Craig Jackson
Craig Jackson’s success is a tale of dedication, preparation, and the pursuit of a dream. He is an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. A man in possession of a “quiet aggressiveness,” a willingness to lead, to innovate, and not afraid to challenges conventional attitudes and perceptions. Jackson received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University. In addition to his degree in Mechanical Engineering, Jackson received his M.B.A. from Pepperdine University and holds a certificate from the School of Entrepreneurship at UCLA’s Anderson Business School with emphasis on marketing. Jackson has in him strong moral values, a sense of self, and a will to succeed.
After a successful career with Carrier Air Conditioning Company (a subsidiary of United Technologies) pursued an opportunity to become a commercial mechanical contractor. An entrepreneur a heart Jackson joined a very small company upon the condition that he purchases the company. After a lengthy negotiation, a negotiation that was delayed by the fact that the asking price was more than the assets of the company could support. Jackson’s plan was revised to purchase considerable “Blue Sky” if the company’s founder would stay with the company for five (5) years. It was felt that his presence would allow a slow transition in which Jackson would gradually take the reins of the company. Unfortunately, four-months after joining SEC, the founder became ill and passed three-months later. This left Jackson a new business without capital or credit. However, in spite of this what appeared to be unattainable obstacles the company managed to survive.
Jackson felt that it had the experience to become a general contractor, and a mentor to small, disadvantaged businesses. His plan was implemented with nationwide expectations. Clients included Afro American, Native-American, Hispanic, and Women-Owned companies. Jackson having experienced the challenges of a small minority construction company could relate to these companies and share his knowledge in marketing, managing and field organization. Jackson also knew from experience that small companies could grow and master the field operations relatively quickly, however, the part of an organization that normally was inadequate was the business of business itself.
