African-American Chicago Entrepreneurs inspire potential new business owners

While hanging out on Chicago's south side at a family reunion in August, a cousin told me about Bolt-On Wireless on 95^th Street, a new business that had opened up this year. Initially my reaction was why would someone want to open a cell phone retail store with all the competition around, especially with major companies like Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and AT&T that not only have cell phones but the service too. I went by this location to check it out, and I was impressed by the service not just by the owner Stephen Bolton but by his assistant Jeff Smith. Both guys are personable, professional and easygoing, and with the computer-generated world we live in, that's a breath of fresh air.

Service can make or break a second visit to any retail store and some days I just don't want to deal with an automated system. If I don't like the service or have to repeat myself eighteen times with voice-activated systems, I don't care if the company has the best products in the U.S., I'm not supporting them. However, when I run into a company where the employees are on point and they know how to run a business, it gives me that much more respect for them and the encouragement to embrace their dreams too. Talking to Bolton also made me have a little more hope in someday owning my own business, and as an African-American woman, it's cool to see successful African-American business owners like his.

Stephen Bolton of Bolt-On Wireless

One similarity I found with both Cavil Sr. and Bolton was that they were both veterans. I have zero interest in joining the army, but both entrepreneurs were so disciplined and ready to take on anything with their businesses. I was interested in how Stephen Bolton went from stock boy to sales representative to manager to the owner of a cell phone company, with U.S. Navy experience to add on, and only at 37. It's difficult enough to keep a job, never mind run a company.

 

If you're interested in an interview I recently completed with Bolton, click here, or click here to see a video of him talking about Bolt-On Wireless.

 

If you're interested in visiting Bolt-On Wireless, the cell phone retail store is located near Jewel Osco on Chicago's south side at 1636 W. 95^th Street, a few blocks from Evergreen Plaza. And if you're curious about the others, Cavil Sr., is overseas right now back to being a soldier to help fund MidWest Family Inc., and provide for his family. ChicagoWe.com is going strong and growing larger everyday, and if you ever get a chance to visit Quench!, try the veggie jerk sandwich. Heaven in wax paper, it is, and I Love Food Group (Love's food chain line) is phenomenal.

Phillip Cavil Sr., owner of MidWest Family Inc.

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