We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Javar Juarez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Javar, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?
My community is at the heart of everything I do. They’re more than just the focus of my work—they’re part of my calling. Outside of enjoying the work itself
, I believe that building real connections requires us to show kindness first. As someone blessed with a deep sense of love, compassion, and empathy, serving others has become my life’s mission.
When Tropical Storm Helene recently swept through our community, it brought immense challenges—roads were blocked, many were left without power for over 10 days, and families struggled to access food and basic supplies. In response, my organization, ProCom by the Broad River Business Alliance (BRBA), mobilized swiftly. We coordinated with government officials and community partners to launch an effort that provided meals and essential supplies to over 1,000 people across the county.
It was heart-wrenching to see the stress and uncertainty people were experiencing during that time. Yet, witnessing their relief when we answered their calls, showed up with supplies, and let them know they weren’t alone was incredibly humbling. Their appreciation was palpable, and knowing that we could provide comfort and hope in such a difficult moment was a true blessing.
That experience reminded me that customer service isn’t just about transactions—it’s about being present for people when they need it most. The gratitude in their eyes was the best kind of reward, reaffirming why community service matters so deeply.
Javar, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Javar Juarez, and I consider myself more than just a business leader—I’m a community advocate, creator, and builder of opportunities. I am the Senior Director of the Broad River Business Alliance (BRBA) and the founder of the Columbia Urban Broadcast Network (CUBNSC). My work spans multiple industries, but at the core of it all is the desire to uplift and serve others, especially within underserved communities.
I got into this field organically—out of a need to address gaps in resources, support, and visibility for both small businesses and Black creatives. As someone who understands firsthand the challenges of limited resources, I’ve always been motivated to create spaces and programs where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. Whether it’s helping local businesses thrive, developing mixed-use spaces like St. Andrews Square, or launching cultural initiatives through media and events, my work is about creating real, lasting impact.
Through my platforms, I offer consulting, business support, content creation, and advocacy, focusing on empowering low- and middle-income families. My creative works span from event production to music, with my latest release, “When I Saw You”, receiving rave reviews for its soul-stirring Afrobeat sound. I aim to solve problems that extend beyond business—like reducing crime, supporting financial literacy, and fostering community pride through projects such as Palmetto Smart Drivers an initiative created to reduce vehicular accidents and fatalities.
What sets me apart is the heart behind my work. I’m not just driven by goals or outcomes but by the relationships I build and the lives I touch. I want people to know that I don’t do this work for recognition—I do it because my community is my passion. Whether mobilizing relief efforts after a storm, like we did for Hurricane Helene, or hosting leadership conversations that amplify the voices of emerging Black leaders, I believe in creating solutions that make people’s lives better.
What I am most proud of is how we’ve built bridges between people and resources. From feeding 1,000 people in partnership with county officials to producing high-level creative content for businesses and individuals, my team and I are committed to showing that no one is too small or insignificant to matter. Through it all, my mission remains clear: to provide opportunities, inspire change, and be a force for good in everything I do.
If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, or fans to know, it’s that my work is grounded in love for the people I serve. I want them to feel empowered, seen, and supported—and to know that together, we can build something great.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
All of my social media platforms came under attack from the moment I stepped onto the scene. It often felt like the algorithms were actively working against my mission to mobilize Black people, teach financial literacy, engage in political education, and amplify local stories. Despite building a collective following of over 100,000 people, I had to start over three times. Each time my account was targeted and trolled by angry conservatives in South Carolina after I testified publicly against anti-CRT, anti-DEI, and book-banning laws at the statehouse.
That experience taught me a valuable lesson: true power lies in ownership. I pivoted from relying on social media platforms to focusing on creating my own space and becoming an online authority. That’s when the Columbia Urban Broadcast Network (CUBNSC) was born—a platform I own, control, and curate to promote healthy, inclusive, and productive narratives. Building my audience through my own channels has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career because I no longer have to fight to be heard—I’ve created a platform where the stories I believe in can thrive on my terms. And it’s working.
My advice to anyone starting out? Focus on building something you own. Social media is an incredible tool, but algorithms and trolls can shift your momentum overnight. Use platforms strategically, but don’t rely solely on them—diversify your presence. Create spaces that reflect your values, and make sure you control the narrative. Lean into your mission and be prepared to adapt when things don’t go as planned. You’ll need grit, consistency, and a willingness to pivot, but when you focus on impact over followers, the right audience will find you. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of storytelling—because people connect with authenticity above all else.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
The key to building my reputation was making sacrifices—specifically, being present even when I didn’t have the resources to do so. I found a way to be everywhere that mattered, which I know frustrated the establishment. They would have preferred people like me to stay silent because they thrive on controlling the conversation. But the joke’s on them. When I showed up, I did so authentically, without compromising my morals or values, no matter what was happening around me in spaces where power, money, and influence are concentrated.
What set me apart was my commitment to truth. I reported what I saw without bias—how it made me feel and what it meant for the people impacted. I captured authentic images, conducted meaningful interviews, and uncovered deeper narratives that were often ignored by mainstream voices. Staying grounded in truth, even when it made people uncomfortable, built trust with my audience. They knew I wasn’t just going through the motions; I was documenting stories that mattered with integrity.
Building authority takes practice, consistency, and relentless drive. It’s not just about being visible—it’s about showing up as your true self, every time. That’s how I became a trusted voice in my community and beyond. Whether it was covering political developments, creating opportunities for Black creators, or advocating for fairness, my audience knew I wasn’t there to fit in—I was there to tell the truth and fight for change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JavarJuarez.com
- Instagram: JustJavar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/javar.juarez/
- Twitter: @CubnNet
- Youtube: @cubnsc
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/javar-juarez/1723851886
Image Credits
JavarJuarez/CUBNSC©2024