The Financial Literacy College Tour kicked off at Winston-Salem State in K. R. Williams auditorium Jan. 23, featuring keynote speaker Ephren Taylor II.
Taylor is the youngest African-American CEO of any publicly traded company ever, City Capital Corporation. The 25-year-old multimillionaire began his first business venture at the age of 12, when he began making video games. At the age of 17, he built a multi-million dollar technology company, GoFerretGo.com.
In his corporation, Taylor serves a diverse client list including Wall Street investors, top executives, professional athletes, and entertainers. Popular radio show host Tom Joyner called Taylor “walking black history.”
Taylor spoke to the crowd about financial literacy and building wealth. When asked how students can balance time, school, and developing plans to become successful in the future, Taylor advised, “there is no such thing as balance.” Remaining focused on accomplishing your goals by sacrificing time, energy, and money were key strategies he mentioned.
Taylor considers college the perfect time to start a business. The free resources, and the availability of professors and peers is unlimited on a college campus.
In addition to being wealthy, Taylor is a big supporter and promoter of economic empowerment, affordable housing, and entrepreneurship in urban communities. “You are not successful until you are able to help others become successful,” he said.
Senior Sylvia Bikusa sees Taylor as a role model. “I believe he is a role model for young people. Being his age, he is an inspiration. He gave great tips about setting priorities and investing. The key is ownership.”
In addition to being accomplished in the financial and technological industries, he is an inspirational speaker, real estate guru, and author. His first book, “Creating Success From The Inside Out,” was recently released.
The goal of the literacy tour, sponsored by Mechanics and Farmers Bank, is to inform and educate students on making and achieving financial success.
The tour included the keynote address by Ephren Taylor and various workshops, panel discussions, and presentations throughout the day. Presenters included Christopher “Play” Martin, various members of Mechanics and Farmers Bank, and financial management companies.