From The Bottom of The Boat To The Boardroom

The 1950s and 1960s were tough years for a poor African American kid growing up in Norfolk, Virginia’s impoverished neighborhoods. In the United States, the Civil Rights movement was in full swing, while Vietnam was raging far away. It was a hard life, but with hard work, dedication, and devotion, you could overcome any obstacle you faced.

During his early years, James “Tank” Williams learned that determination, grit, and a strong work ethic are necessary for survival. A strong desire to honor the sacrifices his ancestors made from the shores of Africa to the fields of the Southern states would give him the skills and drive to get ahead. Generations of struggle and pain forged a passion for success. His passion drove him from the cucumber fields of North Carolina to the United States Air Force, where he learned the mechanical skills needed to work on the best aircraft in the world.

This book is the story of Tank’s journey from a difficult relationship with his father to a brighter future despite the economic struggles many black families faced during the 1960s. Taking his skills from the fast food industry to the Space Shuttle program, he climbed the ladder of success. His career path started as a mechanic and ended up in the Boardrooms of some of the industry’s most influential companies.

This is a true story about one man’s quest to learn from centuries of slavery and sacrifice in order to succeed and help others. It is a must read success story of pain, struggle, hard work, and triumph for anyone looking for a way to overcome obstacles in their path.