February is a great month for so many reasons: Valentine's Day, The Superbowl, spring nearing around the corner! But, I think we can all agree that this month hosts a most important purpose: Black History Month. In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to take a moment to sit down with a few of our black teammates to discuss which historical figures inspire them in their careers, personally, and in other areas of their lives. Today, we have the pleasure of diving deeper with Steven Branch, a passionate, driven Management Specialist for the Preiss Company in efforts to recognize those who came before us and how they have left a lasting legacy even to this day.

We first started speaking to Steven about those who inspire him in his career and personal life, and he was clear to note that he found it challenging to select just a few people, as there are many role models he gleans from. “There are several Black Figures that inspire me, so I really couldn’t pick just one,” said Steven. “I was challenged to really consider and think about who inspires me and who has paved the way for other black folks as well.” Personally, someone who has brought him inspiration was his own grandmother, Josephine. She was born and raised in a problematic community in Henderson, NC in 1928. Taking motivation from her upbringing, she went to cosmetology school and obtained her beautician license, as well as managed several rental properties left to her by her father after he passed. As a beautician, Josephine met her husband, Woodrow, as he was a barber. She had six children and dedicated herself to teaching them how to make an honest living, that would lead them to sustain a healthy lifestyle as well. She taught them how to grow their own produce, cook, treat people well, and to stay resilient through any environment that might challenge them.

While Steven admitted that he never had the chance to meet her, he draws strength from her as a way to find motivation in his personal life and his career every day. “I did not get a chance to meet her but through the quality teachings she bestowed upon her sons and daughters, their raising of me has molded me to be the young man I am today,” said Steven. Steven also discussed how impactful his family dynamic was during his younger years, and how it continues to be a place of grounding as a working professional as well. “My family’s mission to instill healthy teachings kept me from looking for family in unhealthy places,” says Steven, “and leadership comes through serving people, which I grasped through my family. I am very thankful for that. Although I never met Grandma J, her legacy of teachings and life lessons transcended to me and my sister through our aunts and uncles – her children.”

Outside of his direct family, he also attributes much of his inspiration from two other well-known figures in television: Tyler Perry and Steve Harvey. Tyler Perry was born in 1969 in New Orleans, LA. He came from a very tough childhood, and faced many hardships within his home life growing up. To this day, he speaks highly of his mother and attributes his success to the lessons on faith that she taught him as a child. While he started out doing stage-acting and sleeping in his car, Perry fought for himself and advocated for himself during a time where Hollywood was predominantly white. He now owns 330 acres of land and his own studio, where he has created scholarships and programs to advocate for other people of color as well. Acquired by Tyler Perry in 2015, the 330-acre lot is located in the heart of Atlanta. The major motion picture studio, one of the largest production facilities in the country, showcases forty buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, twelve purpose-built sound stages, 200 acres of greenspace and a diverse backlot. Tyler Perry Studios Fort McPherson is the fourth expansion in the lineage of the writer, actor, producer, director, and philanthropist’s creative empire. (Tyler Perry Studios). “He has created a studio to make a change and BUILD a table instead of asking to join one,” said Steven. - Here is a link or two if you would like to hear Tyler Perry speak on his successes.

Steve Harvey was born in 1957 in West Virginia to underprivileged parents, and since he was a little boy had always known he wanted to be in entertainment. He had many jobs, including insurance salesman, autoworker, boxer, carpet cleaner, and mail carrier. But, he performed at an open mic comedy night in 1985. Harvey was a huge success, and the next day he quit his job to continue his dream of becoming a star. As Harvey says, “You have to jump and take a leap of faith in order to soar.” However, the road to success left Harvey homeless, living in his car, and traveling the country for performances. But with dedication and extreme hard work, Harvey’s career took off. Today Steve Harvey remains known as the busiest man in Hollywood (Steve Harvey). – Steven has also provided links to learn more about these two very inspirational men here and here!

While these men are very different, Steven finds that both stories lead to a common theme: perseverance and leadership. “Just knowing their backgrounds and knowing that they come from a place of hardship makes their successes that much more meaningful,” said Steven. “I can actually see these men living out their dreams, creating opportunities for others and keeping their faith, despite how their individual stories started. Seeing more and more black men and women in leadership inspires me to work harder everyday.”

After reflecting on those who motivate and inspire him, Steven pointed out that given his passion for leadership, he tries to take each day by the day, and offer his life lessons to others. “There is a higher ground waiting,” quoted Steven, “and dream big. There is opportunity for absolutely everyone, and once you meet that opportunity, it’s your duty to help others meet theirs. I find that these people around me inspire me to do this for others.” Steven also attributes his growth and his continuous efforts to continue growing in the Preiss Company to these figures as well. He says,“I see areas of opportunities for me to influence others and push myself to be better, and it inspires me to go very far in my career at Preiss.” He has kindly provided numerous movies that celebrate Black History Month, today and every day. We have listed those below for reference, and encourage everyone to take a look into this extremely special perspective.

I think I can speak on behalf of everyone when I say thank you, Steven, for taking the time to offer your perspective and inspiration to all of us at The Preiss Company. We had such a great time getting to know you and see things through your lens! Steven’s advice? “Ask yourself, what is keeping you from living out your dream? The answer is in taking a chance, identifying your gift, and working to influence the world within the time you have on Earth!”

Movie Recommendations: