The Jackson file
Gregory Jackson
founder, president and CEO
Jackson Automotive Management
Born: Detroit
Education: Bachelor of science degree, accounting, Morris Brown College; MBA, Clark Atlanta University Graduate School of Business
First job: When I was a kid, I used to work in the local stores in my neighborhood taking out garbage. I was the kid out there hauling two-by-fours when the men in the neighborhood were building something. Later on, I had a paper route.
What is the best business lesson you’ve learned?
Cash is king. Without it, you can’t run your business. A lot of businesses are around now because they had cash, and they’re now poised to be major players because the industry has shrunk.
What traits or skills are essential for a business leader?
You need to have a strong understanding of finance. You need to have good people skills and the ability to make hard decisions with the knowledge that people are going to get hurt. You have to understand how your decisions will impact people’s lives, and then work to minimize the hurt.
What is your definition of success?
Success for me is having good, strong children who have grown up to be productive citizens. It starts with family. On the professional side, it is to create jobs and opportunities for people, participate in the world economy and make a difference there.
