We had the good fortune of connecting with Travis Andre Ross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Travis Andre, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In regards to starting my own business, my thought process was pretty simple. “Why am I working for someone else when I can run their business better than they can?”

But here’s more context that I’m going to be very open about. My dad left our family when I was 8 years old. We lived in a trailer park on a truck stop in the middle of nowhere… My mom worked 12 – 14 hours a day at a Dennys to keep the lights on in our mobile home. I had to become the man of the house at an early age. I eventually started using and selling low level drugs. By the age of 15 I was buying 4 pounds of weed and distributing to local peddlers. I had my main guys that I would sell larger amounts to and they would sell to the individual people. My whole thing was keep overhead costs as low as possible. I weighed everything down to the mg and bag it as ordered. I would write down all the logistics of my transactions so I knew exactly what was going out and how much was coming in… I was running a business.

Eventually I realized my potential and quit using and selling drugs. Then I started to “try” in school. I took math and economics classes in junior college. A lot of it was stuff I had already taught myself by selling weed.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is called “Superstar Produce”. I sell sweet potatoes and yams in bulk to wholesalers, distributors, grocery stores, brokers, and foodservice.

What sets me apart from the others in my field is mainly my customer service and level of quality. I strive to maintain strong relationships with my buyers and consistent quality of product that they can expect on a regular basis.

As far as film is concerned my company is called Gray Matter Films. We have recently completed a SAG feature film that is currently starting the festival run. We have already been accepted to 4 festivals from the beginning of January to today!

The film is based on my upbringing in the trailer park. Doing what I had to do to get by.

I’m most proud of what I have been able to accomplish over the past 19 years. I started the business in January of 2004. Years of work hard work and care has brought it to the multi-million dollar company that it is today.

I got here by hard work, really. It was really difficult. Being a business owner is not for everyone. 100% of it is on me. If I don’t preform, I lose. If I don’t do a good job, I lose. It was definitely scary at times, not knowing what the future had in-store. But at the end of the day, if a person really wants to, if they are determined, they will find a way.

Constant problem solving and not willing to give up are what got me to this point.

The biggest lessons that I have learned, and what I would want everyone to know is that: Nothing is guaranteed… Whether you are working at a company or you have your own business. So why not bet on yourself?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First we would go to the beach, which is my favorite place in LA. We’d play some flag football on the beach in santa monica. Maybe some volleyball or spikeball. That is always a good time with great people.
Then we’d probably get some bbq from Bludso’s bbq on LaBrea. Best bbq in LA hands down.
We do an la “Hike” at some point because that’s just a spectacle in itself. Probably Runyon.
After the hike you need a good burger so we’d go to Plan Check for sure! Chefs Favorite burger.
And I know it sounds lame, but doing a “tour of the stars” is actually quite fun. I don’t know if the celebs actually live at the houses they show, but the houses are amazing. That’s for sure. And its usually an evening tour and you get some history about LA as well.
For breakfast we’d probably hit Blueys. Really nice spot near SM.
Aside form that depending on the persons interest I would likely take them to one of the amazing historical theatres that are still around today.
Maybe take them to a showing of “The Room” lol. Only in LA

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The companies that stuck with me when I switched from working at a sweet potato company to starting my own… Integrated Trade Services, JC Cheyne, Nagatoshi, Peddlers Son.

On the Film side of things I have to shoutout Todd Myers. He has helped me learn the film industry and mentored me extensively.

    

Website: www.TravisAndreRoss.com/business

Instagram: @TravisAndreRoss

Twitter: @TravisAndreRoss

Facebook: @TravisRoss1

Youtube: youtube.com/TravisAndreRoss

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