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

Vee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I started working in the nonprofit housing counseling sector in 2013 as a Housing Counselor helping people to save their homes through Florida’s Hardest Hit program and the Principal Reduction Program. I worked very well with the clients and many of my family and friends would ask me, “Have I thought about starting my own business in this field?” .In 2019 I stepped out in faith and launched Generational Wealth through Homeownership Inc a 501c3 nonprofit housing counseling agency. Our mission is to change lives and empower communities, one person at a time, by creating generational wealth through homeownership. Some struggles I faced in the beginning, was funding, getting my 501c3 certification, and creating my business plan. Once launching my businesses, I took business development workshops, read books, receive advice from my mentor, and I prayed to God. I had to learn how to run a business and I had to choose my Board of Directors. I seeked God for wisdom. I wrote the vision and made it plain. Success has to be specific and intentional. I had to establish a plan of execution on how I was going to get there. I had to set a timeline to reach my goal. I had to be persistent and consistent. I had to invest in myself! I had to change my mindset. For my nonprofit organization, I contacted many corporate partners to get sponsorship and I was persistent. I was able to receive funding. I applied for grants and I was denied some grants. I continued to move forward and had faith that it would work out. I started building relationships and creating partnerships. On my journey from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur I had to seek wisdom from God and have God order my steps! I had to be intentional and make changes in my life from my old way of thinking, my old habits, and my old life. I had to form new ways of thinking, new habits, and a new way of life. I had to be very specific and write a plan with steps to help me reach my destination in life. From registering the business, creating the business plan, getting an EIN number, getting a business license, reading books about starting businesses, researching, and taking business development courses. At the time I was working a full-time job and doing all of these things in the evenings and the weekends.

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

My name is Vee Escarment President and CEO of Generational Wealth through Homeownership. I started working in the nonprofit housing counseling sector in 2013 as a Housing Counselor helping people to save their homes through Florida’s Hardest Hit program and the Principal Reduction Program. I was able to help hundreds of clients from foreclosing on their homes. The organization I worked for also conducted First Time Home Buyer Programs. I was able to help hundreds of clients purchase their homes as a first-time homebuyer. In 2016 I left that organization and started working for the Urban League of Broward County. There I taught workshops on budgeting, credit, financial literacy, home affordability, and the First Time Home Buyer Workshops. I assisted clients with one-on-one pre-purchase counseling, credit counseling, post purchase counseling, and foreclosure prevention counseling. I provided information and assistance regarding readiness and preparation for homeownership. This may include services such as down payment assistance, home exemption, home inspection, and home affordability. I advised and assisted the clients with the necessary steps to help correct any derogatory information on the clients’ credit report in order to improve their credit scores and help the clients become more prepared for the home buying process. I evaluated their mortgage readiness, Fair Housing Education, budgeting, credit analysis, and money management.

Generational Wealth through Homeownership founded in 2019 services the low to moderate-income families in the Tri-County areas of Miami Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County. We service the South Florida Community and beyond in homeownership, credit counseling, post-purchase counseling, and financial literacy. By adopting the National Industry Standards for homeownership, GWTH utilizes best practices to assist its clients in achieving Homeownership. We are focused on educating and empowering the community on these various topics through our Workshops. I have been able to help 1,000 clients over nine years become first time home buyers. Being a life changer, helping clients begin their legacy for their families and creating generational wealth for their families! I have dedicated the last nine years to assisting the low to moderate-income communities in becoming knowledgeable so that they can take necessary steps toward building generational wealth through financial literacy and homeownership.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My mode of operation is pretty simple. For advertising and marketing their services, I rely on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Herein, prospective clients are encouraged to register on the company website. I also post client photos and testimonials on social media. There are times I do live videos so that potential clients can get to know me, my business, and the services I provide. Marketing, branding, and advertising is very critical to your business!

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When I first started my business I was still working full time at a job and I was putting money every time I got paid into my savings account. The initial capital from my business came from me. In the beginning stages of the business I paid for everything until the business launched. Once the business launched I started applying for grants and sponsorship. I contacted many corporate partners to get sponsorship and I was persistent. I applied for grants and I was denied some grants. I continued to move forward. I was able to receive funding.

Contact Info:

• Website: gwthinc.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veeescarment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veeescarment
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vee-escarment-4ba6101a1

Image Credits
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