Blog 178: A Powerful Breakfast

 

Written by Joseph Burton and Dave Washington

Edited by Vernon M. Herron

Photography by Leila Herron Waters

     For some, breakfast is an optional meal. For others, a good breakfast is a way to start the day. Still for others, it is a natural way to spend quality time with their sons. But for Joseph Burton and Dave Washington, two successful African American entrepreneurs, having breakfast with Dr. Vernon Herron is always powerful and is always the preferred option!

     Dr. Herron captured the moment as follows: “I believe that it is rare for men to sit and have breakfast together. I have heard of women inviting each other over for breakfast, yet the uniqueness of this event is that we are men enjoying breakfast together.”

     Initially, we (Dave and Joe) may have had thoughts to challenge this statement. As entrepreneurs, we had our own respective invitations to break bread with others as we pursue our business ends. Additionally, we have had breakfast with other brothers in business for themselves as well as on more personal levels. And besides, this trio (Joseph, Dave, and Dr. Herron) has had a powerful breakfast together, at least three times during the last three or four years.

     However, as we continued to ponder Dr. Herron’s statement, I (Joseph) slowly realized the novelty of which he spoke. This intimate breakfast table was in the dining room of Dr. Herron’s stately home versus a local coffee house or national chain restaurant. Our delicious breakfast was prepared at the hands of Dr. Herron’s beloved daughter, Leila (thank you, Chef Leila). Lastly, the scheduling for our meal was administratively coordinated by Dr. Herron. To that end, our gathering was unique, indeed. Personally, the last time I intentionally had a group of brothers at my home for breakfast was nearly a decade ago.

     Having an early meal with this historian and family griot allowed us the opportunity to openly discuss a wide range of provoking thoughts and opinions including social, political, business issues, fashion, (Dave and Joseph happened to both be in black shirts and black pants), lawn care, family, travel, and relationships.

     We spent about two hours together and all of us remarked that the fellowship and food from this Monday morning breakfast was the fuel to make it through the week.

     The breakfast was powerful because each of the brothers brought a measure of success to the table. For over 19 years, Dave Washington has been President of the DW Designs Custom Clothier and Tuxedo Rentals. He has a degree in Business Management from Johnson C. Smith University and has a DW LEADERSHIP PROGRAM which mentors African American males through the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system with a 6 step curriculum. It focuses on critical thinking while developing/enhancing leadership skills.

     Dave is successful largely due to his marketing skills, presentation, his precise measurements, business experience, goals, proficiency and efficiency. Married for 18 years, Dave is the father of a 15 year old daughter who is part of the National Honor Society.

     Joseph "Joe" Burton is an independent Information Technology contractor. He was responsible for introducing Dr. Herron to the concept of “blogging” and has helped to support Herron Speaks from its inception. He was also introduced in Blog 39. Joe’s company Door2Door Computer Services provide service for business customers in the Charlotte Metro area. Joe is the proud father of 5 children with ages ranging from teenagers through young adults.