Daughters Of Zion SBA CNPP Grantee Announces Debra Williams – D Williams and Associates – As The 51st DOZ CNPP Entrepreneur Of The Week- June 18, 2023 – June 24, 2023
Debra Williams
D Williams and Associates
Phone number: 901-860-5261 (please leave a message)
As part of our follow-up to the progress the Daughters of Zion SBA CNPP grantee is making within Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond- we are highlighting the weekly Entrepreneur of the Week Award. Debra Williams was chosen as the entrepreneur of the week, and when asked why, Dr. Gerald Kiner, Ph.D. declared, “ Debra Williams is a very happy and content woman who is thriving in post-retirement. I am thankful to know her. She is a major asset to our community and the amazing part is – she’s just getting started. I expect the next 12 months to take her into uncharted territory of success. It’s been said that the number 51 represents leadership, courage, and strength. All of those adjectives embody Debra Williams. This is why she is our 51st entrepreneur of the week.”
Q: Please state your name, the name of your company and the nature of your business.
A: My name is Debra Williams and I am the proud owner of D Williams and Associates. I worked for the IRS for 40 years and when I retired, like many, I was searching for something to do and I was introduced to the financial services industry. I help people get their finances together. For many years I watched my mother, who only had a High School education and worked a minimum wage, use a simple piece of paper to check stuff off. With this method in mind, I was able to create a spreadsheet called a spending plan. This spending plan is used not only to get you out of debt but also to create a savings plan. My focus is to let people know life insurance policies are not just beneficial when you die but there are living benefits as well. I am a promoter for community grants and advocate for the community to see there is so much to do.
Q: How did you come up with that beautiful name?
A: Me and a couple of other ladies were partnering together and I was the leader of the group. We all traveled together and showed up to each other’s events and it just came to me.
Q: What made you want to start your business?
A: I always had my hands in something. I am always thinking about how I can bring value to someone’s life. I feel like I may meet people I would have never met while networking. I am a connector by spirit. I am always listening and connecting people because that is my gift.
Q: What makes you stand out from the competition?
A: One significant thing that makes me stand out from the competition is I am an insurance company but I do not sell policies – I sell benefits. I once had an insurance agent that sold me a policy and he sold me insurance instead of selling me all the benefits that come with a policy so I make sure I sell the benefits.
Q: How did you find out about Daughters of Zion SBA CNPP?
A: I found out from one of my great supporters, Yolanda Ford. One amazing thing is when we aligned we found out we both worked at the IRS and our birthdays are the same exact date.
Q: What would you say to other business owners about why they should become a part of the Daughters of Zion SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program?
A: Very impressed with the information I received and the way it was presented. Dr Kiner is truly the bomb and so engaging with his teaching. He not only is teaching but he also gets us involved. It’s not just being talked to for 2 hours but we get to do the talking too. I felt very supported and afterward the other business entrepreneurs wanted to know what each other did. It’s definitely a place where you can grow.
Q: What is the greatest testimony you have witnessed from your business?
A: The greatest testimony is seeing other organizations see there is an easier way. I am noticing more community activities at church and the community is more active. I am used to seeing the elderly people and these community events just give us an opportunity to reach out to more people and know we are out here.
Q: What’s something vital you want all the potential clients out there to know about you?
A: I am here to help. I am a servant leader and will help you in any way that I can, just pick up the phone.
Q: Let me ask you some fun facts about yourself. What is your favorite food? What is the most interesting thing people wouldn’t know about you? What is something unique about you? What is something you can’t stand to go without?
A: Kroger popsicles and Dairy Queen’s soft serve ice cream are my favorite foods. Most people do not know that I am the oldest of 3. I am unique because I am un-bothered when people get angry when I like to hold people accountable. One thing I can not go without is being around people. My husband passed in 2016 and it pushed me to go to church, where I attend Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Pastor Ashton Alexander, just to get hugs weekly from the saints.
To sign up for free DOZ CNPP business coaching and training use the link below:
http://daughtersofzion.org/intake-form/
Or call 901-260-9933
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