SDM– Larry, you are taking on a huge task as the new President of The Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce, founded by the larger-than-life Linda S. Gray. She was full of energy, tenacity and had a knack for getting things done and connecting people together. We miss her greatly. Tell us a little about yourself and what motivated you to want to be the next chamber President?
Larry– I’m the Co-Founder, President/CEO of Qnet Managed Services, a technology Managed Service Provider. I am a graduate and current alumnus of La Tech University with an associate’s degree in petroleum engineering technology and bachelor’s degree in computer science from Metropolitan State University of Denver. I have over 40 years’ experience in the Information Technology Industry. Prior to starting Qnet in 1999, I was Director of Business Information Systems for the Oryx Energy Company and Kerr McGee Oil and Gas. Over the course of my career, I have implemented and managed networks all over the world in places like Quito Ecuador, Jakarta Indonesia, Aberdeen Scotland, and London England to name a few. I feel that I am well respected in the technology industry and currently serve on the Board of Directors for Prestige Community Credit Union as Technology Advisor. Additionally, I am a 2007 graduate and alumni of the Kellogg School of Management Executive Program, A 2012 Graduate of the SBA E200 Emerging Business Program, a 2013 graduate of Leadership DISD (Dallas Independent School District) Fellows Program and 2014 Graduate of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. Moreover, I am a 2024 Graduate from Ascend National Entrepreneurship Cohort program sponsored by IBM, Chase bank and Morehouse College.
God has blessed me to have success in business. I feel motivated to give back and see our communities and businesses be successful by maintaining the vision entrusted to me by Ms. Linda S. Gray, the founder, to grow this chamber and take it to another level..
SDM – What are some of the initiatives you would like to implement at the chamber? Some people were not aware the chamber was still in existence?
Larry – The Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in supporting local business and fostering economic development. Some of my initiatives are to promote business growth, advocate for favorable policies and legislation that benefits local businesses, networking opportunities, and providing members with access to technology resources, tools, and training to help them adapt to the digital landscape.
SDM – You have an extensive background in technology. How will that skill set help you as the new chamber President?
Larry – My twenty-five years’ experience as a business owner, the relationships and resources I have access to, the leadership I have developed over the years from sitting on various boards gives me a significant advantage as the new Chamber president.
SDM – Does the chamber have a physical building? I believe it was located in Lancaster at one time.
Larry– The chamber currently has an office in the Inwood bank building located at 1801 N. Hampton Rd. Suite 484 Desoto, TX 75115. Our goal is to have our own building within the next five years.
SDM – Why should a business owner choose to join the Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce? I know some may think chambers are not as effective as they once were.
Larry – Businesses that want to grow and become successful should join the chamber to build relationships with other business owners and increase their revenue by doing business with chamber members. We can also help them do business with local, state and government entities. Networking opportunities to market their business also helps them as well. The overall business knowledge and access is worth the investment.
SDM– Larry, you sound like you are up for the task as the new chamber President. How can people find out more about the chamber and join?
Larry– You can go to our website www.gswbcc.net and find out more information about the chamber, when we have events coming up, market your business on our business directory and become a member by joining online.
SDM – Is there anything additionally that you would like the readers to know? We don’t want to leave any stones unturned. Are there any events coming up that the chamber has planned?
Larry – I would like the business community to know the Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce is still alive and well. We are active in the community and have monthly events to educate the business community. We have several programs to support our local veterans.
Our next major chamber membership meeting will be October 24th. Details of time and location will be posted on our website www.GSWBCC.NET.