zoom meeting with a business coach (free of charge) to assist with creating a business plan and 2-year projections. At this stage, I literally implemented every detail and submitted the profile to the loan advisor for review and feedback.

Within 60 days, we were fortunate to receive funding in the amount of $30,000. We are forever grateful to Baltimore Community Lending for trusting our vision and partnering with us to launch our business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hb-transportation.com
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/hb_transportationllc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/hbtransportationllc

Image Credits
JJ McQueen