Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Bell.
Hi Robert, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am originally from West Point, Mississippi where my brother Byron and I own Bell Brothers Inc. an HVAC company. We have been successful entrepreneurs since 2014 in the heating and air conditioning industry. I have always had big dreams and I’ve done well in many different industries, but my degree was always illusive although I promised both parents before they died that I would get it. I started this journey at Jackson State University in 1994 but life circumstances and other setbacks caused me to delay education as a path and rely on my creativity to survive. But I always knew education was key in whatever field chosen. So I went back to school to complete my Bachelor’s at Belhaven University (2019) and ultimately landed at Howard University’s MBA program. The opportunities at HUMBA led me to being selected for the inaugural Marsh McLennan RISE (Racial Inclusion and Social Equity) Fellowship. This fellowship was a first-of-its-kind program that provided Black MBA candidates and graduates in the US, UK and Canada with an enriching curriculum of practical business knowledge and tools for advocating for social justice within a business environment. During the program, I was able to meet and network with professionals at the leading professional services firm in the world when it comes to risk, strategy and people. This opened doors that I had never thought of and peaked my interest in Marsh the world’s leading insurance brokerage and more specifically the Energy and Power sector of the business.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has definitely not been smooth! First of all, coming from the geographic location I come from there are not many opportunities and sometimes wrong choices on top of that will leave you in a bad position for life. I have struggled with setbacks many times and been in situations that have ruined lives. If I could give advice to your readers I would say the biggest challenges occur within ourselves. Outside factors are mostly out of our control, but the one thing we can control is how we prepare ourselves for opportunity. We control how we take the bumps in the road and make new routes. I tell the people close to me to always keep moving through the storm. When you are driving on the highway and it starts pouring down you will see a lot of vehicles pull over and wait. In most cases, if they were to just slow down even to a creep and continue on the highway they would come out of the storm. Comparing the storm to life I will tell you just keep going no matter what it looks like, no matter if you can’t see the outcome keep going and have faith.
Everything in my past has told me I would not be here right now, but I know different whatever it is you want just know it will happen in God’s timing and perfect plan.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an AVP at Marsh specializing in Energy and Power. In my role as an Associate Client Executive, I will be working with clients and my senior colleagues in growing satisfied client relationships, acquiring new clients and partnering with various resources to provide superior client solutions.
I’m most proud of making it to this point, but tomorrow I’ll be proud of the next accomplishment. I am convinced that perseverance coupled with a forever learning attitude will give me new things to be proud of each day.
The thing that sets me apart from most is that I have humility with the right amount of pride to balance. I cannot be easily discouraged and even when I am I keep a positive attitude…
What’s next?
My future plans are to learn and grow a successful career at Marsh. I’m looking forward to finishing my MBA at The Mecca (Howard University) this spring.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marsh.com
Image Credits
Full of Flava Photography
