TNO Member of the Month
Nominee Name: Brian T. Travis
Age: 37
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Hometown: Lincoln Heights, OH
School / College of Attendance: University of Florida / Xavier University
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Activities & Committees of involvement: Golf, Golf Tournaments, Flag Football, Basketball, Best Buddies of Orlando, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Orlando, African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and David Maus Foundation
What is your company and what do you do?
I founded Milan Companies LLC which consists of 3 entities:
- Milan Construction LLC – Demolition, site development & excavating for new home developments. A majority of the work has been with Pulte Homes assisting with the development and building of over 400 new homes and condos. Some of our work includes Metro West’s Stone Bridge Commons, Stone Bridge Lakes, Stone Bridge Reserves and Stone Bridge Place. Additional locations include, Universals Blvd’s Isle of Cay Commons and Vista Kay as well as Windermere’s Berkshire Park and Bella Trae. The company is MBE/DBE certified through Orange County, City of Orlando, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Express Way Authority, Florida DOT and the State of Florida.
- Milan Valet and Parking Management – Top notch VIP valet parking service and parking management for clients. We service private events, hospitals, entertainment complexes and retail centers. We are the trail blazing company that brought the first valet parking system to the outlet malls of Orlando. Often imitated but never duplicated!!!
- Splash Express – Car Wash and Detail Center (7958 East Colonial Dr)
What makes you different from others (from a business and personal
perspective)?
I’m not sure of what makes me different from others or my competitors. However, anyone that knows me will tell you that I take full pride in the name “Milan”.
I will get dirty on my construction sites. I won’t hesitate to meet and greet customers at the valet stands or even park a car and I’m one of the best detailers at my car wash. I feel that when a person sees that an owner will go the extra mile for their clients by being hands-on….it brings a higher level of respect. Not to mention the respect you will receive from your employees.
What keeps you going? What drives you / inspires you?
I think the thoughts of my childhood drive me the most. Being without a father and watching my mother work hard to make ends meet. Not having heat in the winter and wondering if the car was going to start. Finally, being told that the only way out of poverty was thru sports or to sell drugs.What inspires me are my three daughters and the title “Daddy”. I want them to have and experience all the things that I couldn’t at their age.
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Some people believe one must have a lot of investors, capital, and resources to start and maintain a successful business. What would you recommend entrepreneurs start off with?
I would recommend that an entrepreneur start with a PLAN and stick to it!!! Being an entrepreneur is the hardest thing to do in life yet the most fulfilling. Stick to the plan and if it doesn’t work don’t be afraid to recreate yourself. First is the plan but then you must have the GUTS, fortitude and resilience to EXECUTE. NEVER BE AFRAID TO FAIL!!!!!
In the end, nothing is a failure…..they are just experiences that are needed to learn. Finally, don’t let pride kill your plan. Don’t be afraid to ask for HELP.
You know you’re successful when…
You know you’re successful when you can look in the mirror and be proud of yourself for accomplishing the goals that you set.
What’s the best business decision you’ve ever made?
Every day in this world of business I learn something new. The best business decision I have ever made was… Trying! I’ve learned that we can’t sit around and wait for things to fall in our lap. You have to go out there and get what it is you want and/or need. Try and try again.
What’s the hardest lesson you’ve ever had to learn?
The hardest lesson was losing out on an opportunity to a competitor because I told him too much. Initially I thought we were going to have a joint venture but all along he was prying me for information to go after the venture on his own. Be careful with whom you are speaking with and what you are speaking about. Never let people know too much. Strategies can be shared but never let anyone know how you execute.
Name a person (or two) who’s a model of success and why?
A good friend of mine is Chucky Atkins. Chucky wasn’t drafted into the NBA after college and was told by many that he didn’t have what it takes to be in the NBA. After a few years of playing basketball overseas and an 11yr NBA career, he’s returned to his roots and is now the head basketball coach of his former high school. Here’s an example of a man who has gone through the trials and tribulations of becoming successful. He’s accomplished his goals and now he’s giving back to the community.
When did you have the idea to start your company and what made you move on it?
After being released in 2002 from a NFL team, I realized that I needed something to fall back on. I studied business in college so what better way to use my education than to start my own company?
What is your life’s motto?
You don’t work, you don’t eat! You don’t grind, you don’t shine!
What are your future ambitions?
To have my own line of homes. To grow Milan Construction into a new home development company that will provide new homes for lower and middle class families.
What legacy would you like to leave behind?
The most important thing would have to be my relationship with my daughters. I once had a woman tell me that her dad was the greatest man walking the earth. I would hope one day when I am gone that my daughters will speak of me in the same fashion.
How do you feel you can impact change in the Orlando community?
Continue to participate in various charities that help our at risk youth become
model citizens and ideal mothers and fathers.
If others would like to contact you, what is the best way to do so?
Brian T. Travis
President
Milan Companies LLC
Certified MBE/DBE
Email: Milanconst@cfl.rr.com
Phone: 407-446-1800
Fax: 407-905-2557
The Network is very proud to acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions to our community. It is with great pleasure that we offer this feature and we would like to ask that you nominate anyone that you know that is contributing to the positive change in our community, professionally and personally.
To submit someone for Member of the Month please email their name and contact information to thenetworkorlando@gmail.com and we will contact them for further information.
