We recently had the chance to connect with Martin White and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Martin, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my customers were they just had no idea about financial literacy. Even with the internet being a big resource. I knew there was a gap in financial literacy between the black & brown community verses the white community and other races. However I was thinking with the power of social media and the power of the internet that people would become more educated in financial literacy and business. But truth is there is so much misinformation on the internet and social media you have to filter between what is true and false. I was surprised some customers didn’t have a bank account or never heard about credit. This disparity in access to financial education at an early age creates a knowledge gap that can be difficult to overcome later in life. But that is why I’m here to educate and empower my community through finance and business.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Martin White, and I’m the founder of Envision Professionals LLC, a business and financial consulting firm based in Kinston, North Carolina. At Envision Professionals, we specialize in helping aspiring entrepreneurs get their business off the ground, assist small business owners, and nonprofits acquire funding. We help individuals with their credit and other financial literacy tools, and access the tools they need to grow and thrive. We are the one stop shop when it comes to business and finance. We offer several business and financial services that cater to all people and all walks of life.
What makes Envision Professionals unique is our personalized, hands-on approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we take the time to understand each client’s vision, challenges, and goals and we tailor our services to meet their specific needs. Whether it’s preparing financial projections for loan and grant approvals, structuring new startups, or offering workshops, we are committed to helping our clients succeed.
Envision Professionals was born out of a passion for community empowerment and economic development. We’ve seen firsthand how proper guidance and support can change the trajectory of a person’s life. That’s why we continue to invest in the success of others.
Right now, we’re working on expanding our reach through local partnerships, educational seminars, and special events that bring valuable resources directly to the community. We’re not just building businesses, we’re not just helping people, we are building legacies.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The world does not stop, that was a moment for me when I went through my health scare a few years ago. Before my full time entrepreneurial journey I worked in banking. So you hear the saying if you die your job will replace you the next day. Well realistically they won’t lying. During that short period in the hospital having my office given away because they didn’t think I was going to pull through. Was the moment I said never again will I rely on a job. I will bet on myself. I did go back to work for a year until I said naw I’m good. Now once you take the emotional out of it you do understand the importance of a healthy work life balance. Take your PTO, take those family vacations, don’t let work consume you. I learned from it as I made the bank over $100k and worked my butt off. To them they are running a business. You could be likeable, a great employee, all the above. But business need to maintain operations. Companies are often more concerned with their bottom line and maintaining productivity than with the emotional impact of an employee’s death. So now that I run my own business full time its important for me to have resilience, compassion, and great leadership. It’s a difference between a boss and a leader. A boss will say get it done while a leader will say let’s get it done.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
NO! I never give up! In business, a “never give up” attitude is crucial for success. As a business owner or entrepreneur you will inevitably face challenges and setbacks, and the ability to persevere through these obstacles is a key factor in determining whether you achieve your goals. A resilient mindset, where failures are seen as learning opportunities rather than permanent roadblocks, is essential for long-term success. Hey man I’m from Kinston where the crime rate is high, the infrastructure is outdated, and the city is seeing some major challenges. But we still breed pro athletes in basketball and football. But I want to show the youth hey you can be a successful business man and still make a good living. Everyone is not going to make it to the NBA or NFL. Financial literacy is important because it allows people to make informed decisions related to budgeting, saving, borrowing and investing, ensuring that individuals live within their means, while simultaneously generating wealth. Even pro athletes and celebrities need financial literacy. You see so many athletes, or music artist and celebrities go broke. They may lack to financial knowledge or the know how. Being a business man or business woman you think about the big picture, you solve problems, you achieve goals and you help the community.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes the real me, all day everyday.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I showed up for people not just in words, but in action. That I used my skills to help others succeed. That I was honest, even when it was hard. That I built something that lasted beyond me. That I made people feel seen, respected, and empowered. And I hope they would say he was super cool and blessed their life in some shape or form.
Contact Info:
- Other: Envision Professionals LLC
202 Plaza Blvd
Kinston NC 28501
[email protected]
252-525-7602
