Meet Jay Williford | Financial coach, mentor, entrepreneur, investor

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

Hi Jay, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from the inner city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and come from very humble beginnings. As children, my siblings and I didn’t always get what we wanted but had what we needed. Growing up with both parents in the same household taught me values, responsibility and stability. I didn’t always make the best decisions as a young adult, but I learned from my mistakes. My past has led me to become a better person, caring about those in my community by feeding the homeless, volunteering with community organizations, and helping seniors, When the opportunity arose to become an entrepreneur while helping people to improve their lives through financial literacy, that was a no brainer for me because financial literacy is missing in most schools. In high school or college, there were no classes for me on financial literacy. Now that I am in a position to help the masses through my platform, I am now able to create a life that I previously thought I could not attain.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Traditional marketing has changed with the computer technology making it easy to create and run a business practically from your phone. With technology and social media so available to everyone, more people are finding creative ways to supplement their income. As an independent agent, I am able to share my business with potential clients online or in person. My excitement comes when someone gets approved for that car or house purchase, they never thought was possible for them. Lessons I’ve learned along the way are that consistency, hunger and commitment are necessary for becoming successful. The world should know in the words of Warren Buffet, “If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.”

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.
Bayside Marketplace is one of my favorite places to show off to visitors. You can walk by the water, have a great meal and enjoy the soft breezes coming off the bay. My favorite restaurant is Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co. I love their shrimp platters. Everglades National Park is also on my list of favorites. It is also called the “River of Grass”. You can hike, motorboat and see snakes, manatees, and gators. Wynwood Walls, Art District, is exhibit street art as well as art from around the world. Walking through this art district is the best way to take advantage of the beautiful artwork.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I would like to thank God for giving me the vision to keep going even in dark times. I would like to thank my parents (James and Darece Williford) who have always been supportive and encouraging throughout my life including ups and downs. I’d also like to thank my grandmother, Blanche Pickett, who is the matriarch of our family and always supported me, no matter what. Coach Kev has been my personal mentor since I’ve been in business for the past three years helping me to develop as a leader’s leader in life as well as business. Special thanks and shoutout to my dearest Amira Williams who has had my back since high school.

Website: www.myuwe.net/JWilliford1

Instagram: @jaykwilliford

Facebook: Jay Williford