Black History Profile: Calvin Mills | Business

Football jock and computer nerd. The two usually don't go together.

But for 35-year-old Calvin Mills it's a perfect combination.

The former Southern University fullback is now head of his own computer consulting firm.

"I was always the football player in the background writing programs or always on the computer talking about technology" Mills says.  "My wife calls me a nerd too."

A very successful nerd at that. He proudly showed off his many awards. He's been recognized by the Small Business Association, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and featured in local and national magazines.

"Everyday, I look at them its humbling," Mills says.  "When I have down days or question myself, I say 'apparently I've done something right' and it allows me to keep moving forward." 
 

The New Orleans native sold and serviced computers at Best Buy before stepping out on his own. We met up with him recently at the Legislative Black Caucus offices at the State Capitol.

"I quit my job and stepped out on faith in 2005 and here I am now."

The Black Caucus is one of Mill's many clients. He grossed more than $300,00 last year. While he's a one-man company now, he does plan to expand.

Meanwhile Black Caucus Chairwoman and State Rep. Pat Smith of Baton Rouge and Mill's protege Joshua Hollins says he's inspiring.

"It's always 'are you on your school work? What about your goals?'. Calvin is always making sure I'm on point," Hollins says.  "Fix your tie."

"We're always looking for minority business owners," Rep. Smith says.  "His stature, personality and knowledge he brings is all in one package."

Not bad for a football jock turned computer nerd.