Q: What seems to be the one aspect about yourself that most people need you to explain?

A: That would be how my mind works. It is complex and highly evolved, yet simple. People never seem to understand why I am able to deliver results, consistently and across multiple platforms. God blessed me with a level of creativity and insight that I cannot always explain. It is just a knowing that comes naturally; it is the beautiful mind syndrome. Remember that movie? That is the best way I can describe my reality.

Q: Mr. Middlebrooks, how did you enter into the music industry?

A: It was all about my training and development. My parents made sure that I was surrounded by the influence of music. I play nine instruments and am classically trained, which began at the age of 4. From hip-hop and classical to rock and R&B, I was inundated with music. I played keys and directed the choir in church as well as was the DJ at my mother’s regular parties at the house. In school, I always had three music classes in addition to my core academics. Music is in my veins. All I know is music. In all seriousness, I am music.

Q: What led to you opening The William Middlebrooks Company? Why is now the time?

A: The William Middlebrooks Company is an operation that leverages all the companies that we own. It facilitates and manages our investments as well as brings potential investors to the table to get involved with our fund that infuses capital into the various holdings we have. In addition, we have to line up with where the world is. Not doing so, will put us out of the mix. The CEO has now become a personality. I have tried to avoid it, but unfortunately to be successful today, a CEO has no choice but to come to the forefront of the business in a very public way and become a literal brand. From Trump to Puffy, you get the picture. Our office handles that responsibility for me as well.

Q: You are a very private person. Is this why we find more press about your endeavors versus the man himself?

A: Probably. My job is to serve my clients. Not to out shine them. My core focus has always been to do a great job, make money for the investors and keep our clients satisfied. However, to simply compete in today’s market, which for us means gaining additional investors, businesses and clients, I must market myself. It is simply unavoidable. Everyone seems to want to be with the “Superstar CEO.”

Q: We know you grew up in the mean streets of Detroit. How did that shape and mold you to become who you are today?

A: It makes you savvy, strong, determined, and a survivor; all the components needed to do business. It was a conditioning of the mind even though periodically it dampened my spirit. When you are surrounded by death or poverty, you either rise above it or fall. I chose to ascend to the clouds of prosperity from the ashes of despair.

Q: Every leader seems to live by a core value system, what is yours?

A: I have one mantra, GET IT DONE!

Q: From all of the press we have seen over the years, William Middlebrooks has evolved over the years. Tell us about that evolution. How did it start? What happened internally to create the man you are today?

A: That is a loaded question. Let me suffice it to say that I focused on what was right and got away from what was wrong.

Q: What exactly is “The Middlebrooks Way?” Why does it work?

A: It leverages businesses that hit their peaks during different times of the business cycle. We try to enter those various businesses to balance out our revenue stream throughout the year so we have consistency and stability. This strategy minimizes our investment risk.

Q: How do you rise in the face of pressure?

A:   I try not to focus on the pressure but focus on simply delivering the results that need to happen. That is what I mean by GET IT DONE.

Q: We hear that empowering youth is something you are great at doing. What drives you to do this and how do young people help redirect your passion about life and business?

A: It is two fold, kids are real and no one did it for me. I know how it feels to be a kid with little to no support, true unwavering support, and clear unconditional support. It makes you start to feel empty which leads to doing things that should not be done in hopes of filling that void. You end up making bad decisions that you cannot always change. I want to help young people avoid those pitfalls, where possible.

Q: The money, the cars, homes in several cities…People want to know if you are rich or extremely wealthy. Tell us the truth about your financial status.

A: I believe that the words “rich” and “wealth” are spiritual matters. I will say that focus, discipline, determination and God’s favor are all the reasons that have gotten me where I am today. However, those of us who are faithful to God are ALL RICH! So I have to say I am rich and extremely wealthy because of my relationship with God. Finances have nothing to do with real wealth.

Q: What makes William Middlebrooks tick? What has your heart and soul?

A: Everyone else has a head start over the African-American community. We are the only people without a homeland, a language, access to large financial resources or legitimate power. That is what makes it virtually impossible to come together. I am trying to demonstrate the reality that we can stand on our two feet, not being beholden to anyone while working together to get it done. There is a reason why African-Americans dominate the NFL sidelines as players but are virtually non-existent as head coaches. There is a reason why there has never been a African-American President. You fill in the blanks…

End.