TRA WILLIAMS

PRESIDENT & CEO, FLEETFORCE TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL, SARASOTA

FleetForce is Florida’s largest Commercial Driver License (CDL) training provider with 10 training locations and three more on the way. The company plays a critical role in workforce development across the state and the nation. FleetForce supports local economies by upskilling the existing workforce and connecting men and women with high-demand, meaningful and well-compensated careers. Williams has helped to reshape Florida’s workforce development infrastructure by pioneering large-scale, public-private partnerships to expand and accelerate CDL training access. “I’ve always said, ‘a rising tide raises all boats.’ I believe my leadership has proven that mantra true and provided a pathway for thousands of Floridians to rise out of poverty and into the middle class,” he says.

EDUCATION: University of Georgia (BS)

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: If I were not in business, I would be a treasure hunter! Too often we forget the lessons learned by our ancestors. Finding lost and tangible evidence of their struggles is the perfect way to remind ourselves that we are only here because our forefathers overcame great adversity.

MENTEE IMPACT: To foster entrepreneurship, I regularly speak and write on the decline of American entrepreneurship. Through frequent keynote speeches and my recent book Boss Brain, I have strived to help thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs leave their 9-to-5 jobs and realize the American dream of self-employment.