Today we’d like to introduce you to Archie Nettles.
Archie is a Beaumont, TX native that joined the United States Army at the age of 18 and served in Active Duty and Reserve. While in the Army, he obtained the rank of Sergeant and served in the Operation Enduring Freedom Military Campaign stationed in Afghanistan. The life-changing experience taught him the importance of discipline, commitment, and attention to detail; skills crucial for pursuing and attending college. After his career in the Army, he slowly transitioned to civilian life and moved to Dallas, TX where he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Dallas.
He believes it is his obligation to serve the community in which he lives. He has been an active member of the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League of Young Professionals since 2007. During his involvement, he has served on the Executive Board for three years as the Economic Empowerment Committee chair and the co-chair for the 2014 and 2015 annual STEM youth conference. He also serves on the South Dallas Fair Park Advisory board and was recently accepted into the 2017-2018 Leadership North Texas program.
His passion for education inspired him to become a speaker and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of A.D. Nettles LLC., a firm dedicated to empowering and educating others through interactive workshops and speeches. He works with families, students, churches, and nonprofit organizations to ensure that the communities have access to resources and information about colleges and veteran services. He has been invited to speak at numerous events around Texas conducting workshops on college readiness, leadership development, professional development, financial literacy and male etiquette. He has spoken to over 70 organizations and served as a keynote speaker on multiple occasions. He has impacted the lives of youth across the state and nation. His personal mission is to educate, equip and empower others to attain all their goals.
Archie was named to the 2015 Dallas Business Journal 40 under 40 list. This list highlights young professionals making an impact professionally and personally in the North Texas community. He has also received several community awards for his commitment to community service in the DFW area. In May 2015 Black Enterprise launched the “BE Modern Man Initiative”, a movement honoring everyday men of color. Mr. Nettles was selected and featured in the inaugural launch of 100 diverse men doing exceptional work within their respective communities and industries.
He currently works is pursuing his Masters in Public Administration at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road. I was removed from school due to military obligations multiple times, it was one of my biggest challenges. By the time I returned to school it had been nearly 12 years and I had to learn to adapt to the new college environment as a nontraditional student. I eventually graduated with my B.S Degree in Public Administration in 2011. I am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
The challenges I faced as a budding speaker was starting out with no credit-ability as a speaker, but I leverage previous unpaid speaking opportunities and created a speaker’s resume, business cards and website. I then begin reaching out to my network of friends and family seeking referrals. In my first year, I was invited to Forest City, Arkansas to speak at a Gala for a small non-profit.
Please tell us about Archie Nettles, Empowerment Speaker.
Mr. Nettles’ passion for education inspired him to become a speaker and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of A.D. Nettles LLC., a firm dedicated to empowering and educating others through interactive workshops and speeches. He works with families, students, churches, and nonprofit organizations to ensure that the communities have access to resources and information about colleges and veteran services.
He has been invited to speak at numerous events around Texas conducting workshops on college readiness, leadership development, professional development, financial literacy and male etiquette. He has spoken to over 70 organizations and served as a keynote speaker on multiple occasions. He has impacted the lives of youth across the state and nation.
What sets him apart from other his ability to connect with you through his interactive workshops and speeches. He meets the students where they are. His personal mission is to educate, equip and empower others to attain all of their goals.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over all again, I would have sought out a mentor and sponsor. Having someone who has experience as a business owner and motivational could have allowed me to avoid some of the pitfalls I have encountered along the way. Having sponsor, someone who serves as an advocate is helpful as well. They can speak for you when you are not in the room.
The biggest lesson I have learned on my journey is it will never be a perfect time to start, you just have to step out on faith and start. Eventually, things will fall into place.
Contact Info:
- Website: ArchieNettles.com
- Phone: 972 646-0253
- Email: adnettlesllc@gmail.com
- Instagram: ArchieNettles
- Facebook: archienettles
- Twitter: archienettles
