November 20th, 2007
Da Man in the Franchise World, La-Van Hawkins
There is a saying in the streets, “player player, play on!” Usually this saying refers to a brother and his fondness for many women friends. I am using this in reference to La-Van Hawkins and his incredible affinity for franchise success. I love his story because it is an example of a ordinary person doing extraordinary things. This brother has done it all.
Hawkins grew up in the notorious Cabrini Green public housing complex. A big and well dressed brother, his height and weight often accompany his biographies. He is listed anywhere from 6ft2in, 270lbs to 285lbs. I am 6ft2in, 260lbs. I can relate to a big brother, but judging by photos I wonder if Mr. Hawkins has tipped 300.
Nerveless he has a great image for his fast food career. He found success by becoming a top player in the checkers hamburger franchise system and agreed to a deal with fast food giant, Burger King. The vision was to drive Burger King more into poor minority areas. Mr. Hawkins reported his corporations’ sales as 290 million in 2003. That is a lot of cheeseburgers
The former gang banger and coke head,. is showing up on billboards around his hometown of Chicago. He is expanding the Nancy Pizza and Al’s beef casual dining into the predominantly minority Chicago area neighborhoods. Local business leaders in the franchise world are amazed at the underused of these markets. The big man has the potential to bring a lot of good to the hood. There could be jobs and collateral opportunity if the plans of 60 to 75 stores open.
There is a potential pitfall for this plan. The player is about to become a federal prisoner. Mr. Hawkins was convicted in a federal court in Philadelphia for municipal corruption. He is to serve 33 months. Talk about overcoming long odds, how about making elaborate business plans while on your way to prison. Player player, play on!
I hope Mr. Hawkins plans succeed. He is a role model and can do a lot of good for the hood. Along the way he forgot one of the first lessons, black mothers teach their sons, you cannot get away with the things white boys do. How about your city, municipal corruption a crime, not in Chicago!
November 20th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Although his life is currently in a bad chapter, his story should be told to everyone. He proved that you can run a profitable business in “the hood”. As a people we are going to have to start opening business in our neighborhoods for them to grow. Here in Houston and I am sure many other parts of America, Asians have moved into rundown areas, opened businesses and rebuilt the community for themselves. We as a people must do the same for our communities.
November 21st, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Lionel, you are right on the mark with your comment. Running a business is hard but not having employment options is harder. No one should understand the needs of the hood better than us!Thanks for your comment
November 26th, 2007 at 3:06 am
[...] without displacing the families that call it home. I found the answer on one of my favorite blogs: blackinbusiness last week. He wrote about La-Van Hawkins, who grew up in Chicago’s Cabrini Green Projects. He [...]
November 26th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Tomboutus, thanks for dropping by, your post is compelling and I am glad this post stimulated you to more open dialog
December 20th, 2007 at 2:10 am
La Van knows restaurants, he made a mistake, but he’ll overcome it.
January 16th, 2008 at 1:59 am
This brother is a scam. He starts businesses in the hood and then runs off with the money.Leaving employees unpaid and a mess for someone else to clean up.Anyone who trust this brother is a fool.Al’s beef and Nancy’s pizza is now closed and it will cost someone a lot of money.
March 4th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
First of all, if you have access to Mr. Hawkins, I’d appreciate you give him my name and e-mail to contact me. He might want to contact me for old time sakes. He never mentions it in any of his articles or news clippings, but in private would admit (off the record) who was actually resonsible for his ultimate success…who the person was who really gave him the opportunity to show his talents. I gave him everything he needed to get started and ended up the odd man out. I was the largest Checker’s Restaurant Franchisee in 1992 and 1993…
Ask him to contact me if you could. With his permission, I’d be glad to tell you my angle of the story and his success.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I hope Mr. Hawkins plans succeed. He is a role model and can do a lot of good for the hood. Along the way he forgot one of the first lessons, black mothers teach their sons, you cannot get away with the things white boys do.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Are you kidding me? He is in jail where he should be. I worked for him and like the hundreds of employees that he didnt pay and didnt pay payrol taxes on, we pay the price. LaVan is where he should be.