Daily Inspiration: Meet Brian Ford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Ford.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been an educator for over 20 years. I’ve also served part-time in four branches of the military simultaneously: Marine Corps Reserves, Naval Reserves, Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. I’ve taught an array of subjects at every grade level from elementary to college.

Throughout my year’s teaching, I’ve noticed a common thread. Financial literacy was not taught and the only options presented to the students were college and employment. Of course, college was for the sole purpose of getting a higher-paying job. There was no mention of entrepreneurship.

My wife, Dr. Renay Ford, (Doctor of Education Innovation and Leadership) who is a college professor who teaches Global Studies online for Delaware State University, agreed that there was a lack of information in these areas provided to under-served youth in disenfranchised communities. We decided to use our media production company, Fordtified Media Ltd. (a faith-based, veteran-owned and family-run company) to produce the content for our new endeavor.

So, during my last deployment to Qatar, I took the time to plan a way to teach financial literacy and promote young entrepreneurs. After returning home in October, I immediately converted my social media accounts (Instagram & TikTok) to a platform that promotes young entrepreneurs and financial education called SgtFordcademy!

We launched on January 2, 2022 and since then have been able to interview dozens of young business owners from around the world.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The most challenging part is obtaining a more organic reach of viewers. We were hoping that because of the need for this information, once the word got out, it would instantly go viral. That has not been the case. However, we believe in what we are doing and we see the gradual impact that it is making. The young people we interview each week (Mondays at 6 pm MST) give us the drive to keep moving regardless of “likes” and “follows.”

Our daughter, Jakin who is a YouTuber (It’sJakin Records) and Shopifiy (itsjakinInternational.myshopify.com) online store owner, is my co-host for the interviews. At 15, she keeps me up to date with what’s trending and also provides a youthful look for our target market of 12 to 21 years old. Our son, Ezekiel is a college student, Air National Guardsmen & TikToker who produces inspirational content for Gen Zers! Their insight helps me to overcome obstacles of reaching their peers.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently a high school teacher at Atlas Preparatory High School in Colorado Spring teaching a career prep class infused with financial literacy. I created my own curriculum when I was working on my Master’s Degree in School Leadership back in 2011. The course exposes students to four options once they graduate: Employment, Self-employment, Higher education opportunities (college, trade school, apprenticeship programs, etc.) and military branch options.

What makes me stand out is that I have lived what I am teaching. While working on my BA in Print Journalism in 1994, I was a full-time student at Delaware State University in Dover, DE. I was also a Marine Corps Reservist, Editor-In-Chief of the Hornet Newspaper and had a side hustle as a photographer all at the same time.

I’m also a Technical Sergeant and Unit Training Manager with the 140th Wing Force Support Squadron at Buckley SFB, CO (Colorado Air National Guard) – one weekend a month

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is doing what you were sent to this earth to do. I like to call it my God-given purpose and assignment.

Pricing:

• We are looking for sponsors of our Instagram live shows
• $150 for a name drop during the show
• $300 for a submitted 30 sec- 1 min video from our sponsor about their business + name drop
• $500 for a Fordtified Media Ltd. produced video (only for Colorado residents ) + travel expenses $100

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sgtfordcademy @fordtifiedmedia
• Youtube: Fordtified Media Ltd
• Other: TikTok @sgtfordcademy

Image Credits
For family photo left to right: Ezekiel J. Ford, Dr. Renay Ford, (Doctor of Education Innovation and Leadership) Jakin E. Ford (It’sJakin) & Sgt. Brian K. Ford, M.Ed. (Master’s Degree in School Leadership) Picture of shelves with guest’s merchandise on our set in Fordtified Media Ltd studios Picture of Sgt Ford and It’sJakin hosts of SgtFordcademy LIVE! Promotional image of guests for June Screenshot our Instagram page Picture of Major Fundz who promotes Financial Education