Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvester Jenkins III.
Hi Sylvester, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a native of Columbus, GA. I am a man of many appellations, including a Devoted Husband, and father of four kids, retired Army First Sergeant, Fitness Enthusiast, Self-Published Author, and inspirational speaker. I am no stranger to adversity, I grew up in a low-income single-parent home surrounded by gang violence in a drug-infested neighborhood, where a young man was only expected to do 3 things, die, go to jail, or make it out by luck.
Instead of becoming a product of my environment, I decided to choose the path of joining the Military and investing in myself. Beating the odds with no luck but all hard work and determination, I can now call myself a combat veteran, First-generation college graduate, and Bestselling author.
After retiring the Army with 21 years of dedicated service. I redirected my life’s mission and turned my pain into purpose. I wrote the book From Combat to Comeback How to conquer life’s battles of adversity to help people turn their setbacks into comebacks. Now I empower people to bounce back from life’s challenges and become the predominant force within their own lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was affected by COVID during my transition from the military. Jobs were scarce and I had to deal with the worry of struggling to pay my mortgage, other bills, and provide food for my family. My wife, who was working as a Mental health associate, went from having her hours cut to eventually being released due to a reduction of force. I remember having nothing to eat but ramen noodles, frozen dinners, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at one point. I had built up overdraft fees and was swamped with debt. I was totally unprepared. I withdrew all my funds from my TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) to stay afloat with my obligations. Poverty is the engine that runs the lifestyles in this world. Moreover, it is said that this misfortune causes and triggers other types of adversities. As in, financial issues lead to mental stress and anxiety, which further leads to uncertainty in sticking to the faith. But I think out of all the obstacles I‘ve faced the biggest one was myself. Overcoming limiting beliefs, self-doubt, fear of “What If” I prayed and made a vow to God that if help allowed me to not only survive what I’m going through but thrive that I would reach back to any else who wanted to do the same.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Sylvester Jenkins Group, I conduct presentations and workshops, I have been given the title of “The Bounce Back Expert” I share my universal blueprint for excelling in the midst of adversity, mental toughness, perseverance, and physical success. I provide exceptional training and strategies to turn worriers into warriors, stress into success, and obstacles into opportunities!
Whether it’s virtual or live, I can give interactive, practical, & thought-provoking engagements to help audiences find and stay on the path to their destiny.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned so many, a couple would be that the greatest investment you will ever make is in yourself. If you invest in your job, you will make a living but if you invest in yourself, you will make a fortune. In every defeat, there is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sylvesterjenkins.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sylvesterjenkinsiii?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sylvesterjenk03
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sylvesterjenkinsiii
- Other: https://drum.io/sylvesterjenkinsiii
Image Credits
Andrew Hanson photography Xavier Young XL photography
