What makes Willie tick? Connecting with people!
Ask Willie King what his key to success has been, and he doesn’t hesitate.
“The key to progress is people,” he says. “If you’re there for people, they’ll be there for you.”
Connecting with others—and staying connected to his dreams—has made Willie King a highly successful entrepreneur. Owner of several businesses in Lake Charles, La., Willie is active as a community leader as well—involved in particular with a number of youth programs.
“From my own experience as a kid and overcoming a lot of things, I learned how important it is to have someone there to offer a helping hand,” he says.
Willie King was profiled in the book Lessons in Leadership From the Ground Up: Turning Dreams Into Success and serves on countless boards and civic groups. Karen Dawn Wyche-Romero of Louisiana Business wrote:
“What’s truly amazing is not merely the number of groups…he’s involved with, but his commitment to each one.”
Willie has won numerous awards for community leadership and business success. He’s also served as the small business representative for the Atlanta region Federal Reserve Advisory Board and sits on the board of directors of the Lake Charles Chamber of Commerce.
He’s served as president of Partners in Manhood and has worked with the Foreman-Reynaud YMCA, the Governor’s Office of Women’s Services, the Family and Youth Counseling Agency, the Children’s Miracle Network and the St. Patrick’s Hospital advisory board. He’s been chairman of Project Rebuild Future and has headed up the local Boy Scouts organization.
Willie’s experience comes from hands-on success in owning more than 21 businesses in his career. He currently owns and operates King’s Transmission, King’s Funeral Home, King’s Flowers & Gifts, and King’s Meter Reading.
His overriding philosophy? “To give back to others,” Willie says, “and help them achieve the freedom and sense of accomplishment that small business offers.”
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Willie featured in the Fall 1996 Edition of Louisiana Business Journal |
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Willie receives the Constellation Award from Harrah's Hotel and Casino |
