Omar Finley is a business owner, husband, and father of three. He is in the book business and the co-owner of The Listening Tree Bookstore Located in Decatur, Georgia. He is the creator of The Young Entrepreneurs Program including a full curriculum that walks children – ages 8-12 and 13-16 – as well as young adults through the basics of business ownership. He is also an electrical engineer with 13 years of experience in mechanical, industrial and electrical engineering and project management. Finley spoke with rolling out about his fatherhood experiences.
What legacy are you leaving for your children and the children of your community?
I am leaving a legacy of business ownership, self-knowledge and financial power for my children. My children already own intellectual property and know how to use it for profit.
From a father’s perspective, what two books would you recommend every child read?
From a father’s perspective, I would recommend that every child read the following books. A World of Our Own: The Beginning by Omar and Kimberly Finley and The Destruction of Black Civilization by Chancellor Williams.
Why should you read every day?
Daily reading gives children the ability to deal with conflict in a thoughtful and healthy way. It also helps to develop the patience required to complete complicated tasks that require a higher level of concentration. Reading daily helps with everything, especially the critical thinking that life requires.
How important is keeping your word?
As a man, keeping your word is the one most important thing that we can do. We have to be responsible even when others are not. So the first step to that kind of character is to be a man of your word.
When it comes to protecting yourself at all times, physically and mentally, what would you tell your children?
When it comes to protecting yourself physically and mentally I tell my children, “Be vigilant in doing so. Think before you act and protect yourself by any means necessary! Protect yourself, your family, your friends, your community and finally protect your assets.
