Who or what is your inspiration in business?

When I was growing up I really didn't have any positive role models. You see aside from the criminals and drug dealers on my block, my only vision of wealth as well as success were the wealthy men I saw working on Wall Street. So after my mother was beaten and robbed while she was waiting for the bus; I decided to become rich by becoming a stock broker. So after obtaining my securities license I became a broker at a large firm, but something didn't feel right. I wasn't happy.

How do you stay motivated?

Motivation is good, but it's temporary. I've learned that motivation requires action. So for me that simply means reading, working out, and listening to motivational talks, but then immersing myself in something, anything that makes me feel as if I'm becoming something better.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest it in my business. I've started an adolescent confidence and coaching business however, I need to reach more students. This is important. The capital would help. It's a powerful project that I wish I had when I was a kid.