We were lucky to catch up with Kerry Pope recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kerry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Throughout the years, I have continuously explored the concept of success. One guiding principle remains constant throughout this exploration: “Embrace your calling, and success will follow.” Let me delve deeper into this idea.
The vision we receive, often from a higher power, serves as both the starting point and the endpoint of our journey. This vision, however, remains veiled in uncertainty and obscured by obstacles between inception and realization. We naturally want clarity, a roadmap to success. However, such clarity is often difficult to find, causing many to abandon the vision altogether. Our quest for success often leads us to mimic others’ accomplishments, hoping to achieve similar results. Rather than being a trailblazer, this path leads to imitation rather than innovation.
Reflecting on my experiences, I have encountered numerous service providers who each offer their own version of excellence. It is Odyssey Black’s emphasis on understanding each client on a personal level that distinguishes it from the competition. In order to achieve success, companies must remember the essence of why they were founded and remain focused on that purpose.
Odyssey Black transcends mere transportation; it embodies an experience enriched by personal touches, by making meaningful connections. It is by recognizing this that we realize success isn’t merely about reaching a destination; it is about the journey, the relationships, and the experiences that are shared along the way.
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.
It was divine intervention that led me to the black car service. I was at a low point in my life in the summer of 2022. Transforming from one company to none. In my life, I was at a crossroads and needed God’s answer immediately. It was while I was in Virginia for a family emergency that I learned about driving for Uber. I had to decide whether to drop my pride and drive for Uber making money or continue to sit in an “Oh woe is me” mindset. As soon as I got home, I put my Black BMW to work.
My pride and ego were bruised because I felt I had fallen from grace to despair. While my ego tried to explain why I was driving for Uber, God was setting the way for me without my knowledge. I was learning how to navigate the transportation system for my black car service. I saw desperation as God setting me up for my next stage of life
As soon as I returned home, I immediately began implementing this new vision. The Uber app enabled me to drive for Uber within a week of signing up. I quickly learned how to navigate the system and my clients were happy with the service I provided. It was a great experience, but God had more in store for me. After starting work for Uber in August, I woke up in October dreaming of owning a black SUV. A friend of mine who had driven my wife and me for years offered to help. His advice on what vehicle to buy and how to enter the black car industry helped me get into the business. Following consultation with my financial agent, I purchased my first company SUV after finding the perfect vehicle.
Being the owner of a black suburban, I had no idea what to call my company. It was obvious that God created this company, so I prayed, asking what name He would give it. As I prayed, I heard clearly, “Odyssey.” Puzzled by the word, I looked up its meaning and was amazed by what I discovered. Odysseys are lengthy, complicated journeys, often in search of a goal, and can be spiritual or psychological journeys as well. Having spent more than 35 years in ministry, I had no idea that God would be preparing me to do “Marketplace Ministry.” Odyssey Black would become a safe place for clients to receive spiritual insight through simple conversations while experiencing impeccable service. Odyssey Black was born!
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Many people have dreams and visions of success but lack the funding to bring them to fruition. I was without a job and had no money to start a company in 2022. I was doubtful that anyone would even give me a chance but I followed God’s spirit and reached out to my credit bureau. When I contacted my agent, she guided me in what steps I needed to take to purchase my first vehicle. I must state that yes we need high credit rating to purchase things in life but I believe that you must have a strong faith first and foremost.
After getting the loan needed for the purchase, I contacted the company I would purchase the vehicle from and got a bill of sale. I sent it over to my agent and they sent over the check to purchase. Having your own financial agent to handle all of the intricate parts of securing the loan prove to be vital in moving the vision of the business forward,
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Having experience personally the various types of drivers in the black car industry help me to develop Odyssey Black. I have been in cars that were not the cleanest, or the driver had the wrong type of music blaring loudly in the background.. I wanted odyssey Black to be a place where for the length of the ride the client felt a serenity and relaxation. many of my clients are business owners or CEO’s and they simply want to escape from the craziness of their day. Odyssey Black provides and atmosphere of comfort that may find themselves so relaxed that they often times fall asleep during the ride. So, through word of mouth or testimonies, the client shares with others the peace and tranquility that they experienced will riding with Odyssey Black.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.odysseyblack.com
- Instagram: @odysseyblackllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odysseyblackllc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-pope-5912a525a/
Image Credits
Tara Harp Photography