Meet Bill Diggs | Economic Development Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bill Diggs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bill, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
One of the only ways to build real wealth in America is through owning your own business. As a 1st generation person in my family to go to college i have always wanted more. I want to give my children a real chance to take a bite out of the American Dream of financial independence.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career is indicative of who i am. I am multifaceted and at times complicated. I started out in Telecommunications and high tech sales and moved over to business development and executive level management. After my stint with MCI and Evolution Networks I landed at The Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce as the CEO of Miami’s chamber that is focused on black businesses.

I grew my career by building sophisticated and deep business relationships. What has always set me apart is my drive to be better. I believe in team but i lead the way by doing first. I like and am not afraid to get my hands dirty. i know how to fight, will fight and have always decided about which camp that i would be in. Most corporate types don’t pick a camp. That is not my style. I decide and then i move. I am loyal to my business friends I exemplify that every day as a trait that I am most proud of.

I have learned that not everyone is passionate about their job. I won’t work somewhere that i am not passionate about. I figure that if i am going to be anywhere for 8 to 14 hours a day that i would have to enjoy being there. So essentially i chose and have chosen all of my jobs. That has come based on me being told at an early career age that you must network and build alliances and relationships. Consequently, i have always volunteered and participated with nonprofits that are helping the least of us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
1. i would start at my house. If you are a friend, then we go there. I introduce you to my wife. 2. We leave and go to lunch at my most favorite restaurant in Miami, Houston’s in Aventura.
3. Toward early evening we head to my cigar bar in downtown Miami Fl Empire Cigars. they have great drinks, and the atmosphere is not just cigars, but it is pleasant and inviting for men and women alike.

4. I almost forgot that you should probably stay at a hotel on Brickell Avenue so that you could walk to most places to enjoy yourself.

5. I also believe that during the week that you should schedule dinner at Komodo’s and order the Duck, you should go to Flemings for Happy Hour and have the Lobster. You should drop in at Brickell City Center and spend some money in the very cool open-air mall.

6, If you want to splurge then go by Prime 112 over on Miami Beach. This is the hot spot for celebrity sightings. every one of them that comes to town will go by there for dinner., warning, it is expensive but the food is amazing.

7. If you are inclined to go out Saturday night then Sunday at around 11am head to Big Pink for a late breakfast or early lunch as they have large portions that are reasonably priced.

while in town you must got to Wynwood and take in the arts and culture that exists in that area. I always stop in at Derek’s The Fireman bakery for dessert. it’s the best in town, somewhere during your trip you would make room for authentic soul food and go to Lil Greenhouse grille in Overtown. it is worth your while. They have the best ribs intown.

If you are truly adventurous and want to hang with the locals then you should spend 2-4 hours at the Wharf., Dress casually and get ready for one of the best mid day parties in Miami!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My father and mother Joseph & Margaret Diggs for always driving me towards excellence. They knew and believed in the power of a college education. And to my work life mentor David Pamer Sr. for seeing more in me that i ever saw in myself

Website: http://www.miamidade.gov/EconomicAdvocacyTrust