What was your first step after you returned from the battlefield?
Richard Bennett: Once I got back from Iraq I was still recuperating. … The biggest adjustment I made was learning to live with the disabilities [I] acquired in Iraq. I wanted to land a worthy job despite those disabilities.
Why did you decide to mentor Richard Bennett and what advice did you give him when it came to business?
Craig Williams: After reading his article, I determined that I wanted to partner with someone of his character in the business sector. The article told his story and gave a very strong impression of him, so I reached out to him and we met. I ultimately determined that the business sector was something that we wanted to pursue. As far as advice, I have told him to put the client first. The client needs to be satisfied and have a good experience in terms of doing business with him.
You guys visited the White House and met President Obama. What was that overall experience like?
CW: It was an amazing experience just to be invited to the White House with Barack Obama as the first African American president. To be in the presence of the president and vice president for the anniversary of the Recovery Act was inspiring and informative. So it was a tremendous honor to be invited and to also see how the White House operates and to be a witness to history, it was quite a special experience.
RB: Being invited to the White House was a great experience. As President Obama gave the speech on the Recovery Act’s anniversary, I loved every moment. The Recovery Act could mean a lot for this company as whole. It’s key to getting our economy back to where it was before the recession. It could provide opportunities to people who need employment.
Pictured above: Craig T. Williams (left) and Richard Bennett
