Member Spotlight on Chad Brossett
Member Spotlight on CHAD BROSSETT
Founder/Principle, DJB International LLC/ Donnie Jarreau Construction Inc
Interview conducted by Winnie Hart, Communications Director
Please tell us briefly about your company.
I founded DJB International LLC which focuses on government contracting. I am also partner of Donnie Jarreau Companies, which is a family of companies that focuses on commercial real estate brokerage, development and commercial construction.
Why did you join EO and how long have you been a member?
I joined this past January because I believe it is vital for personal and professional development to have a peer group that can relate to common struggles.
What do you like best about your business?
Waking up in the middle of the night with a concept and then being able to transform it from something abstract to something tangible.
How much money did you have to invest to start your business?
Like most entrepreneurs, I put all of the cash I had accumulated minus 90 days of living expenses into my first real estate deal. Luckily when I started DJB International, we were able to secure operating credit lines against contracts without having to use a lot of cash.
When did you first realize you were going to be an entrepreneur?
I suppose when I made it through my 20's without ever having a resume or receiving a W-2.
Why do you think you have been successful?
My parents made me work and appreciate work growing up. No matter how crazy an idea I had, they always told me I could do anything if I put my mind to it. I believed them!
And what's very important is that I have fantastic mentors and partners who have been very generous with their time, knowledge and life lessons - that no doubt saved me from a lot of potential disasters!
Got anything big coming up on the horizon for you personally or with business that you want to share?
I am going to spend some time in Zambia, Africa, this summer with my brother-in-law who will be preaching at a conference.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
The best advice I can give young entrepreneurs is to always listen to your instinct instead of the "conventional" wisdom from people who have never taken a chance.
How long has your company been in operation?
DJB International: 4 years
Donnie Jarreau Real Estate: 12 years
Donnie Jarreau Construction: 8 years
