Building a business for entrepreneurship is one thing; doing it to make a statement is another. Durran Gholston Sr. is doing both and getting black people on the global business map. His companies, Gholston Aquatics, Gholston Tactical Academy, and Gholston TRL, have become a beacon of hope for many Baltimore youths, giving them a template to follow as they climb the ladder of success.
As a serial entrepreneur, community leader, and activist, Durran Gholston is dedicated to building communities and shaping the world, a passion that inspired him to dive into the business scene. He learned business from surviving the streets and growing up in the fast-paced city of Baltimore. As a Black man who has witnessed many black people go on to do great things in different fields, Durran Gholston Sr. knew the business world needed more black people, and he set out to be a part of it. In his words, “We had a lot of black athletes, but the business world was not set up the same way. I want to be someone in business that kids in my neighborhood can look up to and be inspired by.”
Durran Gholston Sr. is a proponent of community building, which is evident from his contribution to youth sports teams, school supply giveaways and community donations toward progress. With his passion for black representation in the business world, Durran Gholston Sr. hopes to encourage business-minded individuals to never settle for less and work on conquering their biggest fears. “Everyone needs to understand that anything is possible no matter where you are from. All it takes is a mindset shift, and things will begin to fall in place,” Durran said.
Everything Durran Gholston has built is geared toward inspiring people, especially the youth. He has become a powerful force and voice in his community and an inspiring figure to everyone looking to achieve success. “I am fearless, and nobody sees me as a competition until they see the influence I have in my community. While competition is good, collaboration should be the goal. If we can all come together and play our roles in community building, there are no limits to what we can do,” he said.
Over the next few years, Durran Gholston sees himself leading young people into the world of business and helping aspiring entrepreneurs gain a firm footing in their niches. He plans to push black entrepreneurs to the front of the line in the business world and play a role in creating the next generation of successful black entrepreneurs. “We should not be left behind in the major facets of life. Black people have excelled in many areas but the business world. I have seen young black men and women achieve major success in various fields, and I strongly believe it is time for us to shine in business. Not everyone has to go through business schools as we intend to prove that we can raise entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources, skills and knowledge they need,” Durran said.
