Today we’d like to introduce you to Reginald Wilson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am originally from Abbeville, Louisiana. I moved to Houston, Texas, in the summer of 2005 on football and academic scholarships for Texas Southern University. While in under undergrad, I was in a member of the Frederick Douglass honors program, and I became a member of the prestigious Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. I received my bachelors of business administration in marketing.
In 2009, after graduating, I hit some really tough times due to the downturn of the market. Jobs were scarce and resources were limited. In a short amount of time, I was let go from my job, my car was repossessed, and I was evicted from my apartment. It was like yesterday, I looked up at the high rises downtown from under Highway 59 and wondered, “how do I get up there?” Over the next six months, I bounced around from family member to friend until my favors ran out. I blamed my problems on everyone else. In reality, I wasn’t holding myself accountable. The rough year doesn’t end here … by the beginning of 2010, I was well over 400 pound. You see, what I failed to realize was that I didn’t have football to help balance my diet anymore. 2010 was really a blur of depression and self-hatred, but it all came to a halt in December of 2010. I remember waking up in the middle of the night to a strong pressure in my chest. All I could think about was “this is it, this is how it’s going to end,” but God had bigger plans for me. In that moment, I dropped to my knees and had a full conversation with God.
In January of 2011, I decided to change my lifestyle. I began working out and eating healthy. A member of my fraternity took a risk and hired me as a sales agent for Allstate Insurance. Not only did he hire me with an above the market salary, but he gave – yes, that’s right, gave – me a car to get to and from work. It was a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am with no radio or a/c, but I treated it like brand new (sidebar, you really don’t appreciate the little things until you no longer have them).
Fast forward to the Spring of 2012. I saved up enough money to purchase a new(er) car, moved into a new apartment, became the number 4 licensed sales producer in the region for Allstate, and lost over 140 pounds. You could say things were going great, but there was still something missing. What could it be? Oh yeah, that’s right, the promise I made myself to attend law school. Being the first in my immediate family to graduate undergraduate school was a big deal, but it wasn’t enough for me. I needed more. the legal profession was a no brainer for me. It gave me the platform to allow my competitive nature to shine. So, why not? I studied for my LSAT, obtained a good score, got accepted into law school, and the rest is history…
In the Fall of 2012, I started law school at Thurgood Marshall School of Law. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say I had a VERY successful law school career by graduating Summa Cum Laude. This opened many doors and opportunities. Since then, I’ve been hired by Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP. We are the third largest law firm in the world with almost 4,000 attorneys. I currently serve on the Houston Hiring Committee, as the Chair of the Houston Associates Committee, and on the board of directors for the Texas Young Lawyers Association. I’m also a co-founder of Sweatt Equity Group, which is an organization that cultivates brotherhood and promotes support among male African American male lawyers in the Houston area. I’ve been recognized by the Who’s Who in Black Houston publication and the Houston Chapter of the NAACP for community service and involvement.
Full circle, I often find myself looking down at the same location under highway 59 asking myself, “how did I get here …”
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I work at the third largest law firm in the world. I specialize in Public Finance, as known as bond lawyers. We help governmental entities and non-profit organizations with preparing financial documents for construction and improvements of water systems, drainage systems, roads, streets, parks, hospitals, transportation, schools, and universities.
What were you like growing up?
I was a hyper kid with a short attention span. I wasn’t a trouble maker but I had a creative imagination “with the mouth to back it up.” Oh, and I’m the youngest of 7! I know what you’re thinking, but no, I’m not spoiled!
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