We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe Willis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Joe, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
― Lao Tzu
This quote means the world to me. I make sure myself and my team always speak life and positivity at all times. The whole outlook on life trickles down and affects other things around them. That same personality can be how they view your legacy. It sets the standard for your business.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my faith. I have faith and now I am trusting the process with patience. Romans 8:25 “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
I am no where I want to be but I am excited on where we are going and growing.
I am learning. My group has flourished over the years. It is definitely not easy but I have great help and I am most thankful for those around me.
I have overcame a lot challenges with prayer and consulting with my group. I try to be open minded. The best characteristic of a great leader is to be a servant. I want my brand to be a great example of a community organization. I want to produce future leaders to possibly run their own group. My organization is based on my nephew Kenyana aka “Yana Bird” who was a big time athlete in Arkansas in late 90’s. He was paralyzed in a High school football game November 1997 on his senior night. He had just signed a football and basketball scholarship for Oklahoma State University. He then went on to still attend college online and had a full time job online. He remained positive and always wanted to start his own community organization. He passed away April of 2009. YB33 picks up where his legacy left off and we have started with sports, next is education, next is focusing on adults, and we are a Christ lead organization. We are looking to be a major impact on communities across the country.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were to visit We would definitely start off with a morning workout at Russell Creek park. Then we would go breakfast/brunch at Tupelo Honey.
After a quick refresher (shower) we would head downtown to historical Deep Elum for site seeing and lunch. We would then either head to Cowboys, Dallas Stars, or Mavericks game.
Dallas metroplex is such an awesome place to live.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this to Kenyana Tolbert (YB33) and my wife Dominique Willis. My YB33 brothers Kevin Helm, Trevor Twyne, Kamal Broadway, and our sister Ciarra Medder. My special mentors my Mother Brenda Willis, Arthur Woods, Corey Willis, Kevin OBrien and Karoma Smith. My wonderful, team (Tarshika Armstrong). Also the great parents and kids of the organization.
Website: http://www.yb33foundation.org/
Instagram: @yb33nation
Twitter: @yb33nation
Facebook: @yb33nation