Name: Ebbeny Lewis
Family info: Divorced - Children – Timothy – 25, Anthony – 23, Michael – 15, David - 14
Pets: Toy Poodle, Cocoa
Name and description of your business:
TAMD Management LLC is my business that I started in 2017. My company provides construction services to include painting, masonry, carpentry and flooring. My business also provides Human Resource/Administrative services, as well as business consulting.
Before working on this, what was your career?
I am a retired US Army Major and I also retired from the US Department of Labor, of which I worked as an investigator.
Thank you for so many years of dedicated service! What did you do while in the military?
In the military I wore many hats. When I first joined, I was a truck driver, of which I received a driver’s badge which is an award for no accidents for over a period of miles.
Later, in my military career I worked as a Human Resource enlisted and officer position. My work in HR was very extensive because of the level of soldiers - that could range from 100 to over 4000 soldiers - of which I trained and/or mentored over my 22-year military career.
In my tenure in the military, I found myself deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
How did you get the idea to transition from the military and start your current work?
While working in Iraq, I found myself being involved in the infrastructure changes and I wore a dual hat as a contracting officer representative. This sparked my interest in having my own business in contracting and here I am doing contracts with the state of New York.
What did you have to do to start? What were some of your past jobs?
It took me three years of research; hiring a procurement business. I spent a lot of late nights reading online, registering for certifications, to include but not limited to: Veteran Owned Business, Minority Woman Owned Business; so, I could equip my capabilities statement to expound on what my business can do for the construction industry. Some of my past projects were with the MTA and Department of Corrections.
I didn’t turn any contracts down; so, when I received a call or an email seeking my services, I would move forward in doing the project so that I could get my business off the ground.
What have you learned throughout this journey?
I have learned that I should and will not overwork myself, I will be sure to put myself first before the business and that all money is not good money. My peace is more important, so in doing my construction services business it keeps me still connected to people, but I am not in a state of being overwhelmed, because I am my own boss, and that is a blessing.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love being in control of the amount of work I plan to do, setting my own schedule, and lastly but not least, being able to be a blessing to others in providing individual employment. To me, it’s another way of giving back to the community.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced? How did you overcome that challenge?
The biggest challenge I must face was my mother dying from breast cancer. My mother was my rock, and I was her only child. My mother was very intelligent, and she pushed me to be a better version of me. When I came home from Iraq to learn my mother had cancer it broke my heart. But I knew my mother would not want me to stop living and taking care of my family. So I accepted the fact that my mother was no longer in pain and that gave me peace.
What is something that has surprised you throughout your journey?
It takes a lot to surprise me, but I have to say being a mother of four wonderful young men. It was something I never anticipated, but being their mother has been the best surprise in the world, I wouldn’t change a thing. ☺
What is your best tip for moms?
As mothers it is a full-time job and we are not always going to get it right; but that is ok because, even as mothers, we are allowed to make mistakes. It’s important that we take care of our individual selves then others, because for us to be capable and available for
others, we must be right within ourselves. One day at a time, mentoring to the youth, and educating others is a self-gratification, but most of all being able to assist, guide, or inspire the community whether through mentorship, sport activities, reading groups, teen clubs, and just being a listening ear gives you a fulfillment of hope that you are playing a role in making a world a better place once baby step at a time.
Moms should know that we are human and we are going to make mistakes; but even in our uncertainty of things we still should strive to better ourselves spiritually, physically, and mentally so we can be a strong pinnacle in our families, careers and community.
Do you have advice regarding reinventing yourself?
Expand your horizons, don’t limit yourself, nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. Even if you have limitations, you are still limitless.
What are some alternative careers you would have liked to have?
There was a time in my life when I wanted to become a lawyer. I also tried becoming a Registered Nurse, went to school 3 times a week while being an active-duty US Army Soldier, being a wife and a mother of four boys.
What is your life philosophy?
First and foremost, communication is the key to success. Effective communication is a very important factor in any job, career, basically any aspect of life. Educating yourself will give you knowledge and knowledge is power but use that wisdom to educate and help build a like-minded community. Proverbs 1:7, KJV states: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Other fun details about you?
I enjoy a great movie or series on Netflix, Amazon Prime. I love to travel. I have been to over 20 states; and other countries; my favorite so far is when I live in Germany.