Meet Latoya Jackson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Latoya Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Latoya, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I draw my resilience from the incredible example set by my late mother, Annie Lee Jackson. She was a woman of remarkable strength and determination, who overcame numerous challenges throughout her life. Born to Lee Pearl Lamar-Jackson and John Sherman Jackson, she was the fourth of 14 siblings, growing up on a farm in Warner Robins, Georgia, where she even picked cotton as a child.

After graduating from Pearl Stephens High School, my mother recognized the need for better opportunities and moved to Cleveland, Ohio. There, she pursued her dreams and became a licensed barber and cosmetologist. Life threw its share of curveballs her way, as she became a single mother due to the untimely passing of both fathers of her two daughters.

Despite these hardships, my mother’s unwavering determination was seen by many. She tirelessly worked multiple jobs to provide for us, never letting adversity deter her from her responsibilities and goals. She always encouraged us to reach for the stars, emphasizing that we could be whatever we wanted to be when we grew up. She had only a high school education herself, but always instilled in us the importance of going further and achieving more. I carry her legacy of resilience with me as I navigate life’s ups and downs, knowing that with the same determination and grit, I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, raised by my single mother, who had worked tirelessly to support my sister and me. My father, a Vietnam War veteran and college graduate, had passed away when I was just 2 years old. My mother, a daughter of sharecroppers from a Georgia farm, had to pick cotton most of her life. After a prolonged  illness she passed away this year.

In college, I stumbled upon the book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” which sparked my interest in real estate. Despite having no family background in real estate investing, I was determined to pursue this dream. After graduation, I worked for two Fortune 500 companies, Philip Morris and Michelin, as an outside sales representative. My career eventually led me to Washington, DC, and later to Chicago, where I currently live.

With over 15 years of business-to-business sales experience, I also obtained my real estate license while in Washington, DC, working for Long and Foster Realtors. Collaborating with various investors exposed me to the world of real estate, but I soon realized that I wanted to be an investor, not just an agent.
During my real estate journey, I achieved the milestone of selling $1,400,000 in real estate sales. However, I yearned for more and began pursuing my goal of becoming a full-time real estate investor. I attended workshops, seminars, and joined a local group of investors while still working my 9-5 job.

Together with my business partners, we raised over $2 million for various real estate projects, including Fix and Flips, Buy and Holds, and Mixed-Use Commercial Properties. We secured funding through a mix of sources, including business credit, traditional financing, hard money loans, term loans, and private capital investors who received double-digit returns.

In May 2019, a pivotal moment occurred when I attended a “Women’s Empowerment Event.” A guest speaker suggested that a high personal credit score and specific revenue requirements were necessary for business funding. However, I knew from my own experience that nontraditional lenders offered startup financing without such strict criteria.
This event inspired me to create Excel Capital Group, a company dedicated to educating entrepreneurs on building business credit with their EIN and obtaining financing. Through master classes, webinars, and memberships, I’ve helped countless individuals secure the funding they need to pursue their dreams. This mission has taken on even greater significance this year, as I faced the loss of my mother, who had been my unwavering source of support and inspiration throughout my journey. Now, I am more determined than ever to empower entrepreneurs, honoring her legacy in the process.

At Excel Capital Group, we empower entrepreneurs to establish business credit and secure funding, which is incredibly rewarding as it helps them grow their businesses. For instance, Jenn Marie obtained $60k in business credit cards to launch her Airbnb business, while Lchell Moore acquired a truck and trailer for her trucking business without a personal guarantee. Alonzo made an $84k Range Rover purchase under his company name, and Andrew Taylor secured $50k in business credit cards for his real estate ventures, partnering with Menards, Home Depot, Floor & Décor, and Lowes. Kamiliah Campbell successfully obtained over $60k in business credit cards for her jewelry business, The Pink Lockett.
Access to capital is a persistent challenge for many minority business owners, limiting their cash flow and operational potential. We’re dedicated to providing alternatives to traditional banks.

I recently spoke at the Rainbow Push Coalition Annual Convention, participating in vital discussions on business funding, government contracts, economic justice, voting rights, education, and social impact alongside prominent figures. I’m proud to have been inducted into the “40 under 40 Young Women’s Professional League” in 2018 and delivered a TedXTalk titled “The Entrepreneur Journey: The Comeback is Greater Than the Setbacks.”

I’ve been featured in Shoutout Atlanta and Bauce Magazine, and I’ve made appearances on radio shows like AC Green and Perri Small. My future goals involve expanding Excel Capital Group into a full-service wealth management company, offering various funding solutions, including personal and business credit, small and large business funding, invoice factoring, equipment financing, and real estate investment loans.

In my leisure time, I enjoy networking with professionals, reading, and cherishing moments with family and friends.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that played a pivotal role are:

Financial Literacy and Business Acumen: Mastering the art of structuring a business for financing is paramount. Build a professional team from day one, including lawyers, CPAs, and bookkeepers. Ensure both personal and business credit are in order. This knowledge empowers strategic decision-making and capitalizes on opportunities.

Networking and Relationship Building: Establishing meaningful connections with professionals, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs has proven to be a game-changer. Actively participate in workshops, seminars, and conventions to unlock doors, gain invaluable insights, and foster collaborations.

Resilience and Determination: Navigating entrepreneurship is a journey filled with obstacles. Tenacity, the ability to learn from setbacks, and unwavering determination have been foundational to my success.

For those embarking on their journey, I offer the following advice:

Invest in Financial Education: Prioritize learning about personal and business finance, comprehending personal and business credit dynamics, securing funding, and mastering effective cash flow management. This knowledge is your cornerstone.

Cultivate a Strong Network: Actively seek out networking opportunities, from industry events to professional associations. Building a supportive network provides not only advice and resources but also potential collaborations that can transform your path.

Develop Resilience and a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as stepping stones to growth. Be ready to adapt, pivot, and learn from failures. Understand that setbacks are part of the entrepreneurial journey, each bringing you closer to triumph.

Stay Committed to Your Vision: Maintain unwavering focus on your long-term goals. Let your vision be your driving force, motivating you to surmount any hurdles that come your way.

Continuously Learn and Seek Mentorship: The business landscape is ever-evolving. Keep your curiosity alive, staying open to new strategies and technologies. Seek mentors who can provide guidance and share their experiences. The right mentor can accelerate your progress, saving you both time and money.

Always remember, success in entrepreneurship is a journey, not a destination. Stay persistent, adaptable, and unshakeable in your belief in your vision.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Coming from a background of limited means with little knowledge about finance or real estate, the book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” played a pivotal role in shaping my development. It opened my eyes to the world of financial literacy and the fundamental principles of wealth creation.

One of the most transformative lessons that I learned from the book was the distinction between assets and liabilities. Realizing that assets contribute to my income while liabilities drain it fundamentally altered my perspective.
Furthermore, the notion of generating passive income and the significance of investing in income-producing assets deeply resonated with me.

It prompted me to actively seek opportunities beyond conventional employment to build sustainable income streams.
Learning about the CashFlow Quadrant provided by the book further solidified my understanding of different income-generating strategies. It encouraged me to explore avenues that move beyond being an employee or self-employed, and to aim towards becoming a business owner or investor.

The book also highlighted the importance of ongoing financial education and continuous learning. It instilled in me a commitment to self-improvement and financial literacy, which has been a guiding force in my pursuit of financial independence. This newfound knowledge prompted me to become a real estate agent and investor, setting me on a path towards realizing my financial goals and aspirations.

In fact, it inspired me to build passive income streams and led me to establish my company, Excel Capital Group. Through this venture, I aim to assist others in gaining the capital they need to either develop passive income or to grow and scale their businesses, just as “Rich Dad Poor Dad” did for me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Carl Ankrum-https://www.instagram.com/eyeshootraw/

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