Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Puckett.
Benjamin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In high school, I was always the leader/team captain of my football and basketball teams and I always paid attention to when people listened to me when I spoke and would always come to me for advice. I 2009, I was playing Division 1 football for Jacksonville State University and during a red zone drill practice, I heard God tell me “your voice is going to mean more to the world than you playing on anybody’s football field.” I started listening to Eric Thomas and it stuck out to me how he spoke and how passionate he was and that was the blueprint for me getting started.
So, in 2015, I created Benjamin Puckett & Associates. My first engagement was at my church, New Years’ Eve, where they gave me 12 minutes. It went great and was the start of everything.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road! The biggest thing is understanding the importance of putting in the groundwork. I could send 100 emails and get no responses. That’s why having a “why” for what you do is important because it changes the way you take the “nos” or no responses. The process is meant to break you and then build you. You have to get familiar with failure because there are lessons in failure – You either WIN OR LEARN! Losing can’t be an option.
You have to understand that work has to be put in and sometimes social media can be very deceiving and look like people are getting instant fame, but it’s only 10% of the work. There’s research, lingo, relationships that have to be built and some free work you have to do to create a foundation.
One time, I had someone interested in me, but they wanted to see me on film to see how I spoke. So, I said I would record my next engagement and send it off, but I couldn’t get anyone to hire me. So, I had to create an event, invest in a videographer, the event space, food, etc. I didn’t make any money during that particular event, but I was able to create the film, and use it to get hired for more speaking engagements.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am NOT a motivational speaker, I do not motivate people! I empower and give people strategies to win on a daily basis.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the work that I have put in. Nobody’s given me anything, but I’ve earned everything. But the most important work is the impact I’ve made on my students “my babies.” I’ve been to some of the worst schools in the country and I’ve been able to make a difference and that’s what I’m most proud of.
Something else I’m proud of is my book, “Winners’ Options.” I got held back in 2nd grade because I couldn’t read on the level that I was supposed to, and now I’m an author encouraging other kids to read and win.
I think what sets me apart is that I have a HEART for each and every person that I’m impacting. My approach to the remedy is unique and I’m honest about my pitfalls and the lessons I have learned.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
Like: The Diversity – I like that there are different people here but also a strong African American community as well.
Dislike – The Traffic – If you know Atlanta traffic, then you get it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bpinspires.com
- Phone: 6789258352
- Email: info@bpinspires.com
- Instagram: bp_inspires
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