Today we’d like to introduce you to Troy Gathers.
Hi Troy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
“Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“When I first read those words from a memorial wall at South Carolina State University, I was motivated,”
These words continuously push me towards my goals while I strive for excellence. Although it was quite a few years ago, while attending undergrad I found that my upbringing was very different. I found that welfare and Section 8 were foreign concepts to some college students even at a HBCU. Regardless of my economic background, I showed up in college making the National Deans List, joined SGA, Young Democrats, coached intramural basketball/football teams and hosted my own radio show on WSSB 90.3FM. Most importantly, I started my entrepreneurial journey and began speaking to elementary- high school students. I’ve been a scholar my entire life receiving tons of awards from K-12 but in college, I began to see a purpose for my upbringing; “I have the voice to help people grow through trials.” There’s something about how I was raised that kept me going at a high level. I credit my Great-Grandmother and Grandmother for their unwavering love. After graduating from South Carolina State University, I sought out to be a voice for the voiceless and an inspiration to all. It doesn’t take a silver spoon to assist others, all it takes is the will to want to. Thanks to a close friend that unfortunately got a 25 year prison sentence, I started speaking at prisons across South Carolina as well. With the brothers knowing that the speaker went through a similar situation but was able to take a different route, it gave me a closer bond with brothers incarcerated. I just wanted them to know it was possible to overcome their present adversities. “It is my faith in God that got me through the rocky moments in my life”, I would share during my speeches. By the time I reached seventeen years old, I had attended seven different schools and transferring back to 2 schools after being away for a year or better. Totaling 9 school transfers in 12 years. Despite the constant moving around in grade school, I still joined NJROTC, the newspaper staff, and Future Business Leaders of America to name a few. Throughout my life, I remained positive and knew that if I continued on this path I would be successful regardless of my circumstances. Fast Forward, after successfully completing my MBA program, I enrolled in a Public Policy and Administration PhD program.
As of 2024, currently finishing up the final research to complete my dissertation (PhD Candidate). With my B.E. Y.O.U. Publishing imprint, I’ve published 10 book titles and own a nationally recognized clothing brand. All Glory to God.
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 wouldn’t say it’s smooth for anybody. As we all say, Life be Lifing. Although its never always sunshine, It’s unfair to complain about what comes with what you signed up for. We all have to go through a certain level of dedication to reach our goals. One of my favorite movies is Rocky. I remember when Rocky said, “if you know what you’re worth well go out and get what your worth, but you gotta be able to take the hits. And not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him or her or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that.” That speech may sum up what 90% of entrepreneurs go through. If the road isn’t smooth, it’s my job to fix it. In your life as well. Fix it. A major struggle I faced, was understanding that I wasn’t the main character in everyone’s life I had in mine. I invested alot into people that may have not had mutual feelings towards me. It’s a hard lesson. When you put the wrong people in great places in your life, things go wrong. I’ve been getting better at it though. The more I grow as a person, the wiser and selective I become.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
If I were to put myself in a category it would be Author and Entrepreneur. As I mentioned earlier, I started a business at South Carolina State University and since 2015, I’ve been publishing original faith-based and educational book projects. My clothing line I began in college has wardrobe over 50 celebrities including; Terrence J, Big Tigger, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Pierre, Waka Flocka, Boosie, Webbie, Ari Fletcher, Z-Ro, Kid ‘N Play and NBA Legend John Salley. In undergrad, I began working on book ideas but never published any of them. Now, I have 10 book titles that are available online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and Walmart.com. My catalog includes: Take Me With You Volumes 1-3, Trilogy, Break the Cycle Vol 1 &2, African World History, Systematic Female Ratchet, The King and the Tree Trunk and 107 Quotes on Friendships. I’m most proud of the people that have assisted me on my journey. I have met and experienced some really dope people. Please understand that your network is important. I’m forever thankful for the support. Trust me, I’m the definition of when man closes 1 door, God opens 1,000 more. What sets me apart from others is my unwillingness to ever consider stopping. The World will experience future Dr. Troy Gathers. GOD DID
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Best: The Energy. If you’re serious about your goals and willing to work, there’s always people along the way that want to assist and push you ahead.
Least: The Traffic
5:00 o’clock Traffic is a 1-2 hr meeting between you and yourself.
Don’t move to Atlanta, We Full!
Pricing:
- Take Me With You Volume 1-3: $10.95
- Trilogy: $34.95
- Break The Cycle Volumes 1 & 2: $7.95
- The King and The Tree Trunk: $9.99
- Systematic Female Ratchet: It’s not the Sistas it’s the System: $10.95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.troygathers.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/drtroygathers
- Other: www.beyoupublishing.com
