William Wilson has made a life of challenging the odds and winning. From growing up in a small country farm town, seeing his mother victimized by domestic violence, to becoming a decorated Navy sailor. From sitting in the stands at a NASCAR race, to becoming the first African American to win a NASCAR championship. To having no fashion, retail or design experience to becoming an award winning, nationally renown celebrity clothing designer. William Wilson is the epitome of "anything can happen if you are willing to work.
As a boy, William was never expected to be much. In his town, you graduated high school and went to work on a farm, or at one of the local factories. But William saw more out of his life. He joined the Navy's Delayed Entry Program and six days after graduating high school, he left for boot camp.
After a stellar military career and receiving his degree, he moved to Charlotte, NC where he managed a few odd jobs while trying to find his place in the world. He ended up in the world of construction, where he eventually became an entrepreneur.
He went to a NASCAR race with some co-workers, and was impressed with the guys on the pit crews. HE decided at that point, that's what he wanted to do. His friends laughed and said "Look around you. What do you see?" He saw there were no other black people around that didn't have "EVENT STAFF" on their clothing. They told him it's hard enough to get involved in NASCAR if you know someone, let alone knowing no one and being black. He was undeterred, and the next year, he was on pit road. 2 years later, he was NASCAR's first African American champion. Wearing nice suits, as the owner of his construction company, led one of his homeowners to ask him to help him put together his wardrobe. His life was forever changed.
After helping him, he started being requested by his friends. Eventually he thought, "If I can provide what I'm telling them to buy; there may be a business in this. He trained at a local alterations shop, and soon started William Wilson Clothing. He is now a nationally respected celebrity clothing designer.
William began sharing his amazing, and unpredictable, story at the behest of a friend. He spoke to a group of Charlotte business leaders and was well received. He honed his craft and is now one of the most inspiring, entertaining and inspiring speakers in the country.
