We had the good fortune of connecting with Akil Victor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Akil, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Independency initially, followed by legacy. I worked for a larger company in management. I covered a regional territory where I personally handled money, made the deposits and forwarded the balance sheets to headquarters. Seeing how much I made them on a monthly basis initially as opposed to what I was making while essentially running my end of the business had me thinking about what was fair and what I could do on my own. The legacy aspect, what I’ll create, who I’ll empower, and what I’ll pass on and leave behind ultimately became the most important thing as it began to work for me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Victor Media LLC is a combination of a wireless accessories brand (VT Media branded), copy writing and promotions. It started when, as an author, I was between books and looking for an additional income and way to occupy my time. I applied for a Territory Management position with Vision Wireless under the umbrella company Fifo USA. The job entailed the management, upkeep, and upselling of cell phone accessories at close to 700 account locations throughout California. My learning curve with that company lasted a week before I fully got the hang of it. As a naural hustler with the communication skills to match and a desire to learn the ins and outs of what I was selling, I excelled. About a year into my employment with them, they sold the territory to a competitor. It kinda left me in the balance, and while they offered me the territory at headquarters in Miami, I didn’t want to leave LA and had just released my second novel, The Legend Of Wantonda. While promoting my book, my phone kept ring with managers from our old locations encouraging me to go into business for myself. Being under a non-compete disclosure, I wasn’t even considering an attempt to go into business for myself, but then something woke me out of my sleep at 2am and had me researching Non-competes only to find out that California is one of six states that do not recognize or honor non-compete disclosures and the rest was the start of history.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, for breakfast, we’d definitely have to start in the ‘hood. The Serving Spoon on Centinela in Inglewood. A soul food morning is a good morning. Lunch would be a bit lighter, Rush Street in Culver City. They have this salmon wrap that’s fire. After lunch, since I’m a writer and avid reader, no LA trip would be complete without visiting The Last Book store in Downtown LA. That book tunnel is great for pictures. Also, a must when you visit the land is two thing; a) A browse along the Venice Beach broadwalk to see all of the entertainment craziness and visit the shops, and b) The Santa Monica pier right before sunset to try our hand at the games and have an overall fun time. The night would be capped off with Caribbean-Latin infusion food at Cha Cha Chicken in Santa Monica.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d have to say Marco Ruiz, former VP of Operations for Fifo USA. Without the opportunity he gave me, his faith and belief in my potential, then I wouldn’t have a business in the wireless accessories field that I currently shine in. From the seed he planted grew the roots for what I know is definitely aiding in the solidification to my legacy along with my books.

Website: Vtmedia.net

Instagram: Mr_victor2u

Other: Amazon link to my books is: amazon.com/author/akilvictor

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