Andre Williams hasn’t forgotten his roots — the streets of South Greenwood — and he’s determined to improve the lives of teenagers who live there.
Williams, 41, is a volunteer coach at the Greenwood Community and Recreation Center.
“What motivates me to do this is because I know where I came from,” he said. “I don’t want some of the children that we’re mentoring now to make some of the same mistakes I made. I’m standing in a good spot, trying to motivate them to go in a positive direction.”
Williams, a deacon at Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, said his Christ-centered life is a big reason for his many hours of volunteer work at the center.
“I would dedicate my health, my energy and my finances to help someone that’s less fortunate. … When I look at this, I know my reward will come from God. I’m a fearsome man.
“I know you can’t beat God-given. What he gives me, I try to give back. I know he’s going to take care of me. I’m standing in a good spot, trying to motivate young men to go in a positive direction. You reap what you sow. I’ve seen that firsthand here,” he said.
Williams, a native of Greenwood and a 1994 graduate of Greenwood High School, also credits his mother, Laura McGill, a single mother, for helping to keep him on the right path in life.
“It was the prayers and the dedication of my mother. She showed me what genuine love is all about,” he said.
Williams also credits the center’s executive director, Larry “Kite” Johnson, as a role model. “He showed me the man that I was missing in my life,” Williams said.
The Rev. Reginald Stanley, pastor of Mount Pisgah, also serves as an inspiration, he said.
Williams is the owner of Andre’s Wholesale, a wholesale car dealer located in Greenwood. He’s been in business for three years. Prior to that, he worked as a material handler and press brake operator at Viking Range for 10 years.
Williams has been married to Angela Williams for four years. The couple have four children: Kanasia Cross, 18; Keandre Cross, 16; Tasia Stevenson, 11; and Cassidy Stevenson, 10.
Williams operates his business from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After that, he comes directly to the center for either mentoring or coaching.
Being an auto wholesaler is different from just buying a single car. Williams has to go to auto auctions and bid on several vehicles at one time. The success at bidding “boils down to who needs the car the most,” he said.
Williams then sells them individually to used car dealers, many in Greenwood.
He said the process requires knowing which vehicles are in demand and making sure that they are not lemons with hidden problems — such as faulty transmissions — which could come back to bite him down the road.
Quick resale is another important factor, Williams said.
“The quicker you get it off the lot, the more profitable it will be for you. The important thing is to free up that cash” for the next round of auctions, he said.
Being a businessman — and his own boss — fits with Williams’ longtime goals.
“I’ve always had an entrepreneur-type mind-set. Nothing comes easy. You can be whatever, but it is going to take hard work and dedication,” Williams said.
•Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
