Old Navy’s Post

As we round out the last 3 days of Black History Month, I will be sharing the stories of the Lowes Region 4 Black Store Manager Council, their journey, what Black History Month and the BSMC means to them. These stories are often of excellence, resilience and are OUR "history in the making". We would appreciate if you shared them with your store associates and leaders. Introducing Michael Butler, Store Manager of Columbus, IN Store #1516 I have been in retail for over 33 years. I started my retail career in Champaign, Illinois. My retail career has allowed me to travel around the country and live in places that I would not look for on a map normally. While in college, I worked for a tech company that taught me my business acumen, created a love for big sales and introduced me to my mentor Jody Johnson. She was my first GM that encouraged me to be my authentic self. She gave me advice on life and how to create a solid career path. Her approach of taking care of her associates before anything has always resonated with me and has become my blueprint for success. It has helped me created some strong leaders in my retail career. I could never match her enthusiasm and energy (I truly try), she is the reason I love what I do today. I have been with Lowes for three years now at store 1516, in Columbus, Indiana. I plan to retire with Lowes. What does Black History Month mean to me? Both my parents were born in the 1940’s and lived through times of gross inequality. My dad’s father was a sharecropper in Mississippi with 13 children. He was a hard worker and did the unthinkable in those times; he purchased the land he was working and was able to give it to his children. My mom was biracial. Her dad a white minister in Dayton, Ohio in the 40’s. The stories of their journeys from birth to where this country is today is amazing. We have truly come a long way in equality and still have a long way to go. What does the BSMC mean to me? Before I came to Lowes, I had a job offer to be a district manager for a Fortune 50 company. They were so confident I would accept the role they parked my company car in front of my home. They also knew that I was interviewing with Lowes. During my final interview with the RVP at the time, he discussed the BSMC (it had just started and had 10 strong managers) and what they were doing in Detroit and Indiana was impactful. I canceled my other job offer and started with Lowes with pride. I wanted to work for a company that was aware of what was going on in the world and wanted help change it. The BSMC is my opportunity to do just that." Region 4 Black Store Manager Council Charles M. Reasonova Chad Doescher Portia Barnes Keith Jackson Rickey Ward Beverly Peguese James Jackson Adrian Davis Charles Schrzan Emanuel Garland Henry (Hank) Moultry Jr LaShonda Hawk Darran Duncan Abidemi Afolabi Dee Hawkins Jarade Henderson Anthony Jones Briana Daugherty Bryain Haynes Joe Jackson Maurice Morris Bobby Scott

Did you know that August is Black Business Month? While the work I am honored to lead at BeyGOOD Foundation is rooted in creating more opportunities for economic equity and growth, it’s important to shine a light this month on the staggering reality for many Black business owners across the United States. Despite there being over 160,000 Black-onwed business contributing over $180 billion dollars to our economy, annually, according to Crunchbase data (2022), only 2.4% of venture capital dollars went to Black-owned businesses. With a funding gap this wide, it shows us very clearly just how much work is still left to do to create a future that provides equitable access to society's most marginalized and underserved communities. These businesses are the backbones of these communities and when they receive the access, support and visibility they need to attain greater success, they, in turn, have the ability to create opportunities for transformative change across generations. This is why we are so proud to collaborate with the amazing businesses that are part of the Black Parade Route, and I hope you’ll join me in supporting the small Black-owned businesses in your community who are doing their part to their mark on the beautiful tapestry that is the American economy. Click this to learn more about equity! https://lnkd.in/gKSSkWgB

Incredible to see our #growth and journey towards being the Ultimate #Project Success Company, all while remembering that at Ferguson we have a very distinctive culture anchored in #customerservice. We are a #relationship business. Together we help build more than homes and office buildings. We help build relationships, #trust, #confidence and #community. #TogetherWeBuildBetter

This year we celebrate our Ten Year Anniversary. Most people don’t know this, but Black Barn Financial LLC started in 2014 with just 5 clients and $1.2 million in managed assets. In our first year we had less than $15,000 in REVENUE. I don’t even want to say what our profit (ahem, loss) was that year. But even without much revenue, what I did have was a solid plan. I knew that people wanted what we offered — investing advice specifically attuned to the unique needs of those investors whose perspectives had been overlooked by traditional investing models. Today we’ve grown to over $100 million in managed assets and 140 households (including those original 5). We’re still a boutique firm, but we’re not small potatoes. Planning and growth is in our DNA. Success for us is guiding both our clients and our firm toward the future, but always remembering who we are and where we came from. Kacie Swartz, CFP®, CIMA® Elisa Hanson Amy Calistri Gwen Danielle Leonares

My wife and I recently took our kids to their first Pride parade and it was just beautiful to watch their excitement at the various activities at each vendor booth. My daughter’s curiosity asked a thoughtful question, “why are all of these people at the parade?” And this is how we explained it. These people and thousands of others all around the world support what’s called Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) values every day. You can think of them like a superhero team that makes sure everyone feels welcome and included! 1. So what do we mean by Diversity? Imagine a big box of crayons. Each crayon is a different color, right? Well, people are like those crayons! We come in all shades, sizes, and backgrounds. And that's really awesome. 2. Now what do we mean about Equity? Imagine a race you’re in where everyone starts at different points. So some kids have a head start, while others need a little boost. Equity means making sure everyone gets the same chance to cross over the finish line. Fair play for all! 3. Alright now Inclusion: Think of a cool bounce house. It's not fun if only a few friends get to play inside and others just standby, right? Inclusion means calling out and inviting everyone to bounce with you. We want everyone to feel like they belong and can share their really cool ideas! So how about we be the super awesome DEI superheroes! Remember, it's about celebrating differences, being fair, and making sure everyone's voice is heard. Now let’s go get some ice cream and face painting!

PEOPLE + PERFORMANCE = POWER Having the right people with the right performance is crucial for our company’s success. If our people aren't the right fit, help them become the right fit. If their performance isn’t where it needs to be, work with them to improve it. At the finish line, it’s the collective effort of our people and their performance that drives us to victory. Here’s a glimpse into our company culture at Project: Black. Our lifestyle brand isn't just a label; it's reflected in how we treat our people like family.

Happy February! & Happy Black History Month 💚 We’re spending this month discussing topics and starting conversations around the following: 1. Personal Branding 2. Career Journeys 3. Diversity and Inclusion 4. Professional Development 5. Creative Inspiration 6. Mentorship and Support 7. Industry Trends and Insights 8. Celebrating Achievements 9. Work-Life Balance 10. Future Goals and Aspirations Kicking off with a Q&A: Respond in the comments ☺️🧡

I had the privilege of joining some of the brightest minds Sysco Canada Inc. for a Black History Month celebration that truly stood out. Sysco Canada Inc. didn't just host an event; they created a vibrant, safe space for meaningful dialogue on advancing inclusivity and diversity. Their approach was noteworthy, not only for the recognition of challenges but more so for their commitment to ongoing action. They laid out a clear strategy and set measurable goals, showcasing a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of Black and racialized communities. This initiative serves as a shining example of how continuous, collective efforts and accountability can lead to significant progress. By valuing and acting upon diverse voices, we move closer to a world where everyone is empowered to thrive. This commitment from Sysco Canada should inspire others to take similar steps, turning isolated gestures into a consistent, united pursuit of justice and equality. We are immensely thankful for the support and solidarity from our allies and encourage a broader call to action: to embrace inclusivity, challenge systemic inequalities, and work tirelessly towards a more equitable world. The path may be long, but with determination, empathy, and unity, significant strides can be made. Sysco Canada Inc. #blackhistorymonth #blackexcellence #diversityequityandinclusion #allyship #canada

Continuing our Black History Month celebration, we highlight Bee Moore, Talent Acquisition Advisor in Georgia today. Let's get to know Bee! Can you share a pivotal moment in your career and how it has shaped your journey with Atlantic Pacific Companies? "A pivotal moment in my career occurred several years ago when I was given the opportunity to lead a high-stakes project for a major client. This experience not only shaped my journey in work but also transformed my perspective on challenges and personal growth. It taught me the importance of embracing challenges, effective leadership, and resilience. This experience continues to serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the potential for growth that lies within each of us." What advice would you give to someone who aspires to follow a similar path in their career, and what lessons have you learned that you would like to pass on? "To those aspiring to follow a similar path, my advice is to be consistent. Develop your processes, execute tasks consistently, and never give up. Focus on finding solutions, believe in yourself, and let internal factors drive you more than external ones. Stay true to yourself, regardless of how others treat you. What's meant for you will come to you. Embrace challenges, effective leadership, and resilience; view setbacks as opportunities for growth." Could you share a cherished memory or tradition from your personal history or family that has influenced who you are today? "One family tradition that significantly influenced who I am today is our 'Gratitude Dinner.' This monthly gathering instilled in me a deep appreciation for blessings and empathy towards others. It taught me the importance of gratitude, strengthened family bonds, and inspired me to give back. This tradition continues to guide me on my journey, reminding me of the values of gratitude, family, and making a positive impact in the world."

This Black History Month – "Champion a Black Owned Business" PRI-O-LEAU Development Group, a “best-in-class” MBE in the Project Management & Construction Management space. At PDG, our business is built upon personal relationships rather than marketing to thousands of strangers. It is a crucial element to our success. Hence, why we actively solicit business from our personal networks. A higher level of accountability is held when soliciting business from your personal circle, and we thrive on this accountability. Friends and clients expect a diligent effort from us, and we are committed to exceeding those expectations. Each satisfied client usually does business with us again, often referring additional family and friends. Sending you these communications so that PDG is “top of mind” when you or a friend may require out-of-the-box thinking, distinct planning, and an intense level of leadership. How can PDG be a resource for you?